Abortion Pill Myths and Facts

Yes. The abortion pill has a strong safety record backed by over 25 years of use and extensive research. Serious complications occur in less than 1% of cases. The FDA, ACOG, and WHO all confirm the safety of medication abortion.

More than 5 million patients in the United States have used the abortion pill since it was FDA-approved in 2000. Studies consistently show that it is safer than many common medications, including penicillin and Viagra. The risk of a serious complication from the abortion pill is lower than the risk of a complication from a wisdom tooth extraction.

At The Center for Women, you receive both medications under the care of an onsite provider who reviews your health history, performs an ultrasound, and provides follow-up care. This in-person medical supervision adds an extra layer of safety to the process.

No. The abortion pill does not affect your ability to get pregnant in the future. This is confirmed by ACOG, the WHO, and decades of medical research. Studies involving thousands of patients show no difference in fertility rates between people who have had an abortion and those who have not.

The abortion pill works with medications only. Nothing enters the uterus, so there is no risk of scarring or damage to your reproductive organs. Ovulation can return as early as 2 weeks after the abortion, meaning you could become pregnant again before your next period.

Having more than one abortion also does not affect future fertility. Research shows no cumulative effect on your reproductive system from repeat medication abortions.

No. The abortion pill does not cause breast cancer. This claim has been thoroughly studied and rejected by major medical organizations. The National Cancer Institute, ACOG, and the American Cancer Society all confirm there is no link between abortion and breast cancer.

A landmark study by the National Cancer Institute in 2003 convened more than 100 experts who reviewed all available evidence. They concluded that neither medication abortion nor surgical abortion increases the risk of breast cancer. Subsequent research has continued to confirm this finding.

This myth persists in some anti-abortion materials, but it has no basis in medical evidence. If you have concerns about breast cancer risk, talk to your provider about evidence-based risk factors.

There is no proven, evidence-based protocol for reversing the abortion pill. Claims about "abortion pill reversal" are not supported by reliable medical research. ACOG has stated that the so-called reversal protocol is not based on science and has not been proven to be safe or effective.

The claim is based on the idea that large doses of progesterone given after mifepristone can override its effects. However, the only study that attempted to test this was stopped early due to safety concerns, including severe hemorrhaging in some participants.

It is true that mifepristone alone does not always end a pregnancy. In some cases, a pregnancy may continue even without additional treatment. But this happens with or without progesterone supplementation, and taking unproven treatments carries its own risks.

If you have taken mifepristone and are having second thoughts, contact your provider or the clinic to discuss your situation and options based on your specific circumstances.

The most common emotional response after an abortion is relief. Research consistently shows that abortion does not cause long-term mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

The largest study on this topic, the Turnaway Study conducted by the University of California San Francisco, followed nearly 1,000 patients over 5 years. It found that patients who received an abortion did not have worse mental health outcomes than those who were denied one. In fact, being denied an abortion was associated with greater anxiety and lower life satisfaction in the short term.

Some people experience a range of emotions after an abortion, including sadness, relief, or a mix of feelings. These emotions are normal and do not indicate a mental health disorder. People who had mental health conditions before their abortion may continue to need support, just as they would with any other life event.

If you are struggling emotionally before or after an abortion, it is okay to seek support from a counselor, therapist, or trusted person in your life.

No. The abortion pill and emergency contraception (such as Plan B) are different medications that work in different ways. They should not be confused.

Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy from occurring. It works by delaying or preventing ovulation. It does not end an existing pregnancy. You can take emergency contraception up to 72 hours (or in some cases 120 hours) after unprotected sex.

The abortion pill ends an existing early pregnancy. It uses two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, taken over 2 to 3 days. It is FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy and requires a prescription from a licensed provider.

These are two completely different treatments for two different situations. One prevents pregnancy; the other ends an early pregnancy that has already been confirmed.

Call The Center for Women at (708) 450-4545 to schedule your appointment. Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments are available.

The clinic is located at 10215 W. Roosevelt Rd. #101, Westchester, IL 60154. The abortion pill costs $380, which covers your provider appointment, ultrasound, both medications, and your follow-up visit. The provider will answer your questions and address any concerns during your visit.