Risks and Side Effects of the Abortion Pill
At Community Pregnancy Clinics, we’re here to guide you with compassion and factual information so you can make the best decision for your health and future.
Understanding the Risks of the Abortion Pill
It’s crucial to be informed about the potential risks, side effects, and complications associated with the abortion pill. There are so many gaps in informing women of the risks of the abortion pill, and those gaps allow misinformation to spread. While promoted as a convenient and private option, the abortion pill can carry significant risks.
Potential Complications
Though the abortion pill is often marketed as safe, complications happen more frequently than many realize. For example, a recent study revealed a sharp increase in emergency room visits related to abortion pills over the years.
Some women experience incomplete abortions resulting in retained fetal tissue, which can cause severe cramping, infection, fertility issues and even death if untreated.
There is also a risk of uterine perforation or scarring due to surgical intervention, which may be needed to address the complications of an incomplete abortion.
Risks and Side Effects
Much like any medical procedure, the abortion pill comes with potential side effects and risks. Here are some common ones:
Physical Side Effects
- Heavy bleeding for days or even weeks
- Intense cramping and abdominal pain
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Fever or chills
Serious Risks
- Hemorrhage (heavy, uncontrollable bleeding that may require medical intervention)
- Incomplete abortion (when parts of the pregnancy remain in the uterus, leading to infections or the need for surgery)
- Severe infection (including sepsis, a life-threatening infection that requires immediate care)
These risks make it vital to follow up with a healthcare provider to ensure the process is complete and complications are avoided. The best way to limit your potential of experiencing adverse risks is to receive an ultrasound and STD test beforehand.
The Mental Health Impact
Decisions surrounding abortion can lead to emotional and psychological challenges, and the abortion pill is no exception. Research has revealed that many women experience feelings of guilt, regret, depression, or anxiety after taking the abortion pill. Additionally, an analysis of state Medicaid data found that, compared to women who give birth, women who have an abortion in their first pregnancy are 3.4 times more likely to experience an increase in outpatient mental health visits and 5.7 times more likely to experience an increase in inpatient admissions.
While every woman’s experience is unique, it’s important to consider the potential mental health effects of this decision and seek supporting resources to address those feelings.
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The Problem with FDA Reporting
Accurate data on abortion pill complications is severely lacking. Until 2016, the FDA required prescribers to report any adverse effects related to the abortion pill. But now only deaths are mandatory to report, while other complications—like hemorrhages, severe infections, and hospitalizations—are reported voluntarily.
This results in underreporting. From 2020-2022, the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) logged only 17 reports of complications related to the abortion pill. In contrast, just six states that track abortion-related data reported over 1,000 complications during the same period.
Without reliable data, women are often unaware of the real risks posed by these drugs.
Seeking Post Abortive Care is Legal—Even in Florida
If you experience complications after taking the abortion pill, you might wonder if seeking care could result in legal consequences. Receiving medical care for abortion-related issues is never illegal in any state, including Florida. No matter where you are in the U.S., healthcare professionals are there to help you without judgment or legal repercussions.
At Community Pregnancy Clinics, we encourage you to prioritize your health above all else. We are here for you with no-cost, confidential care for women dealing with post-abortion concerns. You deserve to be treated with dignity and understanding.
We're Here for You
Deciding what to do in the face of an unplanned pregnancy is never easy. But you don’t have to go through it alone. At Community Pregnancy Clinics, we’re here to provide you with support, resources, and answers to your questions. Whether you’re considering your options or seeking help after taking the abortion pill, our doors are open.