CLEAR INFORMATION. COMPASSIONATE SUPPORT.
Abortion Pill Information
Start with Clarity & Personalized Answers About Your Pregnancy
The best decisions about abortion and pregnancy begin with reliable information. Learn about your options, how medication abortion works, what you might experience, and what to ask a healthcare provider. Explore your questions and gather the information you need in a private setting.
● Private · No-Cost · No insurance required
Start with what you know.
A pregnancy test and ultrasound can provide you critical information you need before you proceed with an abortion.
Things You Should Know
How the Abortion Pill Works
The abortion pill is not a single pill. It is a two-medication process used to end an early intrauterine pregnancy through 10 weeks.
The process uses:
- Mifepristone, taken first, blocks progesterone—a hormone needed for the pregnancy to continue.
- Misoprostol, usually taken 24 to 48 hours later, causes the uterus to contract and empty.
Before taking these medications, it is important to understand how far along the pregnancy may be and consider the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy develops outside the uterus and cannot be treated with abortion pills. Depending on pregnancy dates, symptoms, and risk factors, a clinician may recommend an ultrasound.
According to FDA guidance, this regimen may not be appropriate for someone with a suspected ectopic pregnancy, an IUD in place, chronic adrenal failure, long-term corticosteroid use, a bleeding disorder, anticoagulant use, inherited porphyria, or an allergy to either medication.
Cramping and bleeding are expected. Possible complications include heavy bleeding, infection, an incomplete abortion, or the need for additional treatment. Serious complications are uncommon, but anyone taking these medications should know how to reach their prescriber and where to obtain emergency medical care.
Hope Pregnancy Center provides no-cost pregnancy testing, limited ultrasound for eligible clients, and a confidential place to ask questions before your next step. Hope Pregnancy Center does not administer, perform, prescribe, or refer for abortion procedures or medications.
1
FIRST MEDICATION
Mifepristone
Blocks progesterone so the pregnancy stops progressing.
2
USUALLY 24–48 HOURS LATER
Misoprostol
Causes cramping and bleeding as the uterus empties.
WHAT YOU MAY EXPERIENCE
Expected Effects vs. Warning Signs
Every experience is different. Your prescriber should explain what to expect and how to reach help if something does not feel right.
Bleeding & Cramping
Bleeding and cramping are expected after misoprostol. Bleeding may be heavier than a period and may include clots.
Digestive Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, or dizziness can occur. Follow the care instructions you receive.
Fever & Chills
Brief chills or fever can happen after misoprostol. A persistent fever or feeling very ill needs medical attention.
SEEK URGENT MEDICAL CARE
Know the signs that should not wait.
Get emergency help for very heavy bleeding—such as soaking two full-size pads each hour for two hours—fainting, a fast heartbeat, severe abdominal pain, or a fever at or above 100.4°F lasting more than four hours.
BEFORE TAKING MEDICATION
Three Questions Worth Answering First
- 01
How far along is the pregnancy?
The FDA-approved mifepristone regimen is through 70 days from the first day of the last menstrual period. This means if you are inside or outside of that window, the outcomes from taking the medication can vary. Before you take any medication, it is important to know all you can and be seen in person. To get an accurate estimate of weeks, be sure you have a confirmation of pregnancy with an ultrasound that can provide you an estimation of week. - 02
Could this be an ectopic pregnancy?
Medication abortion does not treat a pregnancy outside the uterus. Our licensed, registered nurses can provide you with an ultrasound at no cost to you and no insurance needed. To proceed with a medication abortion in the presence of an ectopic pregnancy can be life threatening. Our free limited ultrasound can establish whether the pregnancy is intrauterine. - 03
Is there a reason this regimen may not be right for me?
The only way to truly answer this question is for you to have a review of your health history, current medicines, allergies, IUD status, and access to emergency care should you proceed. There are many emotional, physical and financial considerations when making this decision. The best choice is an informed choice. We provide pregnancy confirmation with ultrasound at no cost. We provide a free appointment as well where you can ask questions, assess options and leave with the information you need.
NO-COST AT HOPE
Get More Information About Your Pregnancy.
Hope Pregnancy Center provides pregnancy testing, limited ultrasound for eligible clients, and a confidential place to ask questions at no cost. A licensed medical professional can help determine what evaluation is appropriate for your situation.
Schedule Your Free Appointment ↗
Hope Pregnancy Center does not administer, perform, prescribe, or refer for abortion procedures or medications.
AN IMPORTANT DISTINCTION
The Abortion Pill Does Not Treat an Ectopic Pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy develops outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. It can become a life-threatening emergency and requires different medical treatment.
Seek emergency care for severe one-sided pelvic or abdominal pain, shoulder pain, weakness, dizziness, or fainting—especially with bleeding.
QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Make Room for Every Question.
Good information should help you understand your health—not rush you into a decision.
Is the abortion pill the same as Plan B?
No. Emergency contraception such as Plan B is intended to prevent pregnancy after sex. Medication abortion is used to end an established pregnancy.
Do I need an ultrasound first?
For many reasons, an ultrasound before an at home abortion is very important. Once the pregnancy is confirmed, a clinician may recommend one to help better estimate dates and look for signs of an ectopic pregnancy. Hope offers limited ultrasounds with a positive confirmation of pregnancy to evaluate if the pregnancy is intrauterine and estimate how far along it is.
What if I have an IUD?
The FDA lists having an IUD in place as a reason not to take the approved mifepristone regimen. If you have an IUD and suspect you are pregnant, we can help you confirm the pregnancy so you can take the next appropriate steps to ensure your health and safety. Note: we are not licensed to handle the removal of an IUD, but taking mifepristone with an IUD is dangerous. We can help you by verifying a positive pregnancy test and if appropriate, confirming the pregnancy with an ultrasound.
Will my visit at Hope Pregnancy Center be confidential?
SUPPORT FOR YOUR NEXT STEP
No-Cost Services in Willmar
02
Limited Ultrasound
For eligible clients, learn more about the dating and location of the pregnancy.
03
Confidential Conversation
Bring your questions. Take the time you need. There is no pressure.
HOPE PREGNANCY CENTER
You Deserve Clear Information and Compassionate Support.
1520 Mavis Lane · Willmar, MN 56201