The Abortion Pill: Misconceptions vs Reality

Abortion via pill is safe, effective, and commonly used around the world.

The biggest dangers come from misinformation, legal restrictions, and lack of access, not the medication itself.

Misconception:

Abortion pills are unsafe.

Truth:

Medication abortion (typically a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol) is extremely safe. It is even safer than Tylenol, Viagra, and even childbirth itself. The FDA has approved its use since 2000, and it's been used successfully by millions worldwide.

Misconception:

It’s the same as emergency contraception (Plan B).

Truth:

Plan B (levonorgestrel) prevents pregnancy before it starts by delaying ovulation.

The abortion pill ends an existing pregnancy by blocking progesterone (mifepristone) and inducing contractions to empty the uterus (misoprostol). They are not the same thing and serve different purposes.

Misconception:

It causes infertility or long-term health issues.

Truth:

Nope. There's zero evidence that medication abortion affects fertility or long-term health. People who take the pill can get pregnant again whenever they choose.

Misconception:

It’s an unnatural or risky way to end a pregnancy.

Truth:

Medication abortion is based on the same biological process as a miscarriage.

Misoprostol is even used in hospitals to help manage miscarriages safely. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes it as an essential medicine.

Misconception:

It’s only effective in the first few weeks.

Truth:

The abortion pill is approved for use up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Some studies suggest it remains effective beyond that, but medical professionals typically follow the 10-12 week guideline.

Misconception:

It’s easily reversed.

Truth:

The so-called "abortion pill reversal" treatment is not backed by science. There’s no credible evidence that stopping mifepristone and taking progesterone can "undo" an abortion. The claim is a politically motivated myth, not medical reality.