Possible injuries from a surgical abortion include:
- Very heavy bleeding
- Allergic reaction to medication
- Incomplete abortion requiring a second procedure
- Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Blood clots in the uterus
- Scarring of the inside of the uterus
- Injury to cervix, uterus, or other organs
- Sepsis or septic shock
- Uterine perforation
- Death
Possible complications from the abortion pill include:
- Infection
- Excessive pain
- Fever
- Prolonged or serious bleeding
- Reaction to medication
- Incomplete abortion requiring a surgical abortion procedure
The “abortion pill” or medication abortion consists of two different drugs: mifepristone (Mifeprex) and misoprostol. The use of misoprostol to terminate pregnancy is “off label,” meaning the FDA has not approved this drug for abortion.
The FDA has issued a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for the use of Mifeprex. This means:
- Mifeprex must be ordered, prescribed and dispensed by or under the supervision of a healthcare provider who prescribes and who meets certain qualifications;
- Healthcare providers who wish to prescribe Mifeprex must complete a Prescriber Agreement Form prior to ordering and dispensing Mifeprex;
- Mifeprex may only be dispensed in clinics, medical offices, and hospitals by or under the supervision of a certified healthcare provider;
- The healthcare provider must obtain a signed Patient Agreement Form before dispensing Mifeprex.