How Does the Abortion Pill Work? | Schaumburg & Elgin, IL

If you recently found out you’re unexpectedly pregnant, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. Take a deep breath. This is a big decision, and it’s so important to not rush but instead take the time you need to understand all your options.

At Life Choices Medical Clinic, we know it can be difficult to find reliable, unbiased information about abortion and your alternatives. That’s why we’re here—to provide you with the facts you need about how the abortion pill works, the risks involved, and how to protect your health beforehand.

How the Abortion Pill Works

The abortion pill, also known as a chemical abortion, involves two drugs taken in sequence:

Mifepristone: This first drug blocks progesterone, the hormone needed to sustain a pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy detaches from the uterine lining, stops developing, and ends.
Misoprostol: Taken 24-48 hours later, this drug causes the uterus to contract, expelling the pregnancy through the vagina.

After taking the abortion drugs, you will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. And while you may have heard that the pain is similar to a period, this isn’t common. Instead, many women have experienced severe pain and felt unprepared to handle it.

What Are the Risks?

Taking the abortion drugs come with risks, including:

Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the pregnancy remain in your uterus
Severe bleeding or infection
Emotional and psychological effects, including regret and grief.

Additionally, the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for pregnancies up to 10 weeks. And if you attempt to take these drugs and you’re further along, you’re more likely to experience a risk.

Protect Your Health First

Before making any pregnancy decision, it’s essential to confirm key medical details through an ultrasound, as these will determine if you’re eligible for the abortion drugs:

How far along you are
If the pregnancy is viable (detecting a heartbeat)
If the pregnancy is ectopic, which is a medical emergency

At Life Choices Medical Clinic, we offer confidential options consultations at no charge so you can have all the information you need to move forward. You are not alone. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions and provide the support you deserve.