How Effective Is the Abortion Pill?

Short answer — very effective! Medication abortion (mifepristone + misoprostol) is one of the safest and effective ways to end an early pregnancy — and people around the world use it every day.

illustration of two pills

What are the success rates of abortion by weeks?

Effectiveness depends a little on how far along the pregnancy is. Here’s what the research says:

  • Abortion Pills success rate at 6 weeks or earlier: 94–98%
    If someone is thinking about taking abortion pills very early — before 6 weeks — we have a full guide on what to expect.
    Learn more about taking the abortion pill before 6 weeks.

  • Abortion Pills success rate at 7 weeks: 94–98%

  • Abortion Pills success rate at 8–9 weeks: 94–96%

  • Abortion Pills success rate at 9–10 weeks: 91–93%
    • With one extra dose of misoprostol: ~99%
  • Abortion Pills success rate at 10–11 weeks: ~87%
    • With an extra dose of misoprostol: ~98%

In general, mifepristone + misoprostol is slightly more effective than misoprostol alone.

People all across the world have abortions with pills at home after 12 weeks. Studies show taking abortion pills after 12 weeks can be medically safe and effective. After 12 weeks, an abortion with pills can take longer, requires multiple doses of misoprostol, and ends with pregnancy tissue that is more developed (usually a fetus + placenta). Learn more here.

How successful is the abortion with misoprostol only?

Misoprostol-only regimens are widely used around the world — especially where mifepristone isn’t available. The overall success rate: 85–95%, depending on gestational age and how many misoprostol someone takes.

What are the success rates for surgical (aspiration) abortion?

Aspiration abortion — also called suction abortion, surgical abortion, or in-clinic abortion — is the most common procedure in the first trimester. It works 98–99% of the time and is reliable at every gestational age where it’s offered. Serious complications are rare (less than 1%), making it one of the safest outpatient medical procedures.

What if the abortion pill didn’t work?

Most people have a complete abortion with medication alone. But if the pills don’t fully work, you still have safe, effective options.

  • Take additional misoprostol.
    If someone didn’t bleed, didn’t pass clots or tissue, or only had very light spotting, it may mean the pregnancy hasn’t passed yet. In that case, it’s okay to take another dose of misoprostol to complete the process.
  • Have an in-clinic surgical abortion.
    In states where abortion is restricted or banned, people can still sometimes receive aspiration care if the pregnancy is no longer viable or meets specific medical exceptions. What qualifies depends on the state and on individual circumstances. Learn more about your options here.

Both options are safe, common, and recommended by medical guidelines. You can read more about how to tell whether the abortion worked here.

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