Frequently-asked questions (FAQs) about...

 

Medication abortion in general

• What is medication abortion? 

• Is medication abortion the same as RU486? 

• How effective is medication abortion? 

• How does medication abortion work? 

• What are the advantages of medication abortion in comparison to aspiration abortion? 

• What are the disadvantages of medication abortion in comparison to aspiration abortion? 

• Who can provide medication abortion services? 

• What is the difference between medication abortion and emergency contraception (also known as the morning after pill?)

 

Using medication abortion methods

• When during a woman's pregnancy can medication abortion be used?

• When a woman has a medication abortion, what does she physically experience?

• How long does the medication abortion process take?

• Who should not use medication abortion?

• Can a woman use medication abortion if she is breastfeeding?

• What are the side effects and complications of medication abortion?

• What happens if a medication abortion fails to terminate the pregnancy?

• How many clinic visits are required for a medication abortion? 

• What follow-up care is required after a medication abortion? 

 

What happens after the medication abortion

• How long after having a medication abortion can a woman become pregnant?

• How long after having a medication abortion will a woman resume normal menstruation?

• How long after having a medication abortion can a woman resume sexual intercourse?

• Does medication abortion have long term effects on a woman's health?

• Does medication abortion have psychological consequences?

• Does medication abortion affect a woman's ability to have a child in the future?

• Does medication abortion increase a woman's risk of breast cancer?

• Does using medication abortion multiple times have any adverse health effects?  

• Is misoprostol a teratogen?