The Abortion Pill — Are There Risks?
Adverse Effects & Risks
According to the FDA, major adverse events from medication abortions are rare, occurring in fewer than 0.5% of cases. However, serious complications can happen and may require hospitalization, blood transfusions, intravenous antibiotics, or surgery. The death risk is approximately 0.41 per 100,000 people, with risk increasing at higher gestational ages.
In North America, most abortion pill-related deaths stem from ectopic pregnancies or clostridial sepsis. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized embryo implants outside the uterus, typically in the Fallopian tube, potentially causing rupture and severe bleeding. The U.S. ectopic pregnancy rate is 1–2%. Without proper clinical evaluation including serial hormone testing or ultrasounds, diagnosis may be missed.
Since abortion pills can be prescribed based solely on menstrual history, patients with irregular cycles or inaccurate dates face risks of incomplete or failed abortion. Medical abortion carries a 5% failure rate overall. Incomplete termination can cause excessive bleeding requiring transfusion, uterine aspiration, or hysterectomy—potentially causing infertility. Incomplete abortions may also result in severe fetal abnormalities since Misoprostol is teratogenic.
Infection & Treatment
Infections are possible with medical abortions, particularly clostridial sepsis, which can be life-threatening. Treatment may require organ removal, including hysterectomy. Post-abortal endometritis (infection of retained pregnancy tissue) can also occur.
Despite FDA claims of extreme safety, an April 2025 study from The Ethics & Public Policy Center showed a 10.93% adverse event rate—affecting 1 in 10 women. In August 2025, attorneys general from 22 states urged federal health officials to reinstate abortion pill safeguards.
Learn More at Your Free Consultation
If you are considering using the abortion pill, it's important to speak with our medical team about the risks.
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Cali Choice is a licensed California Department of Public Health clinic offering counseling and pregnancy services but does not perform or refer for abortions.
