Home remedies for abortion are not proven safe or effective. Some herbs, teas, supplements, or traditional methods may be ineffective, toxic, or can cause serious complications. Safer abortion options include evidence-based medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol, misoprostol-only abortion, or in-clinic abortion, depending on local laws, pregnancy duration, and medical eligibility.
When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, some people resort to home abortion. Self-managed abortions have grown popular over time, but it is worthy to note that they are only safe when undergoing medication approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, with limited access to abortion information or support, shifts in abortion laws across many countries, users have taken to social media to find out how to have abortions through different means, especially as concerns for abortion access have been on the rise. Different factors like cost, fear, restrictions, and little to no privacy have led people to search for home remedies for abortion.
For years, herbs like mugwort, pennyroyal, blue cohosh and garden parsley were recommended by users with modern herbal knowledge on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram to terminate pregnancies. Unfortunately, these videos garnered so many views and engagement that they went viral. Some creators suggested making tea with these herbs or taking them in liquid form to induce abortions. These substances are sometimes referred to as abortifacients or herbal emmenagogues.
However, medical experts warn that abortifacients are dangerous and no data exists to prove that they are safe and effective for abortion. If a miscarriage occurs while using recommended herbs, it might be as a result of a side effect on your body.
What are home remedies for abortion?
First, it’s important to know that no, home remedies for abortion are not proven safe or effective. Throughout history and across different cultures, plants and hubs have held a respected place in traditional medicine, including in attempts to end a pregnancy. However, traditional use is not the same as proven safety. Without standardized doses or quality controls, these methods carry real risks, and current scientific evidence does not support them as safe or effective ways to have an abortion.
Why are herbal abortion methods unsafe?
Different types of remedies exist and have been shared on social media as alternatives for a safe abortion. However, these home remedies may put the well-being of abortion seekers at risk. The reality is that there is also not enough scientific evidence to show that these plants and herbs work to cause an abortion, or are safe to use to end a pregnancy.
Common unsafe remedies promoted online
People look to home remedies when clinics feel out of reach: too expensive, too far away, too risky to be seen at, or simply not available where they live. The herbs and supplements below are among the most talked-about online, but none of them have been shown to safely or reliably end a pregnancy
PennyRoyal
One of the most commonly cited herbs is the pennyroyal, a sweet-smelling plant known for its insect repellent abilities. The oil from this plant is highly toxic and is not recommended by experts for internal use. It is popularly known for its toxic effects and tissue damage. There is no scientific evidence for the use of this herb to; induce menstruation, undergo an abortion and to relieve Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
Blue Cohosh
Also known as squaw root, blue cohosh is popular for its gynecological uses. It is mainly used to induce labor or abortions. However, none of the purported benefits of blue cohosh are scientifically proven. Due to this, some of the constituents of this herb, medical and herbal experts advise pregnant women to avoid it.
Parsley
This herb has some advantages for pregnant women, but overconsumption may lead to fatal complications and a miscarriage. Some constituents of this herb are questionable for pregnant women. It is unsafe and has not been clinically proven to induce safe abortions. There is no scientific data to back the use of parsley for a safe abortion.
Mugwort
This herb is used as an insect repellent, occasionally as an ingredient in alcohol, and as a treatment for some medical conditions. In its pure form, it is not considered to be highly toxic. When using it as an oil, it contains toxins that can be dangerous to the user. It was known to induce abortions back in the days, however, its traditional use does not mean safe or effective. There is currently no data to support this and experts advise pregnant women to avoid resorting to its use for abortion.
Vitamin C
It is noteworthy that even vitamins and supplements can be unsafe if taken in excess. Some abortion methods that are not WHO-recommended may just be ineffective even if they do not cause any harm.
Vitamin C is one example. In everyday doses, it’s part of a normal diet and generally fine. The amounts sometimes pushed online for abortion are much higher, and at those levels vitamin C can cause real problems, and there is no reliable evidence that it can end a pregnancy at any dose.
Risks of unsafe abortion methods
Some people resort to unsafe abortions due to restraints such as inability to afford medical abortion pills, limited access to pharmacies or certified hospital, misinformation and lack of resources. These barriers mostly affect young women living in Global Majority countries, or in places where conflict has stripped away basic health services. Around 45% of all abortions are unsafe and 97% of them occur in developing countries.
In some cases, women resort to unsafe abortion due to the restrictions placed on it. Several countries ban abortion and make sure abortion pills aren’t readily available for use by the general populace. Banning abortion doesn’t stop abortions. It only increases unsafe abortions and leads to a high mortality rate among women.
Some risks associated with unsafe abortions are:
- Incomplete abortions
- Scarring
- Infection
- Hemorrhage
- Toxicity
- Death in some cases due to complications
Warning signs include:
- Excessive bleeding
- High fever
- Severe pain
- Allergic reactions
What is a safer option?
According to the WHO, 73 million induced abortions occur every year. 4.7-13.2% maternal deaths are attributed to unsafe abortions. Regardless of your location, there are several safe methods available to consider if you want to undergo an abortion. Avoid resorting to herbs that may have severe adverse effects on your body and can put your life in danger.
In-clinic abortions and abortion with pills, such as an abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol, or a misoprostol-only abortion are the recommended methods by the World Health Organization to safely terminate a pregnancy.
safe2choose provides information and resources on safe abortions that are free and accessible online. Everyone deserves access to abortion support and we are here to guide you during your journey.
When to seek urgent medical help
If you are experiencing very heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge, fainting, or feeling very unwell, it’s important to seek medical help. In case you undergo an abortion with a method that is not recommended by WHO and experience complications, seek medical attention immediately. You can get in contact with the safe2choose counselors' support.
