March 3, 2026
The abortion pill uses two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, to end an early pregnancy. It is 93 to 98% effective when used up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. At The Center for Women, you take the first pill at the clinic during your appointment and the second set of pills at home 24 to 48 hours later.
The abortion pill is a two-medication process used to end an early pregnancy. It is FDA-approved and has been used safely in the United States for over 20 years. The two medications are mifepristone, which stops the pregnancy from growing, and misoprostol, which causes the uterus to empty.
The abortion pill can be used up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, measured from the first day of your last menstrual period. At The Center for Women, the provider confirms your gestational age with an ultrasound before prescribing the medications.
The first pill is mifepristone. It blocks a hormone called progesterone that your body needs to maintain the pregnancy. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down and the pregnancy cannot continue.
You take mifepristone at the clinic during your appointment. The provider gives you the pill and you swallow it with water. Most patients do not feel any different after taking this first pill. Some may have light nausea or spotting, but significant symptoms are uncommon at this stage.
The second medication is misoprostol. You take it at home 24 to 48 hours after taking mifepristone. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and pass the pregnancy, similar to an early miscarriage.
You place four misoprostol tablets between your gums and cheeks (two on each side) and let them dissolve for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, you swallow any remaining fragments with water. Most patients begin to experience cramping and bleeding within 1 to 4 hours of taking misoprostol.
The cramping may be more intense than a typical period. Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen (600 to 800 mg) can help manage the discomfort. A heating pad on your lower abdomen can also provide relief.
The abortion pill is 93 to 98% effective when used up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. Effectiveness is highest when used earlier in pregnancy. At 7 weeks or less, the success rate is approximately 98%. Between 7 and 9 weeks, it is about 96%. Between 9 and 10 weeks, it is approximately 93%.
In the small number of cases where the abortion pill does not completely end the pregnancy, the provider will discuss your options at your follow-up visit. This may include taking additional medication or considering other options.
After taking misoprostol, you will experience bleeding and cramping as your body passes the pregnancy. The bleeding is usually heavier than a normal period and may include blood clots. This is a normal part of the process.
The heaviest bleeding and cramping typically last 3 to 5 hours. After that, bleeding gradually decreases. Light bleeding or spotting can continue for up to 4 to 6 weeks, though most patients see it taper off within 2 to 3 weeks.
Other common effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mild fever, and chills. These side effects are temporary and usually go away within 24 hours. The provider at The Center for Women will explain what to expect and give you clear instructions for managing symptoms at home.
Most patients complete the abortion pill process at home without complications. However, you should call the clinic or seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
The Center for Women provides a 24-hour phone line so you can reach the clinic if you have questions or concerns at any time during the process.
Call The Center for Women at (708) 450-4545 to schedule your appointment. The cost is $380 and includes your provider visit, ultrasound, both medications, and your follow-up appointment.
Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments are available. The clinic is located at 10215 W. Roosevelt Rd. #101, Westchester, IL 60154.
The entire process takes a few days. You take the first pill (mifepristone) at the clinic. You take the second medication (misoprostol) at home 24 to 48 hours later. The heaviest bleeding and cramping occur within 1 to 4 hours of taking misoprostol and typically last 3 to 5 hours. Light bleeding may continue for 2 to 3 weeks.
The abortion pill can be used up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, measured from the first day of your last menstrual period. The provider at The Center for Women will confirm your gestational age with an ultrasound at your appointment.
You will experience cramping and bleeding after taking misoprostol. The cramping can be more intense than a typical period. Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen (600 to 800 mg) and a heating pad can help manage the discomfort. Most patients manage their symptoms at home.
The abortion pill is 93 to 98% effective. In the rare cases where it does not fully work, the provider will discuss your options at your follow-up visit. This may include additional medication.
Yes. You can eat and drink normally before and after taking mifepristone. Before taking misoprostol, having a light snack may help reduce nausea. Your provider will give you specific instructions at your appointment.
Many patients return to work or school the day after taking misoprostol. You may want to plan to rest on the day you take misoprostol, as that is when the heaviest cramping and bleeding occur. Listen to your body and take it easy as needed.
No. The morning-after pill (Plan B) is emergency contraception that prevents pregnancy. The abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) ends an existing early pregnancy. They are completely different medications with different purposes.
Thank you.
The Center for Women
10215 W. Roosevelt Rd. #101
Westchester, IL 60154
(708) 450-4545
