Safe Abortion: What You Need to Know About Medication, Dosage, and Safety
Safe Abortion: What You Need to Know About Medication, Dosage, and Safety
Access to safe abortion is a critical part of reproductive healthcare. When performed with approved methods, abortion is safe and effective. A safe way to have an abortion, especially in early pregnancy, is with abortion pills.
This article will help you understand:
What medication abortion is.
Which pills do you use and how do you take them?
Recommended dosage
What to expect during the process
Risks and dangers of unsafe abortion.
What is a medication abortion?
A medication abortion uses pills to end an early pregnancy (usually up to 10–12 weeks gestation). You can often perform it at home with medical supervision, and it is non-surgical. It is over 95% effective when taken as directed.
Which medications do healthcare providers use?
Two medications are commonly used:
Mifepristone – This pill blocks the hormone progesterone, which sustains pregnancy.
Misoprostol – This pill causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
These pills are often used together for the best results.
Recommended Dosage and How to Take It Option 1: Mifepristone + Misoprostol (preferred method)
Used for pregnancies of up to 10 to 12 weeks
Step 1: Take 1 tablet (200 mg) of Mifepristone by mouth.
Wait 24–48 hours.
Step 2: Take 4 tablets (800 mcg) of Misoprostol. You can take these:
Sublingually (under the tongue) OR
Buccally (between the cheeks and gums) OR
Vaginally (inserted deep into the vagina)
Optional: After 3 hours, you may take a second dose of 4 misoprostol tablets (800 mcg) if bleeding has not started.
Option 2: Misoprostol Only
Used when mifepristone is not available
Take 4 tablets (800 mcg) of Misoprostol every 3 hours, up to 3 doses (total 12 tablets = 2400 mcg). Place under the tongue or between the gums and cheek.
What to Expect During a Medication Abortion
Bleeding and cramping usually start within a few hours after taking misoprostol.
You may pass blood clots and pregnancy tissue.
Nausea, diarrhea, chills, or fever is common and usually temporary.
Bleeding may continue for up to two weeks, but its intensity will decrease over time.
When is it unsafe?
Unsafe abortion happens when:
People take pills without proper guidance.
Unapproved or fake medications are being used.
The pregnancy is beyond 12 weeks.
The person has certain medical conditions and takes the pills unsupervised.
Risks of unsafe abortion include:
Heavy bleeding
Severe infection
Incomplete abortion (pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus).
Uterine rupture (rare but dangerous).
Infertility
Death (in extreme, untreated cases)
Important Safety Tips
Always obtain abortion pills from a licensed provider or a trusted health organization.
Do not use pills from unknown online sellers or street vendors.
Make sure you are within the recommended gestational age.
Have a trusted person nearby or access to emergency care if needed.
When to Seek Medical Help
Go to a clinic or hospital immediately if you experience:
Bleeding that soaks more than two pads per hour for over two hours
High fever (over 38°C or 100.4°F) that lasts for more than 24 hours
Severe abdominal pain
Foul-smelling discharge
Signs of incomplete abortion (continued pregnancy symptoms).
Final Thoughts
Medication abortion is safe and effective for ending an early pregnancy. But you must use it correctly and with guidance. If you or someone you know is considering an abortion, talk to a trained health professional or a trusted clinic. You can also reach out to a reproductive health organization for support. You have the right to safe, respectful, and confidential healthcare.
Need support or advice? Contact a certified clinic, reproductive health NGO, or hotline in your area for help.