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FAQs Before an Abortion
If you are looking at having an abortion or taking abortion pills, it’s normal to have questions, and a lot of them! Informed Choices is here to help you learn what to expect, the right questions to ask your medical team, and help you make an informed decision without judgment or agenda. We believe you deserve truth, clarity, and care.
If you’ve had an abortion in the past and it wasn’t a great experience, you may be considering another method or looking into your options. Take the time you need to get all your health and safety questions answered. Contact us for a free nurse consultation today.
What is the difference between the abortion pill and an in-clinic abortion procedure?
The abortion pill is two medications:
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Mifepristone blocks progesterone, the hormone your body needs to keep a pregnancy and the fetus progressing.
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Misoprostol causes cramping and contractions, followed by heavy bleeding to expel the fetus and empty the uterus.
This is an early pregnancy termination option. You may be alone or without in-person medical supervision, depending on the source of the abortion pills or your choice of provider. The abortion pill is still a medical procedure and should have medical oversight. An in-clinic abortion is a procedure done by a medical provider and can be performed in the first, second, or third trimester. It includes methods like:
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Suction (aspiration) – usually done in the first trimester
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Dilation and evacuation (D&E) – done later, under sedation or anesthesia
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Like the abortion pill, an abortion procedure has many side effects and risks. Contact us to learn more.
Key Differences
Abortion Pill | Abortion Procedure |
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schedule a free pregnancy test and ultrasound
How Safe is an abortion?
Any medical procedure or drug has inherent risks, including abortion clinic procedures and the abortion pill. The health and safety factors can depend on the cleanliness of the facility, the medical team, follow-up care, or the manufacturer from which the abortion pill is sourced.
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The Ethics and Public Policy Center's (EPPC) latest study revealed 1 in 10 patients experienced a serious complication after taking the abortion pill.
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The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) do not recommend ordering the abortion pill online due to a lack of safety measures.
Some women experience major health complications, while others have mild reactions. It’s also important to note that no abortion is completely safe, no matter the type or place. Before you take any next steps, it’s important to get answers to a few key questions:
What You Need to Know before an abortion
How far along are you?
The abortion pill is only a first-trimester option. After that, you’ll need to explore other options. Do not rely on a due date calculator to confirm your date of conception. Risks to your safety increase if the abortion pill is taken later in pregnancy.
Is the pregnancy in your uterus?
If a pregnancy is ectopic (developing outside the uterus), the abortion pill won’t work and can be life-threatening. An ultrasound is the only way to know for sure. We provide this at no cost to you.
What is your Rh factor?
If you’re Rh-negative, you may need additional medication after an abortion to prevent complications in future pregnancies.
Do you have any health conditions or allergies?
Specific medical issues, like bleeding disorders, adrenal problems, or known allergies to the medications used, can make the abortion pill dangerous or even life-threatening.
why this matters
Taking the abortion pill without confirming these details can increase your risk of serious complications, including:
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Incomplete abortion (where tissue remains in the uterus)
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Infection
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Severe bleeding
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Delayed treatment for ectopic pregnancy
What You Can Do Now
We offer: ​
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Medical-grade pregnancy testing
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No-cost ultrasounds to confirm how far along you are and where the pregnancy is located
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Confidential consultations to talk through any health concerns
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You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’ll walk you through every step judgment-free and at no cost to you.
What are the side effects of the abortion pill?
The abortion pill causes your body to expel the pregnancy. This process can be intense, physically and emotionally.
Common Side Effects
Most women will experience:
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Cramping and contractions, often intense and painful
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Heavy bleeding, heavier than a normal period (you may pass large clots or tissue)
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Nausea and/or vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Headaches or migraines
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Fever or chills
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Fatigue or dizziness
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Incomplete abortion
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Bleeding usually starts within a few hours of taking the second medication (misoprostol) and can last anywhere from a few days to 2-4 weeks.
What’s Not Normal?
While discomfort is expected, you should seek medical help if you:
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Soak through more than two pads per hour for two hours in a row
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Have a fever over 100.4°F that lasts more than 24 hours
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Pass foul-smelling discharge
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Feel lightheaded or faint
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Notice ongoing pain or symptoms that don’t improve
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These signs could mean infection or incomplete abortion. In such cases, a follow-up surgical procedure may be necessary.
Know Before You Take It
Side effects vary from person to person. Factors such as your stage of pregnancy, any existing health conditions, or even your hormone levels can impact your reaction. You don’t have to guess what’s normal. We’re here to help you understand what to expect and what to do if something doesn't feel right.
What if I’ve already taken the first pill and changed my mind?
While discomfort is expected, you should seek medical help if you:
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Soak through more than two pads per hour for two hours in a row
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Have a fever over 100.4°F that lasts more than 24 hours
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Pass foul-smelling discharge
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Feel lightheaded or faint
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Notice ongoing pain or symptoms that don’t improve
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These signs could mean infection or incomplete abortion. In such cases, a follow-up surgical procedure may be necessary.