What is medication abortion and how does it work?

Medication abortion (also called the abortion pill) is a safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy. It was approved by the FDA in 2000 to end pregnancies up to 10 weeks. Today, nearly 40% of abortions in the US are done with medications. The simple treatment involves taking two medicines over a couple days.

The first medicine you take is mifepristone, which blocks the pregnancy hormone (progesterone) and stops the pregnancy from growing. Then, 24-48 hours later you take a second medicine, called misoprostol. Misoprostol causes cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus.

You can expect bleeding like a heavy period. Taken together, these two pills work up to 98 out of 100 times to end an early pregnancy.

After you take mifepristone (the first medication), you must complete the abortion. If treatment with medication does not work the first time, you may have the option to repeat the medicines or you will need an in-clinic procedural abortion. Hey Jane will be with you every step of the way to make sure you get the support and care you need.

No sedation or general anesthesia needed.