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Pill Abortion Care

Table of Contents


Overview

A pill abortion is the use of medicines to end a pregnancy. Usually two medicines are used. You take one medicine. Within 2 days after the first medicine, you take the second medicine. The timing depends on how the doctor tells you to use them.

What is a self-managed pill abortion?

In a self-managed pill abortion, you get and use abortion pills without working with a doctor. They are usually the same medicines used in a pill abortion done under a doctor's care.

People choose to self-manage a pill abortion for many reasons. Usually it's because they couldn't access abortion care through a doctor. This can happen if you can't get an abortion where you live. Or maybe telehealth abortion visits aren't available where you live. Or maybe you weren't able to get permission from your guardian.

People who have a self-managed pill abortion often wonder what to expect, what to watch out for, and how to know it worked. So if you learn about pill abortions, you will know how to take care of yourself. Be sure to call your doctor or get care if you're having problems after a self-managed abortion.

No matter where you live, if you are considering an abortion, you can reach out to Planned Parenthood. They can help you understand your options and how to access that care. There may be funds available to help pay for your abortion.

After a pill abortion, you may have:

Caring for yourself at home

Carefully follow all of your doctor's instructions after you've had an abortion.

If you didn't get instructions, follow this general advice.

When should you call a doctor?

Your doctor will give you information about what to expect after an abortion. Normal symptoms that most often occur include:

Follow your doctor's instructions on what to do at home.

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.

Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.

Call your doctor now if you have any of these symptoms after an abortion:

Call your doctor for an appointment if you have any of these symptoms after a recent abortion:

Pill abortion is safe and rarely causes any problems. Possible problems include:

Follow-up exam

You will take a pregnancy test at home or have an ultrasound or a lab test to make sure the abortion worked. You will be told when to do this.

If you got and used abortion pills without working with a doctor (self-managed abortion), you should take a pregnancy test about a month after the abortion to make sure it worked.


Credits for Pill Abortion Care

Current as of: November 27, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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