Is At-Home Abortion Safe?

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you’ve likely heard the term “at-home abortion”. You may be wondering how it works, what your options are, and if it’s the right choice for you.

It’s crucial to get all the facts so you can make a fully informed decision. In this blog, we’ll explore at-home abortions—including how they work, if they’re safe, and Pennsylvania’s laws. Keep reading to learn more.

What is At-Home Abortion?

An at-home abortion (also known as medication abortion or the abortion pill) involves taking two medications—mifepristone and misoprostol—to end a pregnancy.

This method is approved by the FDA for pregnancies up to 10 weeks (70 days from the first day of your last menstrual period). Here’s how it works:

1. Mifepristone: Taken first, usually at a clinic or via telehealth with a licensed provider, mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone necessary for pregnancy to continue. This stops the embryo or fetus from developing.
2. Misoprostol: Taken at home 24–48 hours later, misoprostol causes the uterus to contract, expelling the pregnancy. This process involves cramping and bleeding which typically lasts 9-16 days.

Are At-Home Abortions Legal in PA?

Currently, abortion is legal in Pennsylvania through the 23rd week of pregnancy. Exceptions can be made if the health of the pregnant woman is in danger. However, the FDA has only approved the abortion pill up to  10 weeks of pregnancy (or 70 days since the first day of your last menstrual period).[1] After this time, the abortion pill is less effective and the risk of serious side effects increases.

Before an at-home abortion, consider receiving a free ultrasound at Morning Star Clinics to determine how far along you are. If your ultrasound determines that you’re too far along for the abortion pill or if you have questions about at-home abortion, our licensed medical professionals  will help you explore all of your pregnancy options and answer your questions so you can make the best choice for your health and future.

Is At-Home Abortion Safe?

At-home abortions are not without risk. After taking the abortion pill, you can expect to  experience symptoms which may include:

• Cramping and abdominal pain.
• Moderate to heavy bleeding, which may last several hours or days.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or mild fever, typically resolving within 24 hours.

While rare, serious complications can occur, including:

• Hemorrhaging. It’s normal to bleed for a while after taking the abortion pill. However, if you soak through two full-size sanitary pads per hour, for two or more hours, you could be hemorrhaging.[2]
• Anaphylactic Shock. You could go into anaphylactic shock if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in misoprostol.[3]
• Incomplete abortion. Incomplete abortions occur when some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after misoprostol has been taken. You may need emergency surgery to remove the remaining tissue and prevent an infection.[4]
• Infection. If you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever for more than 24 hours after taking the second medication, an infection may have developed. You may need antibiotics or even surgery to treat your condition.[5]

If you experience serious complications after an at-home abortion, seek medical attention immediately.

Are Herbal Abortions Safe?

You may have come across social media posts suggesting herbal remedies for inducing abortion. However, herbal abortions are not safe or reliable. There is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of herbs in ending a pregnancy.

In fact, some studies have linked herbal abortion attempts to severe health risks, including organ failure and death.[6] Medical professionals strongly advise against using herbal remedies for abortion due to their unpredictability and potential toxicity.

Considering At-Home Abortion? Get the Facts at Morning Star Clinics.

We get it—an unplanned pregnancy can leave you feeling overwhelmed. At Morning Star, it’s our mission to help you protect your health and make a safe, informed decision.

We provide abortion information, free pregnancy services, and a nonjudgmental space to explore your options and process your emotions.

Give us a call at 717-901-2799 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge.

Please be aware that Morning Star Clinics does not provide or refer for abortion services.

Sources

1. FDA. (2025, February 11). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex  
2. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2016, May 16). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html 
3. Shin, Hyun Joo, et al. “Anaphylactic Shock to Vaginal Misoprostol: A Rare Adverse Reaction to a Frequently Used Drug.” PubMed Central (PMC), 9 Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137020
4. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
5. See source #4.
6. Ciganda, C., & Laborde, A. (2003). Herbal infusions used for induced abortion. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12807304/