--- title: Abortion Pill FAQs | Explore Options in a Safe Space description: The abortion pill is a non-surgical method of terminating a pregnancy. Learn more about the legality, limits, and efficacy of the abortion pill. --- [Skip to Content](https://pontiachope.org/abortion-pill-faqs#main-content) - [**Call:** (815) 842-2484](tel:%20+18158422484) - [Client Login](https://portal.ekyros.com/?t=EHotc) - [![Instagram](https://pontiachope.org/hubfs/Icons/Instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/hopecenterlivco) - [![Facebook](https://pontiachope.org/hubfs/Icons/Facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/pontiacHOPEpregnancycenter) [![dark logo](https://pontiachope.org/hubfs/dark%20logo.svg)](https://pontiachope.org?hsLang=en) - [Home](https://pontiachope.org) - Show submenu for Services Services - [Text with Our Nurses](https://pontiachope.org/nurse-chat) - [Testing & Ultrasounds](https://pontiachope.org/free-pregnancy-testing-ultrasounds-pontiac) - [Planning for Abortion](https://pontiachope.org/abortion-info-pontiac-illinois) - [Taking the Abortion Pill](https://pontiachope.org/abortion-pill-pontiac) - [Parenting Services](https://pontiachope.org/prenatal-parenting-support) - [Fatherhood Support](https://pontiachope.org/for-men) - [Adoption Info](https://pontiachope.org/adoption-information) - [After-Abortion Recovery](https://pontiachope.org/after-abortion-recovery) - Show submenu for FAQs FAQs - [First Appointment Expectations?](https://pontiachope.org/what-to-expect) - [About Abortion](https://pontiachope.org/abortion-faqs) - [About the Abortion Pill](https://pontiachope.org/abortion-pill-faqs) - [About Pregnancy](https://pontiachope.org/pregnancy-faqs) - [About STIs](https://pontiachope.org/about-sti-stds) - [Helpful Advice](https://pontiachope.org/helpful-advice) - [Español](https://pontiachope.org/apoyo-embarazo) [Make Appointment](https://pontiachope.org/make-appointment?hsLang=en) [Home](https://pontiachope.org) Show submenu for Services Services [Text with Our Nurses](https://pontiachope.org/nurse-chat) [Testing & Ultrasounds](https://pontiachope.org/free-pregnancy-testing-ultrasounds-pontiac) [Planning for Abortion](https://pontiachope.org/abortion-info-pontiac-illinois) [Taking the Abortion Pill](https://pontiachope.org/abortion-pill-pontiac) [Parenting Services](https://pontiachope.org/prenatal-parenting-support) [Fatherhood Support](https://pontiachope.org/for-men) [Adoption Info](https://pontiachope.org/adoption-information) [After-Abortion Recovery](https://pontiachope.org/after-abortion-recovery) Show submenu for FAQs FAQs [First Appointment Expectations?](https://pontiachope.org/what-to-expect) [About Abortion](https://pontiachope.org/abortion-faqs) [About the Abortion Pill](https://pontiachope.org/abortion-pill-faqs) [About Pregnancy](https://pontiachope.org/pregnancy-faqs) [About STIs](https://pontiachope.org/about-sti-stds) [Helpful Advice](https://pontiachope.org/helpful-advice) [Español](https://pontiachope.org/apoyo-embarazo) [Make Appointment](https://pontiachope.org/make-appointment?hsLang=en) ###### Pregnant & Unsure? # Abortion Pill FAQs A chemical or medical abortion is a non-surgical method of terminating a pregnancy. Learn more about the legality, limits, and efficacy of the abortion pill. WHEN YOU NEED ANSWERS FAST #### Our Nurses Are Here To Help > Get free, real nurse support through text. Ask your questions or request an appointment at **[(815) 912-0212](sms:+18159120212)**[.](sms:+13169750069) ###### YOUR HEALTH COMES FIRST ## Before Making An Abortion Decision > **Confirm the Pregnancy** > Even if you’ve tested at home, a free lab-quality test can confirm your results with confidence. > **Check for Viability** > An ultrasound can show if the pregnancy is developing safely and rule out miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. > **Timing Matters** > The abortion pill is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks, and pills bought online may not be safe or regulated. - What Is The Abortion Pill? ### What Is The Abortion Pill? The abortion pill is a medication regimen, typically combining mifepristone and misoprostol, used to end a pregnancy. While it’s often portrayed as a simple option, it’s important to be aware of the potential physical and emotional risks that may not always be fully disclosed. Understanding the process and its effects is essential 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 A Medical Abortion Work? ### How Does A Medical Abortion 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. - When Can I Take The Abortion Pill? ### When Can I Take The Abortion Pill? 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. - Is The Abortion Pill Safe? ### Is The Abortion Pill Safe? 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. - Why Do I Need An Ultrasound Prior To An Abortion? ### Why Do I Need An Ultrasound Prior To An Abortion? An ultrasound is often 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 put a woman’s health at risk. An ultrasound provides a vital opportunity to share 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. - Can You Take The Abortion Pill While On Birth Control? ### Can You Take The Abortion Pill While On 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. - Does The Abortion Pill Affect Future Pregnancies? ### Does The Abortion Pill Affect Future Pregnancies? Most medical sources indicate that the abortion pill typically doesn’t affect future fertility. However, complications such as infection or uterine damage can pose risks if left untreated. Access to proper medical care is essential to protect long-term health and prevent unnecessary procedures. It’s important to know your options.   Citation: National Institutes of Health (NIH), "Medical Abortion and Future Fertility," 2017, noting rare but possible complications affecting fertility.   ![white logo](https://pontiachope.org/hubfs/white%20logo.svg) ###### Our Center - [Contact Us](https://pontiachope.org/contact) - [For Donors](https://impactpontiachope.org/) - [Volunteer](https://impactpontiachope.org/get-involved) ###### Here for You Hope Center does not offer or refer for pregnancy terminations or birth control. Information is provided as an educational service.  We understand that navigating your options can be scary and confusing. If you are looking for a safe and confidential place to talk, we are here for you.  ###### Visit Us: [202 N Main St.](https://g.co/kgs/w87rB6v) [Pontiac, IL 61764](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hope+Center+of+Livingston+County/@40.8796382,-88.6310837,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x880c6dfa041bb503:0x354935c4e2511af5!8m2!3d40.8796342!4d-88.6285088!16s%2Fg%2F1vppt2v_?entry=tts&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDgxOS4wIPu8ASoASAFQAw%3D%3D&skid=22312866-e3f0-4e9a-af36-6c93823f0c83) © 2026 Hope Center of Livingston County. All Rights Reserved. - [Privacy Policy](https://pontiachope.org/privacy-policy-hope-center) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://pontiachope.org/#organization", "@type" : "MedicalClinic", "additionalType" : "https://schema.org/NGO", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Pontiac", "addressRegion" : "IL", "postalCode" : "61764", "streetAddress" : "202 N Main St" }, "areaServed" : [ { "@type" : "City", "name" : "Pontiac" }, { "@type" : "City", "name" : "Fairbury" }, { "@type" : "AdministrativeArea", "name" : "Livingston County" }, { "@type" : "State", "name" : "Illinois" } ], "contactPoint" : [ { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "availableLanguage" : [ "English", "Spanish" ], "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "+1-815-842-2484" }, { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "availableLanguage" : "English", "contactOption" : "TollFree", "contactType" : "24/7 nurse text support", "hoursAvailable" : { "@type" : "OpeningHoursSpecification", "closes" : "23:59", "dayOfWeek" : [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday", "Saturday", "Sunday" ], "opens" : "00:00" }, "telephone" : "+1-815-912-0212" } ], "description" : "Hope Center of Livingston County is a free and confidential pregnancy center in Pontiac, Illinois offering pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, options information, prenatal and parenting support, fatherhood support, adoption information, after-abortion recovery, and 24/7 nurse text support. 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