Medication Abortion and Abortion Pills: Essential Facts
Medical abortion is when a pregnant person takes medication to end a pregnancy. It differs from a surgical abortion, in which tissue from the pregnancy is removed from the uterus during a surgical procedure. Another term for medical abortion is Plan C. For patients seeking an entirely private experience, we are pleased to offer safe and effective medication abortion by mail.
How Medication Abortion Works
Medication to terminate a pregnancy typically involves two drugs: mifepristone (Mifeprex, RU-486, “the abortion pill”) and misoprostol (Cytotec). Mifepristone stops progesterone, a hormone needed to sustain pregnancy. Misoprostol tells the uterus to contract to empty its contents. Cervical dilation (opening) also happens at this time, allowing for the tissue to be expelled from the uterus. The drugs are taken 24 to 48 hours apart.
Access and Eligibility
Whether you simply prefer the privacy of your home or you have issues with transportation getting to one of our 25 locations, the medication abortion by mail process may be the right choice for you. Access medication abortion in the comfort and privacy of your home. A medication abortion can be done up to 11 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period, according to Planned Parenthood, though some insurers will cover the cost only up to seven weeks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the use of abortion pills for up to 10 weeks.
Effectiveness and Success Rates
The abortion pill method is extremely effective with a success rate of nearly 95%. Only 2-3% of patients require any further follow-up or intervention following an incomplete or failed non-surgical abortion. According to Planned Parenthood, the effectiveness of a medical abortion varies depending on how far along the pregnancy is:
- 8 weeks pregnant or less: Effective in 94–98 out of 100 people.
- 8–9 weeks pregnant: Effective in 94–96 out of 100 people.
- 9–10 weeks pregnant: Effective in about 91–93 out of 100 people.
- 10–11 weeks pregnant: Effective in about 87 out of 100 people; with extra medication, it is effective in about 98 out of 100 people.
Safety and Clinical Considerations
Medication abortion by mail is extremely safe and effective. However, it is important that you understand the risks of forgoing an ultrasound since your clinician is determining the gestational age of the pregnancy by your last regular period. Because there is no ultrasound involved, taking a medication abortion by mail does have more risk than an abortion in the office setting. It is possible that the pregnancy is more advanced than you think or that the pregnancy is growing abnormally. It is also possible that the pregnancy is growing outside of your uterus. This rare (<2%) but dangerous risk, is called an ectopic pregnancy.