What are abortion pills and how can you access them?

Feb 20

Biochemist Dr. Étienne-Émile Baulieu revolutionized reproductive health care and advanced the field of medicine by developing a pill that could abort a pregnancy. His medical advancement was a major breakthrough when the FDA approved the drug in 2000. The pill acts as an “anti-hormone” which blocks the egg from connecting with the genetic material and fertilizing to form an embryo. The first pill contains a drug called mifepristone, which essentially hampers the body’s production of progesterone, a hormone which is needed for a healthy pregnancy. Thus, the first pill stops the pregnancy from advancing, and the second pill, misoprostol, induces bleeding and cramping to clear the uterus. Abortion pills are safe and highly effective up to the eleventh week of pregnancy.

However, with the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, abortion pills have come under scrutiny. Many conservative states are trying to restrict individuals’ access to the pill by making it difficult to get a prescription for mifepristone. Consequently, there has been an increase of mailed abortion pills. An organization called Plan C works with individuals to help them secure access to the drug, whether that be through mail or telemedicine. Plan C works with organizations such as Aid Access which operates outside of the United States, making it illegal for private, state, or federal U.S. law enforcement to get involved. Aid Access works to mail pills to individuals within the United States and allows them to choose if they would like to consult with a provider or self-manage their abortion at home.

Here are answers to a few common questions about abortion pills:

How effective are abortion pills?

They are highly effective but it depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Planned Parenthood has published a great resource here where you can read and learn more about the efficacy of abortion pills.

How are Mifepristone and Misoprostol different from Plan B?

Both are called “emergency contraception,” but these pills are effective in terminating a pregnancy whereas Plan B works to prevent fertilization. Plan B will not work to stop a pregnancy.

What are the risks and effects of taking abortion pills?