--- 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://tpcofdillon.org/abortion-pill-faqs#main-content) - [Call | (843) 506-8710](tel:+18435068710) - [Text | (843) 536-0002](sms:+18435360002) [![Dillon County Logo](https://tpcofdillon.org/hubfs/Dillon%20County%20Logo.svg)](https://tpcofdillon.org?hsLang=en) - Show submenu for Services Services - [Testing & Ultrasounds](https://tpcofdillon.org/free-pregnancy-testing-ultrasounds) - [Considering Abortion](https://tpcofdillon.org/abortion) - [Parenting Support Services](https://tpcofdillon.org/prenatal-parenting-support) - [For Guys](https://tpcofdillon.org/for-guys) - [After-Abortion Care](https://tpcofdillon.org/after-abortion-care) - Show submenu for FAQs FAQs - [First Appointment Expectations?](https://tpcofdillon.org/what-to-expect) - [About Abortion](https://tpcofdillon.org/abortion-faqs) - [About the Abortion Pill](https://tpcofdillon.org/abortion-pill-faqs) - [About Pregnancy](https://tpcofdillon.org/pregnancy-faqs) - [About STIs](https://tpcofdillon.org/pregnancy-faqs) - [Helpful Advice](https://tpcofdillon.org/helpful-advice) [Make Appointment](https://tpcofdillon.org/make-appointment?hsLang=en) Show submenu for Services Services Show submenu for FAQs FAQs [Helpful Advice](https://tpcofdillon.org/helpful-advice) [Make Appointment](https://tpcofdillon.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 Text your questions to our nurses 24/7 at [(843) 536-0002.](sms:+18435360002)It's free, and we answer in minutes! ###### 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 combination of medications, most commonly **mifepristone followed by misoprostol**, used to end an early pregnancy. The drugs are taken in sequence and work by blocking hormones needed to continue the pregnancy and triggering contractions that empty the uterus. Although it’s often described as a simple or private option, the experience can vary widely. Some people experience significant physical symptoms, and others report emotional effects that can be unexpected. Knowing how the process works and what the experience may involve can help set realistic expectations.   Source: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation - How Does A Medical Abortion Work? ### How Does A Medical Abortion Work? A medical abortion uses two medications taken in sequence. **The first, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for pregnancy to continue. The second, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.** This process typically takes place at home and is approved for use in early pregnancy, up to 10 weeks of gestation. Physical effects can range from bleeding and cramping to stronger reactions that vary from person to person. Some individuals also report emotional effects during or after the process. Because experiences differ, understanding how the medications work and what the process may involve—including the role of medical guidance—can help set clearer expectations.   Source: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation   - When Can I Take The Abortion Pill? ### When Can I Take The Abortion Pill? The abortion pill—using mifepristone and misoprostol—is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use**up to 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy**. **Pregnancy is typically dated from the first day of the last menstrual period, not from the date of conception. Because ovulation and conception usually** occur about two weeks after a period begins, this means pregnancy dating can feel further along than many people expect. Some providers may offer the medications beyond the FDA-approved timeframe, but effectiveness can decrease as pregnancy progresses, and the likelihood of side effects—such as heavier bleeding or incomplete abortion—may increase. Timing can also affect what type of follow-up care is recommended. Because pregnancy dating methods and provider practices can vary, medical guidance can help clarify how far along a pregnancy is and what options are available at that point. Source: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation - Is The Abortion Pill Safe? ### Is The Abortion Pill Safe? The abortion pill is often described as safe, and many people use it without serious complications. However, like any medical treatment, it carries risks that are important to understand. Reported complications include heavy or prolonged bleeding, infection, and incomplete abortion that may require additional medical treatment, including surgery. Some individuals also report emotional or psychological distress following the process. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), rare but serious adverse events—including deaths—have been reported in connection with mifepristone use since its approval. Safety can depend on factors such as how far along a pregnancy is, underlying health conditions, access to follow-up care, and whether complications are promptly treated. Access to accurate information and medical care plays an important role in managing these risks. Source: https://www.fda.gov/media/185245/download   - Why Do I Need An Ultrasound Prior To An Abortion? ### Why Do I Need An Ultrasound Prior To An Abortion? **An ultrasound is often used before an abortion**, including a medication abortion, to confirm important medical details. This can include verifying that the pregnancy is located in the uterus (and not ectopic), estimating how far along the pregnancy is, and**identifying factors that may affect care**. One key reason is to rule out an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. The abortion pill does not treat an ectopic pregnancy, and if it goes undetected, it can continue to grow and potentially rupture, leading to serious medical complications. By confirming pregnancy location and gestational age, an ultrasound helps reduce medical risk and guides appropriate next steps and follow-up care. - Can You Take The Abortion Pill While On Birth Control? ### Can You Take The Abortion Pill While On Birth Control? Yes. Hormonal birth control methods—such as the pill, patch, shot, implant, or IUD—do not interfere with how the abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) works. Being on birth control is not listed as a contraindication for using the abortion pill. If a pregnancy occurs while using birth control, a healthcare provider may review factors such as missed doses, medication interactions, device displacement, or typical-use effectiveness. This review can help clarify what happened and guide next steps, including when and how to restart contraception after the abortion process. As with any medical situation, individual circumstances can vary, so medical guidance can help address timing, follow-up care, and contraceptive planning.   Source: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/10/medication-abortion-up-to-70-days-of-gestation   - Does The Abortion Pill Affect Future Pregnancies? ### Does The Abortion Pill Affect Future Pregnancies? Most medical sources indicate that using the abortion pill does not typically affect future fertility. Many people go on to have healthy pregnancies after a medication abortion. In rare cases, complications such as infection or injury to the uterus can occur. If these complications are not identified and treated promptly, they may pose risks to future reproductive health. This is why access to appropriate follow-up care and medical support is an important part of the process. Because health histories and outcomes can vary, medical care can help address complications early and support long-term reproductive health.   Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551 - Is the Abortion Pill Legal in South Carolina? Right now, the abortion pill *can* be used in South Carolina, but access is very limited under state law, and things are changing fast. South Carolina bans most abortions after about **6 weeks of pregnancy**, often before many people even know they’re pregnant, and medication abortion is only available very early and under those restrictions. When options feel limited, ordering pills online might seem easier. Just know that medications sold online aren’t always regulated or verified, which can impact your health and safety. If you have questions or are unsure what to do about your pregnancy, send our nurses a text or request an appointment. We would love to talk through your pregnancy options with you.  ![white vertical logo](https://tpcofdillon.org/hubfs/white%20vertical%20logo.svg)   ###### Quick Links ![footer divider](https://tpcofdillon.org/hubfs/footer%20divider.svg) - [Contact Us](https://tpcofdillon.org/contact) - [For Donors](https://dilloncircleofhope.com) - [Make Appointment](https://tpcofdillon.org/make-appointment) ###### Here For You ![footer divider](https://tpcofdillon.org/hubfs/footer%20divider.svg) The Pregnancy Center of Dillon County does not offer or refer for pregnancy terminations or birth control. Information is provided as an educational service. ---   [300 N 4th Ave, Dillon, SC 29536](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Pregnancy+Center+of+Dillon+County/@34.4178912,-79.3709119,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89aacb4f1f7ab409:0x8b5428944812a11a!8m2!3d34.4178868!4d-79.368337!16s%2Fg%2F11h0c20nv5?entry=tts&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDgxOS4wIPu8ASoASAFQAw%3D%3D&skid=158f692b-466c-4114-84f0-940d42ceaa1c) © 2026 The Pregnancy Center of Dillon County. All Rights Reserved. - [Privacy Policy](https://tpcofdillon.org/privacy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://tpcofdillon.org", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://tpcofdillon.org/abortion-pill-faqs", "name" : "Abortion Pill FAQs", "position" : 2 } ] } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "about" : { "@type" : "NGO", "description" : "A nonprofit pregnancy center providing free pregnancy tests, abortion information, prenatal and parenting support, and community resources in Dillon, South Carolina.", "name" : "The Pregnancy Center of Dillon County", "url" : "https://tpcofdillon.org/" }, "description" : "Answers to common questions about the abortion pill, including how it works, safety, South Carolina law, and what to expect. Free, confidential support from The Pregnancy Center of Dillon County.", "inLanguage" : "en", "isPartOf" : { "@type" : "WebSite", "name" : "The Pregnancy Center of Dillon County", "url" : "https://tpcofdillon.org/" }, "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "The abortion pill combines medications, typically mifepristone followed by misoprostol, used to end early pregnancy. These drugs work by blocking hormones necessary for pregnancy continuation and triggering uterine contractions. Experiences vary widely among users, with some reporting significant physical symptoms and others noting unexpected emotional effects." }, "name" : "What Is The Abortion Pill?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Medical abortion uses two sequential medications. The first, mifepristone, blocks progesterone needed for pregnancy. The second, misoprostol, causes uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy. 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