The Abortion Pill

The abortion pill is in fact two medicines. The first medicine ends the pregnancy and is named mifepristone. It works by blocking the hormone progesterone. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down and the pregnancy cannot continue.

The second medicine, misoprostol makes the womb contract, causing cramping, bleeding and the loss of the pregnancy similar to a miscarriage.

What to expect depends on whether the pregnancy is less than or more than 10 weeks' gestation.  It will also depend on whether you can have telephone assessment and your pills by post or if you need to come into the clinic.