Misoprostol-Only Medical Abortion: Protocols and Considerations

A medication abortion can be performed with mifepristone and misoprostol in succession, or with misoprostol alone.

This page provides information about the use of misoprostol alone for an abortion with pills.

If you can access mifepristone, please see this guide.

MISOPROSTOL ALONE

How the Abortion Pill Misoprostol Works to End a Pregnancy

Misoprostol works by softening and opening the cervix. It also makes the uterus contract, which causes cramping and bleeding. This helps push out the pregnancy. When used correctly, misoprostol can successfully terminate a pregnancy below 13 weeks around 85 – 93% of the time. It is safe, easy to use at home, and widely available.

Illustration of a woman in a floral dress holding pills with a speech bubble containing question marks and pills.

Misoprostol is used differently from other medicines and can be taken in various ways for an abortion, all of which, according to medical evidence, are equally effective. The main routes of administration for misoprostol are:

sublingual (under the tongue);
buccal (between the gum and cheek); and
vaginal (in the vagina as far as they can go).

The guidelines on this page will show you how to use misoprostol sublingually.

Our team recommends this way because:

the instructions are easy to follow;
it leaves no visible trace; and
it can't be detected in the body.

If you'd feel more comfortable using another method, please contact our counseling team for instructions or take a look at our frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions on Abortion with Misoprostol Alone

Misoprostol usually starts working within 4 to 6 hours after taking it, causing cramping and vaginal bleeding as the pregnancy is expelled. However, the timing can vary; some people may feel the effects sooner, while others may take up to 6 hours or more. Take into account that:

cramping and bleeding are signs that the medication is working;

if you don’t experience bleeding within 24 hours, the treatment may not have worked, and you may need a second dose; and

symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, fever, or chills are common and usually go away within a few hours.

If you are unsure whether the abortion was successful, you can either give the treatment a second chance or contact us for further support and an assessment.

Stay Informed with safe2choose

Stay updated with the latest developments, news, and information with safe2choose. From advancements in reproductive health to important announcements and stories from our community, our Articles Page keeps you informed and engaged with the most current information.

Countries, laws and news

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Explore the considerations for deciding when it's safe and emotionally comfortable to have sex after an abortion. Learn more here.

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Abortion with pills

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Get comprehensive guidance on how to properly administer Misoprostol and what to expect during the process. Ensure a safe experience.

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TESTIMONIALS

Real Stories from Our Community

Discover the heartfelt stories and experiences of individuals who have trusted safe2choose. These testimonials reflect the support and guidance we provide, showcasing the impact of our services.

Illustration of two women talking: one, a safe2choose counselor, with curly hair in teal floral dress, the other with long black hair in yellow floral dress sharing real stories from the community

“

Even though I was still very apprehensive, I decided to trust them and share my despair. To my surprise, I was warmly welcomed by the counselors and received all the guidance I needed.

I reached out here because I was desperate and didn’t know who to turn to. I had been searching on Google and found this wonderful team. Even though I was still very apprehensive, I decided to trust them and share my despair. To my surprise, I was warmly welcomed by the counselors and received all the guidance I needed. I was quickly referred to the appropriate place, where I was also treated with great care, and I was able to have my abortion in about a week. It was a very positive experience, with kind support and without judgment.

“

I don’t feel ready to have another baby. They inserted a copper IUD incorrectly, and I got pregnant.

I decided to have an abortion because I don’t feel ready to have another baby. They inserted a copper IUD incorrectly, and I got pregnant. My baby was born six months ago, I had postpartum depression, and it’s still hard to feel like I’m doing things right. I don’t think a new baby deserves all the stress from work, a small child, and a complicated relationship. The baby’s father didn’t want the pregnancy either.
After the abortion, I felt very guilty. I’m still sad about what happened because I tried to take care of myself and this still happened. I didn’t know what to do or where to go because abortion is illegal in my country. I found this page, and they helped me a lot and gave me contacts to make this a safe process, especially because I had the IUD and that complicated things.
If you’re in a similar situation, the best thing is to talk about it and cry as much as you need to let the grief out. I don’t think this is easy for anyone, especially if you’re a first-time mom.
Also, it’s better to be well informed about contraceptive methods and their side effects... I learned that you have to visit several doctors to get different opinions and inform yourself better. The copper IUD was inserted at my public health provider very soon after my C-section and didn’t protect me for even six months, and it caused this situation that I will never forget.

“

In a country where choice is denied, discovering support reaffirmed the belief in personal freedom.

It was amazing to know that even in a country where we are told we have no choice, there are people out there that still believe in a persons right to choose what to do with their life. Keep up the great work!

“

I am very grateful to them. Be sure that they will take good care of you, no matter where you are. You are the one to decide, but you will never be alone.

Fear was the first feeling I had when I found out I was pregnant. But after I contacted safe2choose, they made me feel safe and confident that they would guide me through the process. The process was very private and easy, and the counselors truly gave me the attention I needed. I am very grateful to them. Be sure that they will take good care of you, no matter where you are. You are the one to decide, but you will never be alone.

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Contact and Support

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By the safe2choose team and supporting experts at carafem, based on the 2022 Abortion Care Guideline by the WHO, the 2023 Clinical Updates in Reproductive Health by Ipas, and the 2024 Clinical Policy Guidelines for Abortion Care by NAF.

safe2choose is supported by a Medical Advisory Board formed by leading experts in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

carafem provides convenient and professional abortion care and family planning so people can control the number and spacing of their children.

Ipas is an international organization focused on expanding access to safe abortion and contraceptive care.

WHO – the World Health Organization – is a specialized United Nations agency responsible for international public health.

NAF – the National Abortion Federation – is a professional association in the USA supporting safe, evidence-based abortion care and reproductive rights.

Misoprostol-Only Medical Abortion: Protocols and Considerations

How the Abortion Pill Misoprostol Works to End a Pregnancy

Frequently Asked Questions on Abortion with Misoprostol Alone