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Q: Are abortion pills by mail safe?

Yes. Abortion pills are medically safe to receive by mail and work well when you follow a step-by-step guide.

Q: How safe are abortion pills?

Having an abortion is safer than giving birth. The medications have been used by millions and studied worldwide. A study of over 45,000 people found 119 (0.3%) were hospitalized during the process. These medications do not cause long-term health problems and do not affect future fertility. They are also used to treat miscarriage.

Q: How effective are abortion pills?

Abortion pills work over 90% of the time when used correctly. People can use mifepristone with misoprostol, or misoprostol alone.

Q: Do I need to see a doctor in person before using the pills?

No. An in-person visit is not medically needed. Research shows it’s safe to use abortion pills without an ultrasound or seeing a doctor first.

Q: How will I feel during the process?

Common symptoms can include cramping, bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, or shaking. Symptoms usually improve within 1–2 days after taking misoprostol. It is safe to continue breastfeeding during the process.

Q: What should I know about bleeding?

Bleeding may start right away or within 24 hours after taking misoprostol. Lighter bleeding is common earlier in pregnancy, while heavier bleeding and clots can occur later. Soaking two large maxi pads per hour for more than two hours in a row is a reason to contact your provider or the M + A Hotline.

Q: What if I’m bleeding too much?

Heavy bleeding can be normal after taking misoprostol. Stay hydrated. Soaking two large maxi pads per hour for more than two hours in a row is a reason to contact your provider or the M + A Hotline.

Q: How to check if the abortion pills worked?

Check a home pregnancy test 4–6 weeks after taking the medication. If it is still positive after 6 weeks, contact your provider or the M + A Hotline. Pregnancy symptoms usually decrease within 1–2 weeks.

Q: What do I do in case of an emergency?

Go to the ER. Symptoms can be described as a miscarriage, such as: “I had a positive pregnancy test and now have bleeding and pain.” Use Aya Contigo’s ER guide and Ineedana’s resources. For legal support, call the Repro Legal Helpline at 844-868-2812.

Medically reviewed and updated—

Have questions about using safe, effective abortion pills?

Whether it’s before getting the pills, during the abortion process or afterwards, we provide free, caring, and private support.

The Miscarriage + Abortion Hotline is a nonprofit organization made up of caring medical providers who want everyone to have access to abortion care.

We do not sell abortion pills. To get information on finding abortion pills, see our Resources.

We do not sell abortion pills. To get information on finding abortion pills, see our Resources.

We do not sell abortion pills. To get information on finding abortion pills, see our Resources.

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Before Reading

Below, we’ll answer some common questions to help during the process.

To talk to someone non-judgemental about a pregnancy or what to do next:

For more abortion stories and resources:

(Yes, it's okay to have more than one abortion!)

MEDICAL Safety of Abortion Pills

👉 Follow our Step-by-Step Guide to Using Abortion Pills 💊

Are abortion pills by mail safe?

How safe are abortion pills?

How effective are abortion pills?

before taking the pills

Do I need to see a doctor in person before using the pills?

How do I know how far along I am?

Can I use pills if I’m over 12 weeks of pregnancy?

Support Contacts

• Aya Contigo: Access a Spanish-language privacy-focused web app and WhatsApp chat for real-time support on self-managing a medication abortion and accessing contraception. Counselors are available daily from 9 AM to 9 PM (EST).

• M + A Hotline: Speak with a volunteer clinician at 1-833-246-2632 (Available from 8 AM to 1 AM EST).

• Reprocare: Offers peer-based info and emotional support for anyone planning or having an abortion with pills. Call, text, or Signal message at 1-833-226-7821 (Available from 12 PM to 12 AM EST).

• Repro Legal Helpline: Provides free and confidential legal services to anyone before, during, or after a self-managed abortion. Call 844-868-2812 or contact us through our secure form 24/7 and a lawyer will get back to you within 2 business days unless it’s an emergency.

during the process

How will I feel during the process?

How to help with symptoms?

What if I’m not feeling enough pain? Should I worry?

Learn more about managing symptoms.

bleeding

What should I know about bleeding?

What if I am not bleeding enough?

What if I’m bleeding too much?

Why am I still bleeding a few days after taking misoprostol?

What if the bleeding has an odor?

Want to hear from others about their experiences?

• Read stories about their experiences: [INeedAnA] [Reddit]

• Watch videos of real stories.

after taking the pills

How to check if the abortion pills worked?

Do I need to see a doctor after using the pills?

What if I need to see a doctor?

What are some privacy tips?

What do I do in case of an emergency?

Need Supportive Providers?

• Use this search tool to find nearby post-abortion care. 🔍

The M+A Hotline may also be able to help someone find a trusted and caring post-abortion provider.

• Use this search tool to find nearby post-abortion care. 🔍

The M+A Hotline may also be able to help someone find a trusted and caring post-abortion provider.

• For someone with a regular doctor like an obgyn or primary care provider it’s ok to ask for follow up care for a miscarriage.

• We recommend against going to crisis pregnancy centers. Read more information here about what someone may expect if they find themselves at a crisis pregnancy center.

Need more help?

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To speak with a volunteer medical provider for information and support hotline hours are from 8 AM EST (5 AM PST) - 1 AM EST (10 PM PST). Calling and texting is only available in the United States. Someone will respond to your call or text within 1 hour.

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Disclaimer

This information is not legal or medical advice and does not substitute professional consultation. Links to external organizations are provided for informational purposes only.