Abortion Pill FAQs

What Is The Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is a medication regimen, typically combining mifepristone and misoprostol, used to end a pregnancy. While it’s often portrayed as a simple option, it’s important to be aware of the potential physical and emotional risks that may not always be fully disclosed. Understanding the process and its effects is essential for making an informed decision.

Citation: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information," updated 2023, detailing the regimen and approved use.

How Does A Medical Abortion Work?

The abortion pill process involves two drugs: mifepristone, which blocks progesterone (a hormone needed to sustain pregnancy), and misoprostol, which causes uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy. This usually happens at home and is approved for early pregnancy, up to 10 weeks gestation. The potential for complications and emotional impact is often downplayed in discussions about this method. It's important to know your options and seek medical supervision.


Citation: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information," updated 2023, detailing the mechanism and approved use.

Is the Abortion Pill Legal in California?

In California, the abortion pill is legal and accessible. The abortion pill is typically available through about 10–11 weeks of pregnancy.

California does not require waiting periods, parental consent for adults, or mandatory ultrasounds before an abortion. However, an ultrasound is still strongly recommended to confirm how far along you are and rule out an ectopic pregnancy (which the abortion pill cannot treat). Taking the pill without clarity on your conception date or the location of pregnancy in your uterus can be dangerous or ineffective. 

BirthChoice offers no-cost pregnancy testing and ultrasound, along with a calm, confidential space to talk through the abortion pill, what to expect, possible risks, and all your options.

No pressure. No judgment. Just clear information so you can decide what’s right for you.

When Can I Take The Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill, consisting of mifepristone and misoprostol, is approved by the FDA for use up to 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy, counting from the first day of your last menstrual period. Some providers may offer it slightly later, but its effectiveness decreases, and risks like incomplete abortion or heavier bleeding may increase after this point. Women may often feel pressured to act quickly without fully exploring safer, life-affirming options like support for parenting or adoption, which remain available at any stage of pregnancy.


Citation: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information," updated 2023, specifying the approved use up to 70 days gestation.

Is The Abortion Pill Safe?

While some sources claim the abortion pill is safe, studies and reports have documented risks such as heavy bleeding, infection, incomplete abortion requiring surgery, and emotional distress. The FDA has reported rare but serious complications, including fatalities, linked to its use. It's important to have full transparency about these risks and access to medical care.


Citation: FDA, "Mifepristone U.S. Post-Marketing Adverse Events Summary through 12/31/2022," noting 28 deaths and over 4,000 adverse events reported since approval.

Why Do I Need An Ultrasound Prior To An Abortion?

An ultrasound is often required before an abortion, including the abortion pill, to confirm the pregnancy’s location, determine gestational age, and ensure the pregnancy is viable. Without this, using the abortion pill could miss a dangerous ectopic pregnancy, which won’t be ended by the pills and could rupture, risking severe complications or death. Skipping this step could put a woman’s health at risk. An ultrasound provides a vital opportunity to share life-saving information and support.

Citation: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), "Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation," 2020, noting ultrasound’s role in confirming intrauterine pregnancy and assessing risks.

Can You Take The Abortion Pill While On Birth Control?

Yes, technically you can take the abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) while using hormonal birth control like the pill, patch, or IUD, as birth control doesn’t directly interfere with the abortion process.

However, if you’re pregnant despite birth control, it’s worth investigating why it failed—possibly due to missed doses, interactions, or an undetected issue. Relying on both methods might signal deeper health or informational gaps, and it's important to know your options that protect both your physical and emotional well-being.


Citation: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information," updated 2023, which does not list birth control as a contraindication for mifepristone use.

Does The Abortion Pill Affect Future Pregnancies?

Most medical sources indicate that the abortion pill typically doesn’t affect future fertility. However, complications such as infection or uterine damage can pose risks if left untreated. Access to proper medical care is essential to protect long-term health and prevent unnecessary procedures. It’s important to know your options.

Citation: National Institutes of Health (NIH), "Medical Abortion and Future Fertility," 2017, noting rare but possible complications affecting fertility.