This option is sometimes known as the abortion pill. The medications used for a medication abortion are misoprostol and/or mifepristone. These medications end the pregnancy and cause the person’s uterus to expel the pregnancy tissue in the form of bleeding and clots. Medication abortion is generally an option for people up to 10-12 weeks of pregnancy. In a hospital setting, it may be available after 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Things to think about if you are considering medication abortion:
- The process lasts longer than a procedural abortion. You will likely experience heavy bleeding or cramping for at least several hours.
- You can have the abortion at a safe place of your choosing.
- You can have the abortion at a time that works for your schedule.
- You may be able to get the abortion via telehealth, without needing to go into a clinic.
- Some people say a medication abortion feels more “natural” since the process is similar to a miscarriage.
- You need access to a safe and comfortable place with bathroom access, which might not work if you are unhoused or if you need to keep the abortion hidden from people you live with.
- There is a small chance that the medication will not work. In that case, you may need an additional dose of medication or a procedure to complete the abortion.
***Note: There are court cases seeking to restrict access to medication abortion in the U.S. As of now, access has not changed. Even if the restrictions go into effect, medication abortion will still be available in Oregon. In April 2023, Governor Tina Kotek purchased a three-year supply of mifepristone for the state of Oregon so that abortion services in Oregon will not be affected.