Abortion Pill FAQs

What Is The Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is a medication regimen, typically combining mifepristone and misoprostol, used to end a pregnancy. While it’s often portrayed as a simple option, it’s important to be aware of the potential physical and emotional risks that may not always be fully disclosed. Understanding the process and its effects is essential for making an informed decision.

Citation: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information," updated 2023, detailing the regimen and approved use.

How Does A Medical Abortion Work?

The abortion pill process involves two drugs: mifepristone, which blocks progesterone (a hormone needed to sustain pregnancy), and misoprostol, which causes uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy. This usually happens at home and is approved for early pregnancy, up to 10 weeks gestation. The potential for complications and emotional impact is often downplayed in discussions about this method. It's important to know your options and seek medical supervision.


Citation: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information," updated 2023, detailing the mechanism and approved use.

Is The Abortion Pill Legal In South Carolina?

Short answer: Sometimes.

In South Carolina, abortion — including the abortion pill — is not allowed after a fetal heartbeat is detected, which is typically around 6 weeks of pregnancy. There are limited exceptions for medical emergencies, certain fatal fetal diagnoses, and for rape or incest up to 12 weeks. An ultrasound is required to confirm gestational age and check for cardiac activity. State law also requires informed consent, a 24-hour waiting period after receiving state materials, and at least a 60-minute gap after the ultrasound before an abortion can be performed.

What this means for you:

• If an ultrasound shows cardiac activity, abortion (including the pill) is generally prohibited unless an exception applies. 

• Before any abortion, you must receive specific information and then wait 24 hours; if an ultrasound is required, there must also be 60 minutes between the ultrasound and the procedure.

Need a private place to sort this out?
A Choice to Make offers no-cost pregnancy testing and ultrasound, plus a calm, judgment-free space to talk through the abortion pill, possible risks, and all your options. You set the pace. Book a confidential appointment and bring your questions.

Source:

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t44c041.php

Note: Many websites still reference 10 weeks because the FDA labels the abortion pill regimen up to 10 weeks. South Carolina law is stricter and controls care inside the state.

When Can I Take The Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill, consisting of mifepristone and misoprostol, is approved by the FDA for use up to 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy, counting from the first day of your last menstrual period. Some providers may offer it slightly later, but its effectiveness decreases, and risks like incomplete abortion or heavier bleeding may increase after this point. Women may often feel pressured to act quickly without fully exploring safer, life-affirming options like support for parenting or adoption, which remain available at any stage of pregnancy.


Citation: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information," updated 2023, specifying the approved use up to 70 days gestation.

Is The Abortion Pill Safe?

While some sources claim the abortion pill is safe, studies and reports have documented risks such as heavy bleeding, infection, incomplete abortion requiring surgery, and emotional distress. The FDA has reported rare but serious complications, including fatalities, linked to its use. It's important to have full transparency about these risks and access to medical care.


Citation: FDA, "Mifepristone U.S. Post-Marketing Adverse Events Summary through 12/31/2022," noting 28 deaths and over 4,000 adverse events reported since approval.

Why Do I Need An Ultrasound Prior To An Abortion?

An ultrasound is often required before an abortion, including the abortion pill, to confirm the pregnancy’s location, determine gestational age, and ensure the pregnancy is viable. Without this, using the abortion pill could miss a dangerous ectopic pregnancy, which won’t be ended by the pills and could rupture, risking severe complications or death. Skipping this step could put a woman’s health at risk. An ultrasound provides a vital opportunity to share life-saving information and support.

Citation: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), "Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation," 2020, noting ultrasound’s role in confirming intrauterine pregnancy and assessing risks.

Can You Take The Abortion Pill While On Birth Control?

Yes, technically you can take the abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) while using hormonal birth control like the pill, patch, or IUD, as birth control doesn’t directly interfere with the abortion process.

However, if you’re pregnant despite birth control, it’s worth investigating why it failed—possibly due to missed doses, interactions, or an undetected issue. Relying on both methods might signal deeper health or informational gaps, and it's important to know your options that protect both your physical and emotional well-being.


Citation: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information," updated 2023, which does not list birth control as a contraindication for mifepristone use.

Does The Abortion Pill Affect Future Pregnancies?

Most medical sources indicate that the abortion pill typically doesn’t affect future fertility. However, complications such as infection or uterine damage can pose risks if left untreated. Access to proper medical care is essential to protect long-term health and prevent unnecessary procedures. It’s important to know your options.

Citation: National Institutes of Health (NIH), "Medical Abortion and Future Fertility," 2017, noting rare but possible complications affecting fertility.

Do You Make Referrals for Abortion Pills?

A Choice to Make doesn’t provide or refer for abortions or birth control, but we do give you what's needed to safely navigate the upfront process of making an abortion decision. That starts with giving you real, accurate info on abortion procedures and risks, plus free pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds so you know exactly what’s going on with your body.

We provide a safe, non judgemental space to process everything with a medical professional and trained staff, so you can feel fully in control of your next steps and supported mentally, physically, and emotionally.