Frequently asked questions.

A medical abortion is an alternative to a surgical abortion for pregnancies up to 70 days gestation. It uses a medication kit called Mifegymiso and has two steps.

Step 1, Day 1: Mifepristone, one tablet from the green package, is taken by mouth at the clinic as directed by your doctor.

Step 2, Day 2: Four misoprostol tablets from the orange package are taken 24 to 48 hours later. Hold all four tablets between your cheek and gum for 30 minutes, then swallow any remaining medication with water. Choose a comfortable place where you can rest and, if possible, have a support person with you.

Bleeding, cramping, blood clots and pregnancy tissue are expected. This often begins within four hours, but it can begin anywhere from 30 minutes to 48 hours after taking misoprostol. Rest for three hours after taking the tablets. Bleeding can also begin after mifepristone and before misoprostol.

Bleeding can range from light to heavy. Heavy bleeding may last two to three days, and light bleeding can continue for 30 days or more. Cramping may be stronger than a typical period and should ease after the pregnancy passes, usually within 24 hours.

Side effects such as headache, breast tenderness, fainting, fatigue, hot flushes, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or dizziness usually do not last more than 24 hours.

Pain varies. Rest, a hot pack, gentle lower-abdominal massage and pain medication taken as directed by your doctor may help. Travel away from home during the 14-day treatment period is not recommended, so you can return to the clinic if needed.

Some patients choose a medical abortion because it is a non-invasive process that can be completed in the privacy and comfort of home.

There is no evidence that ending a pregnancy with Mifegymiso affects future fertility or other aspects of overall health.

Effectiveness varies with gestational age:

• At eight weeks or less: about 94% to 98%.
• At eight to nine weeks: about 94% to 96%.
• At nine to ten weeks: about 91% to 93%.

With an extra dose of medication, medical abortion is about 99% effective.

Your doctor will discuss the options with you based on your situation. These may include another dose of medication, surgical termination, or a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure.

A medical abortion starts a new menstrual cycle. Your period should return in four to eight weeks. A pregnancy test may remain positive for four to five weeks while pregnancy hormones decrease.

Fertility returns quickly, so use contraception if you have sex and do not want to become pregnant.

Bleeding varies from light to heavy, and it is normal to see blood clots and tissue. On average, bleeding lasts about 11 days. It may be heavy for two to three days, and light bleeding can continue for 30 days or more.

Contact the clinic if any of the following occurs:

• No bleeding within 24 hours of taking misoprostol.
• Heavy bleeding that soaks two or more maxi pads per hour for two hours in a row.
• Blood clots larger than a lemon.
• Severe pain or cramping that does not improve with medication.
• Chills and a fever of 38°C or higher.
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours.
• Fainting.
• Vaginal discharge with a foul smell.
• Pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue, morning sickness or breast tenderness more than two weeks after the medical abortion.

Many patients take it easy for one or two days before returning to their usual activities. Avoid intense exercise for at least one week because increased activity may cause more cramping and bleeding.

Breast tenderness and swelling can last up to two weeks. Avoid nipple stimulation to reduce breast discharge. Passing blood clots, especially when getting out of bed, is common. Most pregnancy symptoms begin to decrease within 24 hours, and nausea is usually gone by the third day.

Wait at least one week before returning to vaginal sexual activity.

You can begin a new birth control method immediately after a medical abortion because fertility returns quickly. The clinic will provide birth control counselling during your appointment.

Small amounts of misoprostol and mifepristone can pass into breast milk, but the clinic’s guidance says these amounts should not cause problems for an infant. If possible, pump before your appointment and bottle-feed.

No. You can call the clinic directly to book, or your family doctor can refer you.

Clients are scheduled for two appointments. At the first appointment, a doctor and nurse review your medical history, perform a physical examination, complete a blood draw and ultrasound, and begin the medical abortion process with mifepristone.

The second appointment confirms that the medical abortion was completed successfully. This follow-up is important and will be scheduled during your first visit.

The clinic understands that medical abortion is time-sensitive. Advance notice is not always required, and the team makes every effort to book promptly and accommodate same-day appointments when possible.

No. Parental or guardian consent is not required for a medical abortion.

Yes. The clinic accepts Guard.Me private insurance and the Interim Federal Health Program (IFH) for covered medical abortion care.

No information about your visit is disclosed without your written consent. Your visit is confidential.