The Abortion Pill

Abortion Pill Defined

The abortion pill refers to a medical method, typically a regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol, used to end a pregnancy. It’s often presented as a simple solution, but there are potential risks—both physical and emotional—that are not always fully disclosed to women. Understanding what it entails is crucial for making an informed decision.

Citation: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 'Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information,' updated 2023, detailing the regimen and approved use.

How does the abortion pill work?

The abortion pill process involves two drugs: mifepristone, which blocks progesterone (a hormone needed to sustain pregnancy), and misoprostol, which causes uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy. This usually happens at home and is approved for early pregnancy, up to 10 weeks gestation. The potential for complications and emotional impact is often downplayed in discussions about this method. It's important to know your options and seek medical supervision.

Citation: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 'Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information,' updated 2023, detailing the mechanism and approved use.

Is the abortion pill legal in Iowa?

As of March 2025, the abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) remains legal in Iowa but is heavily restricted. Iowa’s “fetal heartbeat” law, effective since July 29, 2024, bans most abortions after cardiac activity is detected—around 6 weeks of pregnancy—except in cases of rape, incest, fetal abnormalities, or danger to the mother’s life. The abortion pill can only be used before this point, and even then, state laws require in-person administration and a 24-hour waiting period after an ultrasound. New legislative efforts in 2025 aim to ban the pill entirely, reflecting the risks it poses. Learn more about your options by talking to a medical professional.

Citation: Iowa Code § 146E, "Fetal Heartbeat Abortion Restrictions," effective July 29, 2024, outlining current abortion limits including medication abortion.

Abortion Pill Timing

The abortion pill, consisting of mifepristone and misoprostol, is approved by the FDA for use up to 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy, counting from the first day of your last menstrual period. Some providers may offer it slightly later, but its effectiveness decreases, and risks like incomplete abortion or heavier bleeding may increase after this point. Women may often feel pressured to act quickly without fully exploring safer, life-affirming options like support for parenting or adoption, which remain available at any stage of pregnancy.

Citation: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 'Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information,' updated 2023, specifying the approved use up to 70 days gestation.

Abortion Pill Safety

While some sources claim the abortion pill is safe, studies and reports have documented risks such as heavy bleeding, infection, incomplete abortion requiring surgery, and emotional distress. The FDA has reported rare but serious complications, including fatalities, linked to its use. It's important to have full transparency about these risks and access to medical care.

Citation: FDA, 'Mifepristone U.S. Post-Marketing Adverse Events Summary through 12/31/2022,' noting 28 deaths and over 4,000 adverse events reported since approval.

Pre-Abortion pill Ultrasound

An ultrasound is often recommended or required before an abortion, including the abortion pill, to confirm the pregnancy’s location (ruling out an ectopic pregnancy), determine gestational age, and ensure the pregnancy is viable. Without this, using the abortion pill could miss a dangerous ectopic pregnancy, which won’t be ended by the pills and could rupture, risking severe complications or death. Skipping this step could endanger women’s health, and ultrasounds are a chance to offer life-saving information and support.

Citation: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), 'Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation,' 2020, noting ultrasound’s role in confirming intrauterine pregnancy and assessing risks.

Abortion Pill & Birth Control

Yes, technically you can take the abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) while using hormonal birth control like the pill, patch, or IUD, as birth control doesn’t directly interfere with the abortion process.

However, if you’re pregnant despite birth control, it’s worth investigating why it failed—possibly due to missed doses, interactions, or an undetected issue. Relying on both methods might signal deeper health or informational gaps, and it's important to know your options that protect both your physical and emotional well-being.

Citation: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 'Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information,' updated 2023, which does not list birth control as a contraindication for mifepristone use.

Abortion Pill & Fertility

Most medical sources say the abortion pill doesn’t typically impact future fertility, but complications like infection or uterine damage could pose risks if untreated. Ensuring that women have access to care that safeguards their long-term health and well-being is critical and can avoid unnecessary procedures.

Citation: National Institutes of Health (NIH), 'Medical Abortion and Future Fertility,' 2017, noting rare but possible complications affecting fertility.