Are There Serious Complications with the Abortion Pill?

If you’re experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, you may be sorting through your options and you probably have heard about “the Abortion Pill.” It is also referred to as the RU-486 Pill, Mifepristone, and Mifeprex. However, during this pandemic, some clinics have also started to call it the “safe at-home abortion.”

With Covid-19 virtually changing the way we live, it might seem logical to consider this new “stay-at-home” option, especially when some clinics might be telling you that it is a “safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy.”

What if you discovered that was not always the case? The Abortion Pill can actually be dangerous and put your own health at risk. In this blog, we will highlight the serious and potentially life-threatening complications that may come with this procedure.

What is the Abortion Pill?

The Abortion Pill is actually a two-pill procedure. The objective of the first pill (Mifepristone) is to cut off the flow of progesterone to the pregnancy, while the second one (Misoprostol) is meant to induce labor. Some clinics may tell you that this is a very safe procedure. What they often neglect to explain are the serious risks and possible complications associated with these medications.

Serious or life-threatening Complications:

1. An incomplete or failed abortion where the fetus remains viable in the uterus (pregnancy was possibly too far along)
2. Some of the pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus, which leads to infection
3. Fever of 100.4 or higher and/or strong smelling vaginal discharge which could indicate infection
4. Allergic reaction to one or both medications
5. Severe abdominal, pelvic or back pain not relieved by pain medication
6. No bleeding, cramping, or contractions within 24 hours of taking medication
7. Passing blood clots that are larger than the size of a lemon for more than two hours or bleeding through two pads per hour

Most of these symptoms can be signs of a serious medical emergency. Please contact your doctor or health center immediately if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms.

Because of the possibility of serious complications, you should not be alone during this procedure. Have a plan in place in case you need to seek emergency medical care.

Schedule a Free Appointment

Contact Your Options Medical if you would like to schedule an appointment for the recommended medical screening if you are considering the Abortion Pill.

Learn More About the Abortion Pill

For more information on the Abortion Pill and what steps you should take before you consider it, check out our other two blogs in this three-part series:

Are “At Home Abortions” Safe?

4 Reasons Why You Need to Schedule an Ultrasound Before Taking the Pill