A Guide To Safe Abortion Pills: Everything You Need To Know
Abortion pills are medicines meant to safely end an early pregnancy. They have been approved by World Health Organization (WHO) and have been used by millions of women around the globe. In South Africa, abortion using pills is allowed by law under the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act. This law says a woman can choose to have an abortion for any reason if she is less than 13 weeks pregnant. In most cases, abortion pills are used, and no surgery is needed.
On this webpage, you will learn what safe abortion pills are, how they work, what to expect after taking them, and where you can safely get them in South Africa.
Key Points
- Abortion pills are medicines used to safely end an early pregnancy.
- The two main medicines are mifepristone and misoprostol.
- They are up to 98% effective for pregnancies under 12 weeks.
- Common side effects include nausea, cramping, bleeding.
- They are not suitable for women with ectopic pregnancies.
- Abortion costs vary depending on gestational period.
What Are Abortion Pills?
Abortion pills are a combination of 2 FDA approved tablets:- Mifepristone and Misoprostol. These pills are generally available for terminating earlier pregnancies upto 12 weeks. Although each abortion provider will have their own rules about how far along in pregnancy they’ll offer it.
- Mifepristone: This is the first pill usually taken at the doctor’s office and it is meant to block the hormone progesterone, which is needed for a pregnancy to continue. Without progesterone, the pregnancy can not grow. “Most women experience nothing after swallowing it.”
- Misoprostol: This second tablet is meant to complete the abortion and usually taken 24 – 48 hours later. It causes the uterus to contract and push out the pregnancy. Side effects associated with the abortion pills might include, diarrhea, cramping and bleeding.
One major advantage of using safe abortion pills is that the abortion can be done privately at home, under the guidance of trained healthcare providers via WhatsApp.
Are Abortion Pills like Plan B?
No. Abortion pills and Plan B are different. The morning-after pill prevents pregnancy before it starts, while abortion pills end a pregnancy that has already begun.
How Do Abortion Pills Work?
Step 1: Mifepristone:- It stops the hormone which the pregnancy needs to continue. Without progesterone the pregnancy can not grow. Most women feel fine after taking this pill.
Step 2: Mifepristone:– 24 hours later, misoprostol is taken. It makes the uterus contract and push out the pregnancy tissue. You may feel cramping and start bleeding, which is a normal of the process.
Learn more about how abortion pills work in our detailed guide, or watch the video to see the visual process.
Who Is Eligible to Use Abortion Pills in South Africa?
Any woman in South Africa can use abortion pills, if she is up to 12 weeks pregnant. Safe abortion pills can be obtained from public hospitals, private abortion clinics, or through approved telemedicine platforms.
Key Eligibility Criteria
Choice and Consent: Under South Africa’s Choice on Termination Act, it is a woman’s decision (“her body, her choice”), and no consent other than hers is required, even for minors. Healthcare providers may advise a minor to consult a parent or guardian, but abortion services cannot be denied if she chooses not to do so.
Weeks of Pregnancy: Under South African law, abortion pills are typically used for pregnancies up to 12 weeks. If a pregnancy is further along (up to 20 weeks), a surgical abortion is usually required and must be provided by a qualified healthcare professional.
How Effective Are Abortion Pills?
Abortion pills are very effective at ending an early pregnancy when taken correctly with about 95% success using the standard two‑medicine treatment (mifepristone followed by misoprostol).
Effectiveness by Gestational Age:
- At 8 weeks pregnant or less, it works about 94–98% of the time.
- At 8–9 weeks pregnant, it works about 94–96% of the time.
- At 9–10 weeks pregnant, it works about 91–93% of the time.
Combination vs Misoprostol Alone
The highest success rates are always seen when mifepristone and misoprostol are used together. Some providers may use misoprostol alone in certain situations, but this method is less effective than the combined treatment. Misoprostol alone can still work, but the chance of needing another dose of abortion tablets is higher.
What Can I Expect after I Take the Abortion Pills?
After taking abortion pills, most women experience side effects that show the medicine is working. Each person’s experience is different, and these can vary from one person to another.
- Cramping in the lower abdomen
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Mild fever or chills
Timeline of What Happens
- Within a few minutes after taking misoprostol, cramping usually starts.
- Bleeding and passing clots similar to a miscarriage after a few hours.
Normal vs Warning Signs
Most side effects are mild and go away on their own. However, you must contact a healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
- Very heavy bleeding (soaking more than 2 pads per hour)
- Severe abdominal pain that doesn’t improve with pain relief
- Fever over 38°C lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling discharge
How long will I bleed after taking abortion pills?
Heavier bleeding can last for one to two days. It typically lessens over two to three weeks. You may need to wear sanitary pads until the bleeding stops. They help reduce the risk of infection and to allow for the accurate monitoring of bleeding
Aftercare & Recovery
Caring for yourself after an abortion is very important. By being gentle with yourself and giving your body time to rest and recover, you help it heal properly and reduce discomfort. Simple steps, such as maintaining good hygiene, eating well, staying hydrated, and following medical advice, can make recovery smoother and more comfortable.
The time it takes to physically recover varies from person to person, but most people start feeling normal again within a few days. A follow-up appointment may not be required if bleeding has stopped and you no longer feel pregnant. You can read our abortion recovery guide for practical aftercare tips, emotional support, and advice on when to contact a healthcare provider.
Emotional Recovery
Recovery is not only physical. some women experience a variety of feelings, relief, worry, grief, sadness, guilt, or anxiety. These feelings are common and may be strong due to the hormonal changes that occur after an abortion. Studies on emotional responses after abortion, show that experiencing mixed emotions is common and does not indicate a mental health problem.
- It can be helpful to discuss these emotions with your partner, parents or with a mental health professional.
When is it safe to have sex after an abortion?
You can have sex after an abortion when bleeding stops and you feel ready, often after 2–3 weeks, to reduce the risk of infection.
How Much Do Safe Abortion Pills Cost?
Abortion pill services are supposed to be free in South Africa. However, there are a lot of obstacles that prevent women from using this service. These include the inability of all public health facilities to offer abortion services (one report states that only 7% of government facilities offer abortion services), a shortage of physicians qualified to perform surgical abortions, the stigma and fear surrounding an unintended pregnancy, and the attitudes of healthcare professionals.
As a result, many women choose private abortion providers and have to pay for safe abortion pills, so the costs vary per abortion pill provider. The cost of safe abortion pills in South-Africa will depend on how many weeks the pregnancy is, the abortion clinic you contacted and the package you choose. For instance at Carlton women’s clinic, we offer:-
Standard Package – From R599.
Includes consultation, abortion medication plus womb cleaning tablets.Telehealth Package – From R700.
Includes everything in the standard package including delivery.
Across South Africa, abortion pill costs can range between R800 and R1500 depending on the provider. However our clinic keeps prices affordable, starting from just R599, while ensuring safe and professional care.
Where to Get Safe Abortion Pills Near You
Medically approved safe abortion pills can be obtained from public hospitals, licensed private clinics such as Carlton Women’s Clinic Johannesburg or through approved telehealth providers. Although abortion pill services are meant to be free at public sector facilities, only a small percentage of health facilities provide abortion services.
- A report found that fewer than 7 % of the country’s roughly 3,880 public health facilities offer abortions, showing that many women cannot access abortion care at public facilities despite the legal entitlement.
🛑 It is important to avoid buying abortion pills from unverified sources or street vendors. These may sell you fake medicine or even expired abortion pills, which can lead to an incomplete abortions, serious health complications, or even death. To learn more, see our guide on how to find legal abortion pill providers near you. ↗
Abortion Pills vs Other Methods
When it comes to abortion methods, there is also a surgical abortion, an in-clinic based alternative to abortion pills. A surgical abortion, is a procedure used to safely remove the pregnancy from the uterus using a gentle suction often done at the abortion clinic.
Surgical abortions are commonly recommended when the pregnancy is further along over 12 weeks, if abortion pills did not work fully (incomplete abortion), or if there are medical reasons such as a fallopian tube pregnancy (ectopic pregnancy).
If you are unsure which option applies to you, a licensed abortion clinic or telehealth provider can assess your pregnancy stage and medical history and advise on the safest method.
Abortion Pills or Surgery?
If you’re early in pregnancy, you may choose between a medication abortion or an in-clinic procedure. Cutoff times vary by provider. Both are safe, legal, and effective. Here’s what to consider when deciding.
Conclusion
Whether you choose abortion pills or a surgical procedure, both options are safe and effective when provided or guided by a qualified healthcare provider. Understanding your options helps you make an informed decision that is right for you. If you need more information or confidential support, explore our detailed guides on safe abortion pills or WhatsApp Carlton women’s clinic Johannesburg for confidential assistance.
More Useful Content
Terminating a pregnancy with abortion pills is safe and straightforward when you have accurate information. The articles below cover costs, possible side effects, and how to find trusted providers, helping you explore key topics in more detail and make informed decisions with confidence.
Abortion Pill Side Effects
Understand common side effects, what is normal, and when to seek medical help.
Find Abortion Pill Providers
Learn how to identify licensed abortion pill clinics and safe telemedicine providers.
Dr. Nelisiwe Mbele, with the
Carlton Women’s Clinic
Team
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- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Abortion Care Guideline. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240039483
- National Department of Health South Africa. (2021). Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Termination-Pregnancy-Guideline_Final_2021.pdf
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (n.d.). Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
- Yashoda Hospitals. (n.d.). Misoprostol – Uses and Safety. Retrieved from https://www.yashodahospitals.com/medicine-faqs/misoprostol/
- PMC. (n.d.). Consent and Abortion Care in South Africa. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8378188/
- PubMed. (2020). Efficacy of Mifepristone–Misoprostol Regimens. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32912726/
- UCSF Health. (n.d.). Coping With Nausea and Discomfort. Retrieved from https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/coping-with-common-discomforts-of-pregnancy
- 132 Healthwise. (n.d.). Difference Between Pregnancy Termination and Miscarriage. Retrieved from https://www.132healthwise.com/difference-between-pregnancy-termination-and-miscarriage.php
- Healthline. (n.d.). Emotional Health After Abortion. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/post-abortion-syndrome
- Southern Africa Litigation Centre. (2020). Access to Abortion Services in South Africa. Retrieved from https://srjc.org.za/2020/08/20/do-we-need-the-law-to-provide-for-a-regular-clinical-medical-procedure-such-as-abortion/
- Amnesty International. (2018). Barriers to Safe Abortion Access in South Africa. Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/AFR5389802018ENGLISH.pdf
Non-surgical abortion using pills such as Mifepristone and Misoprostol.
First pill in a medical abortion that blocks progesterone to end pregnancy.
Pill that causes uterine contractions to expel pregnancy tissue after Mifepristone.
Number of weeks of pregnancy used to determine safe abortion methods.
Abortion services provided remotely via online or phone consultations.
When pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after an abortion requiring follow-up.
Patient’s understanding and agreement to the abortion procedure and its risks.
Pregnancy outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube, potentially life-threatening.
Abortion performed via a minor surgical procedure to remove pregnancy tissue.
Muscle contractions of the uterus that help expel pregnancy tissue during abortion.
Hormone necessary to maintain pregnancy, blocked by Mifepristone in medical abortion.
Follow-up support including medical check-ups, emotional care, and recovery guidance.