FAQ about Medication Abortion

Medication abortion is now one of the most common ways people choose to end an early pregnancy. It is a good choice for many reasons. It’s safe, works very well, and can be done at home with help from a medical team. About 63% of all abortions in the U.S. now happen this way.

Still, many people have questions. That is normal. When a topic is surrounded by shame and false information, it’s natural to want clear, real answers.

This Abortion FAQ explains what medication abortion is, how it works, and what to expect. We use simple words, stick to medical facts, and do not judge.

If you are looking into your choices or just want to learn more about the process, you are in the right place.

1. What is medication abortion, and how does it work?

Medication abortion is a safe, FDA-approved process. It uses two medications to end an early pregnancy. It is more correct to call it a treatment than a single “pill.” This is because it happens in two steps, and each drug does something different.

The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the progesterone your body needs to keep the pregnancy going. This stops the pregnancy from growing.

The second drug, misoprostol, is usually taken 24–48 hours later. Misoprostol causes cramping and bleeding. This is how the pregnancy leaves the body—much like a miscarriage.

Most people finish the process safely at home. They order abortion pills online and get help 24/7 from their carafem care team. This includes 24/7 text support from our virtual care assistant—Cara. It is private, works very well, and has been used by millions of people for more than twenty years.

2. When do I take the second abortion pill? Can I sleep after taking misoprostol?

You can take the second abortion pill anytime within 72 hours of taking the first pill. Many people take it at night for more privacy. With good pain medicine, some people even sleep through the effects, but pain levels are different for everyone. One good thing about the abortion pill is that YOU get to choose when and where the abortion happens.

3. How much does the abortion pill cost?

The abortion pill cost will change based on where you live and the provider you choose. At carafem, a video visit for abortion care costs $0-$249. Immediate online checks cost $0-$399, depending on if you can get financial aid. An in-center abortion pill visit costs between $0-$475, based on which location you visit. If cost is a problem, carafem works with funding options that may help lower the cost through financial assistance.

4. When is it too late to take the abortion pill?

You can take the abortion pill up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. This is the time frame where medication abortion is safest and works best. If you are further along, you still have other options. A clinician can help you confirm your timing and walk you through the next steps so you can get the right care for you.

5. Is the abortion pill safe?

The abortion pill is very safe! Hundreds of thousands of people in the US have used it since the year 2000, and millions worldwide have used it for over 20 years. There is no proof that the abortion pill affects a person's ability to have a baby when they are ready. It does not affect getting pregnant or staying pregnant in the future.

6. What does the abortion pill feel like?

Everyone wants to know, “do abortions hurt?” We wish we could give you a simple answer, but the truth is that an abortion feels different for everyone. It's like how periods are different for everyone. It might be painful or just a little uncomfortable. People have different reactions. Thousands of people have had safe abortions this way over the last 20 years. Your carafem team will help you get ready for this experience. We give you an abortion comfort kit to use during your at-home abortion. It has helpful items to make your experience as easy as possible. You also get 24/7 support from Cara, our text-based virtual care assistant.

For most people, a medication abortion feels like an early miscarriage or a heavy period with small, flu-like signs. You may have cramps and aches in your stomach. You might have heavy bleeding with large blood clots, an upset stomach or throwing up, diarrhea, feeling dizzy, feeling tired, and a slight fever (99-100° F) or chills the day you take the misoprostol. If you do not start bleeding within a day after taking the second medicine, text Cara or call your doctor to find out what to do next. Some people feel better after taking a little more misoprostol. If you have very heavy bleeding or flu-like signs that get worse instead of better after a day, call your doctor or health center right away.

Don't worry, carafem will give you pain medicine and medicine to help with nausea as part of the free carafem comfort kit. This will help you manage the effects of the medication abortion.

7. How effective is the abortion pill?

The abortion pill works very well! About 98% of clients have a successful abortion when using the pill.

8. How do I get the abortion pill?

The best way is to visit an experienced abortion provider for the abortion pill. We offer immediate checks for the abortion pill online. If you live in the DC, Chicago, or Atlanta areas, you can make an appointment at one of our health centers. At carafem centers, abortion pill appointments take less than an hour and can usually be scheduled within a few days, sometimes even the same day or next.

If you live elsewhere, you may be able to find a provider near you.

Remember: whether or not you have an abortion, and how you choose to do it, is completely up to you. We are here to talk you through your options. Get started online or give us a call at (855) SAY-CARA.