Abortion pills work through a two-medicine process that safely ends an early pregnancy (usually up to 9–12 weeks, depending on medical guidance).

1) MifepristoneThis pill is taken first. It blocks progesterone, the hormone needed to continue a pregnancy. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down and the pregnancy can no longer grow.

2) MisoprostolTaken 24–48 hours later, this medicine causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy, similar to a miscarriage. Cramping and bleeding are expected and mean the process is working.

What to expect

• Bleeding and cramps (often heavier than a period)

• Nausea, fever, chills, diarrhea (temporary side effects)

• The pregnancy tissue usually passes within a few hours to a few days

Important points

• The process is highly effective and widely used worldwide

• A follow-up (symptoms check or pregnancy test after a few weeks) confirms it worked

• Medical help is needed if there is very heavy bleeding, severe pain, high fever, or foul-smelling discharge

When used correctly with proper guidance, abortion pills are a safe, non-surgical option for early pregnancy termination.