Medication abortion - meaning and definition
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Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Medication abortion ends a pregnancy using medicines, usually mifepristone followed by misoprostol, rather than a procedure.
At a glance
- Medication abortion ends a pregnancy with medicines rather than a procedure.
- It usually uses mifepristone followed by misoprostol.
- It is most commonly used in the first trimester and is highly effective.
- Cramping and bleeding are expected.
- Heavy bleeding, fever or severe pain are reasons to seek medical care promptly.
In detail
Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone that a pregnancy needs, and misoprostol, taken a day or two later, causes the uterus to cramp and empty, similar to an early miscarriage. It is most commonly used in the first trimester and is highly effective.
Cramping and bleeding are expected. Heavy bleeding, fever or severe pain are reasons to seek medical care promptly. Where and how it can be obtained, including by telemedicine, depends on local law, so local health services are the best source of guidance.
In a sentence
- The clinic explained how medication abortion works and what to expect at home.
- She asked whether medication abortion by telemedicine was legal in her region.
Not to be confused with
- Emergency contraceptive pill
The emergency contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy and does not end one.
Common questions
What does medication abortion feel like?
Cramping and bleeding are expected and are often compared to an early miscarriage. Heavy bleeding, fever or severe pain are reasons to seek medical care promptly.
Is the abortion pill the same as the morning-after pill?
No. Emergency contraceptive pills reduce the chance of pregnancy after sex and do not end an existing pregnancy, while medication abortion ends a pregnancy that has already begun.
Related terms
Sources
- WHOAbortion
- Planned ParenthoodThe Abortion Pill
- NHSAbortion