What Is the Abortion Pill?

June 29, 2026

If you have learned you are pregnant unexpectedly, you might be looking at your options and have come across the abortion pill. Despite its simple name, the abortion pill is actually a medical process that can have intense side effects and risks to consider.

Understanding how the abortion pill works and what to expect can help you make an informed and confident decision moving forward. Colorado Springs Pregnancy Center is here to listen and answer your questions about abortion.

We offer a medical screening before an abortion for your health and safety. During this screening, we provide no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing, a limited obstetric ultrasound,  STD testing, and a consultation with our nurse who will provide accurate information about abortion and your other options.

Schedule your appointment at our center today.

How the Abortion Pill Works

Although the abortion pill is a singular name, this medical abortion involves taking two drugs in a short time frame.

The first drug, mifepristone, is taken to block progesterone, a hormone that helps support the pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken around 24-48 hours after and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue through cramping and bleeding.

The FDA approves the abortion pill through ten weeks of gestation.

Common Side Effects

The side effects of the abortion pill include cramping and bleeding. Additional side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, headache, or fatigue.

The severity of the side effects varies for every woman. One study has found that women found the abortion pill more painful than expected, with one participant comparing the pain to labor.

What Are the Risks?

The abortion pill can also carry risks. Some possible complications include an incomplete abortion, heavy and prolonged bleeding, and infection, which requires follow-up medical care.

It’s also worth considering the emotional impact of the abortion pill. Although every woman feels different after an abortion, a study has shown that the abortion experience directly contributes to mental health problems for at least some women.

Why an Ultrasound Matters

There are important medical details about your pregnancy that you should know before making a pregnancy decision. An ultrasound will tell you the location of the pregnancy, the viability (if there is a heartbeat), and how far along you are.

The details matter since an ectopic pregnancy cannot be treated with the abortion pill. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus. This needs urgent medical attention and is one of the reasons why a pregnancy test alone isn’t enough to confirm your pregnancy.

This also tells you if you have already miscarried, since it’s still possible to get a positive pregnancy test result, even if you are no longer pregnant due to hCG remaining in the body after a pregnancy loss. In this case, an abortion would no longer be needed.

Get Clear Information at Colorado Springs Pregnancy Center

You deserve time and space to think through your options and learn about the considerations and risks associated with each, so you can make a confident, informed decision about your pregnancy.

In addition to our medical screenings, we can help provide you with the facts about your three options: parenting, adoption, and abortion in a safe and confidential space where you are free to ask questions and see what support is available.

Contact us to make an appointment.