Medical abortion pill – early medical abortion

What does medical abortion (the abortion pill) involve?

Medical abortion or the abortion pill is an alternative to surgical abortion and is available before nine weeks of pregnancy. It means taking two lots of pills over two visits (this can be on the same day or separate days) which causes the passing of the pregnancy. Please note: most clinics in the UK are NOT able to provide the abortion pill for Irish women.

Does having the medical abortion (the abortion pill) hurt?

Women may experience discomfort, very strong cramps and heavy bleeding with medical abortion. This is normally for a few days until the pregnancy has passed.

How long does medical abortion take?

The abortion may take place within four to five hours and is usually completed within one to two days. Very occasionally it can take up to two weeks to pass the pregnancy.

What happens if I do not complete the medical abortion (second pill)?

Once the first medical abortion treatment is given, if you change your mind and decide to continue with the pregnancy, there is no guarantee that the pregnancy will not have been damaged. Continuing with a pregnancy in this situation is not advisable.

What drugs are used for medical abortion and what do they do?

Two different types of medication are used for this treatment usually Mifegynae and Misoprostol which have been found to be effective in causing a pregnancy to pass.