What are the risks of the abortion pill?

If you're facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering abortion, it's important that you take as much time as you need to gather information on your options and evaluate the risks, side effects, and complications you may encounter.

So, what are the risks of the abortion pill?

1. The abortion pill can cause excessive bleeding and hemorrhaging
   Bleeding and cramping following the abortion pill are to be expected as the pregnancy tissue is expelled from the womb. Unfortunately, the abortion pill has also been associated with excessive bleeding and hemorrhaging. The FDA defines excessive bleeding related to the abortion pill as "soaking through two thick full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours."
2. Infections caused by the abortion pill can lead to sepsis and septic shock
   The abortion pill has been associated with sepsis and septic shock caused by infections. Infections will typically be accompanied by acute pain in the pelvic region or a prolonged fever of 100.4°F or higher.
3. The abortion pill may lead to an increase in the risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
   If you're considering the abortion pill, it's important to rule out the presence of STDs or STIs, such as Chlamydia. Taking the abortion pill or undergoing a surgical abortion procedure while infected with Chlamydia can increase your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) by 23%. PID can lead to chronic pain, abscesses, and fertility issues.1
4. The abortion pill can lead to an incomplete abortion, which may require surgical abortion
   In some cases, the abortion pill is ineffective in fully expelling the pregnancy tissue from the uterus, causing an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion to remove any tissue still inside the uterus and prevent infection.
5. The abortion pill has been associated with increased mental health complications
   In addition to physical risks, the abortion pill can cause or trigger conditions such as depression and anxiety.2 While often unseen, mental health issues can have severe impacts on your relationships, career, and overall well-being.
6. There are a few important steps to take before taking the abortion pill
   While the abortion pill may seem like a simple fix to an unplanned pregnancy, it's important to remember that it's a serious medical procedure.

Before deciding if the abortion pill is right for you, we recommend receiving pre-abortion screenings, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, an ultrasound scan, STD/STI information, and more.

Choices Options for Women provides free pre-abortion screenings to help you make a safe and informed choice for your pregnancy. Call or text us today at 732-516-0911 to schedule an appointment.

1. Westergaard L, Phillipsen T, Scheibel J (1982). "Significance of cervical Chlamydia trachomatis infection in postabortal pelvic inflammatory disease." Obstetrics and Gynecology, 68(5): 668-90; Ovigstad E, et al. (1983). "Pelvic inflammatory disease associated with Chlamydia trachomatis infection after therapeutic abortion." Br J Vener Dis, 59: 189-92; Heisterberg L, et al. (1987). "The role of vaginal secretory immunoglobulin a, gardnerella vaginalis, anaerobes, and Chlamydia trachomatis in post abortal pelvic inflammatory disease." Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 66(2): 99-102.

2. Reardon DC. The abortion and mental health controversy: A comprehensive literature review of common ground agreements, disagreements, actionable recommendations, and research opportunities. SAGE open medicine. 2018;6: 1–38. 10.1177/2050312118807624 . [PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]