How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

The abortion pill (also known as medication abortion) actually consists of two pills: mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone is taken first. It cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing and eventually dies. Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later. This medication makes the uterus cramp and expel the fetus, which ends the pregnancy.[1]

 

How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period.[2] If you take the abortion pill later on in your pregnancy, the risk of serious complications increases. You may need emergency surgery to stop heavy bleeding or complete the procedure if it fails or is incomplete.

 

Is Abortion Legal in California?

Currently, abortion is legal up until viability in California.[3] Viability refers to the point in pregnancy when a fetus is developed enough to survive outside the womb with medical help. Viability occurs at approximately 24 weeks of pregnancy.[4] We recommend receiving an ultrasound beforehand.

Click here to learn more about why you should get an ultrasound before an abortion.

 

Can I Get Abortion Pills Over the Counter?

No, you cannot get abortion pills over the counter. A prescription from a provider or physician who is certified to prescribe abortion pills is necessary. However, the FDA does permit pharmacies to become certified to dispense the abortion pill with a proper prescription from a certified provider.[5]

 

Can I Order the Abortion Pill Online?

The FDA advises against ordering the abortion pill online. Many online abortion pill providers are located overseas, so the pills they provide may not meet FDA standards.[6] These pills could be counterfeit, expired, or even tampered with.

 

Abortion Pill Information in California

When your pregnancy test comes back positive, it can be easy to panic. Don’t let fear make the final decision for you. Get the care and support you deserve at CAPS. We provide free pregnancy resources, so you can make an empowered decision for your unplanned pregnancy:

  • Free pregnancy tests
  • Free ultrasounds
  • A safe, non-judgemental place to explore your pregnancy options and share what’s on your mind

Give us a call at (619) 337-8080 or make an appointment online. All services are confidential and free of charge!

Make an appointment


Please be aware that CAPS does not provide or refer for abortion services.

Sources

  1. FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from
    https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
  2. See source #1.
  3. Proclamation on Reproductive Freedom. (2019, May 31).
    https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Proclamation-on-Reproductive-Freedom.pdf
  4. Breborowicz, G. (2001, January). Limits of fetal viability and its enhancement. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11753511/
  5. See source #1.
  6. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, March 23). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from
    https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information