How Much Do You Really Know About the Abortion Pill (aka Mifepristone)?

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. For medical guidance, please consult a qualified health care provider.

⚡️ TL;DR (too long, didn’t read)

Maybe you’ve heard the name mifepristone—a type of abortion pill— floating around in headlines and social media. But how much of what you’ve heard is fact vs. fiction?

Want to help protect access to medication abortion? Sign the petition now: 

👓 First, What Is Mifepristone?

Mifepristone is a pill that is commonly used in abortion care as well as miscarriage management.

Mifepristone is commonly used with another medication called misoprostol. These medications are taken in sequences as directed by a health care provider or label instructions, often within 24-48 hours of each other.

🔎 Mifepristone Is Also a Critical Tool for Miscarriage Care

When someone is experiencing a miscarriage, mifepristone can be critical for avoiding complications and ensuring the pregnant person’s wellbeing.

It can even be life-saving in some cases.

💚 So How Safe Is Mifepristone?

Extremely. We’re talking about a 99% safety record—safer than Tylenol or Viagra. Mifepristone has been used by 7.5 million people and has been FDA-approved for over two decades.

Why Do People Choose Medication Abortion?

Medication abortion puts power and privacy in the hands of the patient. Many prefer to manage their abortion at home, on their own time, supported by loved ones or virtually by a provider.

People also choose medication abortion because:

• It can be more affordable
• It’s often accessible by mail after a telehealth consult
• It can be more flexible than an office visit
• It offers more reproductive freedom to choose what works for them

For folks living in rural areas or reproductive health deserts, this kind of care can be a lifeline.

How Effective Is Medication Abortion?

Mifepristone + misoprostol is up to 98% effective when used early in pregnancy.

It’s the most common method of abortion in the U.S. today—accounting for 63% of all abortion care in 2023.

What Happens If Mifepristone Is Restricted?

Trump, Republican lawmakers, and anti-abortion extremist groups continue to threaten mifepristone, despite the fact that the majority of Americans support legal and accessible abortion care.

Banning mifepristone doesn’t end abortion—it just adds unnecessary barriers and restrictions to the care that people may want or need.

💡Resources for Abortion Care

🤓 Test Your Knowledge, Spread the Word

Medication abortion, including mifepristone, creates opportunity for affordability, access, and comfort.

The bottom line is that people deserve the freedom to make their own decisions about their lives and families which is why we will always advocate for access to abortion pills.

How much do you know about the abortion pill—really? Take our quiz and share with others to help combat disinformation.