The abortion pill (AKA medication abortion) is really a two-part process — not just one pill. First, you take a pill called mifepristone. Often, this step happens at the health center or at your doctor’s office, but in some cases they may give you instructions for taking it at home. After the first pill, you may feel a little nauseated or start bleeding, but most likely you won’t feel anything. Your doctor or nurse will give you antibiotics to take to prevent infection.
Next, you’ll take a second medicine, called misoprostol, up to 48 hours after you take the first pill. You’ll want to be somewhere comfy for this, and make sure you have some over-the-counter pain relievers and pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup on deck, because this second medicine causes cramping and bleeding. Usually, the cramping and bleeding starts 1-4 hours after taking the misoprostol.
Exactly how much bleeding you’ll experience is hard to say, but lots of people compare it to having a really heavy, crampy period. It’s normal to see some large blood clots (up to the size of a lemon) or clumps of tissue when this part of your abortion is happening.
The cramping and bleeding can last for 4-5 hours, but it may take longer. You may have a little cramping on and off for the next couple of days, but overall you should be good to go back to most of your regularly scheduled life the next day if you feel up to it.
At your appointment, your doctor or nurse will talk with you about following up in the weeks after you take the abortion pill.
When it comes to topics like birth control, STDs, the morning-after pill, and abortion, we’re the experts. PlannedParenthood.org has everything you need to know.
For decades, the overwhelming majority of Americans have supported access to safe and legal abortion And now support for safe, legal abortion is at a record high, with about 7 in 10 Americans supporting Roe v. Wade. Americans need a Supreme Court nominee who will uphold our constitutional right to abortion. Text COURTS to 22422 to learn how you can #SaveRoe.
Decisions about your health care belong to you and your doctors, not politicians and judges. This shouldn’t be up for debate. Abortion is basic health care — it’s incredibly common, and it’s one of the safest medical procedures in the United States now that it’s legal.
But Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh could sweep away 40 years of progress and put people’s lives at risk. Contact your senator and urge them to vote for judicial nominees who will protect our reproductive health care, not attack it: 202-902-7129
Abortion is a safe and legal medical procedure — and we need to keep it that way. If confirmed to the Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh would threaten our constitutional rights, including the right to access abortion. We can’t lose this fight.
Contact your senator and urge them to vote for judicial nominees who will protect our reproductive health care: 202-902-7129
Most people today only know a country where they have the right to access abortion. Abortion is a safe and legal medical procedure — and we need to keep it that way. We can’t go back. Senators must vote for judicial nominees who protect our reproductive health care, not attack it. Take action: https://p.ppfa.org/2JhrOdV
My older sister is planning on getting an abortion, do you have any advice on how I can offer her comfort? It was an accidental pregnancy, and shes having feelings of guilt over it. Thank you
I wish I could send you a gold plaque or a blue ribbon that reads “outstanding sibling.” Everyone deserves this kind of support when they’re going through a hard time.
Your sister trusts you enough to tell you she’s having an abortion, how she got pregnant, and how she feels about it. Let her know she can keep coming to you if she wants to talk about it. Knowing someone cares and that they’ll be there no matter what can be the most comforting thing of all.
Here are 10 other ways to support someone who’s having an abortion.
Listen to them.
Remind them that you support and love them no matter what.
Offer to be there with them on the day of their appointment if they want.
Offer other practical help — like driving them home, getting them pads, or watching their kids.
Offer hugs.
Remind them that there’s no right or wrong way to feel about abortion. It’s OK to feel some guilt. It’s OK to feel some relief. It’s OK not to feel much at all.
Give them space if they need it.
Don’t tell anyone unless they ask you to. Even though abortion is nothing to be ashamed of, it’s up to them to decide who they tell, not you.
If they’re having a really hard time, offer to help them find a professional they can talk with. The staff at their nearest Planned Parenthood health center may be able to connect them with local resources. Exhale is another great resource.
Your sister’s going to be OK. And the comfort you’re providing her is a great reminder of that.
