With a medical abortion (abortion pill), you will experience cramping and heavy bleeding that can last from 4 - 12 hours, sometimes longer. This can be more or less intense depending on many factors, such as how far along the you are. Some women describe the pain as being similar to intense period cramps while others compare it to early labor contractions. With the surgical procedure, you will be given a sedative to reduce anxiety as well as a local anesthetic administered to the cervix. You may still feel some discomfort, pressure, and pain.

Cleveland Clinic. (2024, January 16). Medical abortion. My Cleveland Clinic Health Library. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion

Pietrangelo, A. (2025, July 10). Do medication or procedural abortions hurt? What to expect with the pill or procedure. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/do-abortions-hurt

It is possible for the fetus/embryo to feel pain during the abortion. Pain receptors begin developing at 4 weeks. The embryo/fetus is growing rapidly between 1 and 20 weeks which allows response to touch and sensation. At 8 weeks they respond to touch by reflex and by 20 weeks, all of the physiological connections are in place for the fetus to feel pain. New research has come to light that suggests a type of pain or discomfort could likely be felt from 12 weeks on.

Derbyshire SW, Bockmann JC. Reconsidering fetal pain. Journal of Medical Ethics 2020;46:3-6.

Thill B. Fetal Pain in the First Trimester. The Linacre Quarterly. December 2021. doi:10.1177/00243639211059245

The morning-after pill is a method used to prevent pregnancy. It may cause a very early abortion if fertilization has already occurred. The most common morning-after pill is known as Plan B. It must be taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex. There are side effects and risks with the morning-after pill, (see below).

The abortion pill is a method used to terminate an early pregnancy. The two abortion pills typically used are Mifepristone and Misoprostol. It must be taken within 70 days of the start of your last menstrual period. There are side effects and risks with the abortion pill, see (abortion page)

Plan B (levonorgestrel: oral tablet) side effects:

• Very common (10% or more):
  Irregular menstrual bleeding (67%), ovarian cyst (31.2%), vulvovaginitis (20.2%), amenorrhea (18.4%), (13.8%), vaginal infections (13.6%), (11.9%), breast tenderness (10.7%), nausea (up to 23.1%), abdominal/pelvic pain (up to 22.6%), fatigue (16.9%), headache (up to 16.8%), dizziness (11.2%), acne/seborrhea (15%)

• Common (1% to 10%):
  Dysmenorrhea, breast pain/discomfort, upper genital tract infection, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometritis, dyspareunia, diarrhea, vomiting, partial/complete IUD expulsion, weight increased, migraine, depression, mood changes, mood swings, decreased libido, nervousness, alopecia, hirsutism, back pain

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%):
  Uterine spasm, cervicitis, edema, change in body weight, pruritus, eczema, pigmentation changes/hyperpigmentation

• Rare (less than 0.1%):
  Uterine perforation, rash, urticaria

• Very rare (less than 0.01%):
  Face edema

• Frequency not reported:
  Breast enlargement, vaginal candidiasis, changes in cervical erosion, ectopic pregnancy, sepsis, chloasma, melasma, contact lens intolerance, benign/malignant liver tumors, diabetes mellitus, allergic reaction

• Post marketing reports:
  Oligomenorrhea, stroke, syncope, vasovagal reaction or seizure, angioedema, increased blood pressure, , pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, breast cancer

Drugs.com. (2025, December 31). Plan B One-Step side effects: Common, severe, long term (levonorgestrel). Retrieved January 29, 2026, from https://www.drugs.com/sfx/plan-b-one-step-side-effects.htm

Medication Abortion

Day 1 – Mifepristone

• Taken orally

• Usually causes little or no bleeding

• Some people have mild cramping or spotting

24–48 hours later – Misoprostol

• Cramping and bleeding usually start 1–4 hours after taking the second pill

• The fetus is most often passed within 4–12 hours

• For some, it can take up to 24 hours

• note that the majority of this time will be spent bleeding heavily with intense cramps

Afterward

• Bleeding and spotting can continue for 1–2 weeks, sometimes longer

• A follow‑up (test, ultrasound, or check‑in) is typically done at 1–2 weeks to confirm the abortion is complete

Surgical Abortion Timing and Procedure

For 5 to 12 weeks LMP:

• Appointment length: 3–4 hours if there are no complications

• Procedure: suction aspiration or dilation and curettage takes 5–15 minutes

For 12 to 16 weeks LMP:

• Appointment length: 3–4 hours if no complications

• Procedure: abortion takes 5–15 minutes

For 16 to 20 weeks LMP:

• Requires a two-day procedure

• Clinic time varies; the evacuation portion can take up to 30 minutes

Afterward

• You may have no bleeding to heavy bleeding up to 4 weeks after an abortion. The bleeding can start and stop many times throughout those 4 weeks. If you are soaking between 2-3 maxi pads per hour, that is too much and you must seek emergency care

• Between 4 to 6 days after the procedure you may have more severe cramps and pass large clots. Cramping can be on and off for up to 4 weeks and it can be severe

• If you have a temperature greater than 38.5◦C, seek emergency care 

You may feel pressure from friends, your partner, or family members to get an abortion. It’s important to remember that this is your life and your decision.

Don’t feel like you need to rush this decision due to pressure, panic, fear, or stress. Your next step is important and permanent.

If you are feeling pressured to have an abortion, you talk to a trusted family member or friend or call us at 780-421-9941.

At The Back Porch, we’re here to support you every step of the way. We provide a welcoming space where you can take your time, ask questions, and consider your choices without feeling rushed or judged.

You can change your mind right up to the start of the abortion procedure if you are not 100% certain that you want an abortion. Once the surgical abortion procedure has begun, you cannot change your mind. An abortion is an irreversible decision. Take time to be fully informed on all of your options, the risks of abortion, and the supports available to you.

If you are doing a medication abortion and have only taken the first pill, you may be able to save the pregnancy through Abortion Pill Reversal

Yes, there are both physical and emotional risks.

There are physical risks with any surgical procedure. You may experience any of these complications from an abortion procedure:

• Infection

• Uterine perforation

• Uterine or cervical damage

• Placenta previa

• Pelvic inflammatory disease

• Retained products of conception (fetal parts, placenta, umbilical cord, or amniotic sac)

• Future premature birth

• Hemorrhage

• Sepsis

Some women and men may experience strong negative disturbances soon after the abortion or several months / years later. Emotional risks include:

• Sadness

• Grief, which may include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, low self-esteem, and re-living the abortion through dreams or flashbacks.

• Guilt

• Depression

• Emotional numbness

• Flashbacks and nightmares

• Alcohol and drug abuse

• Suicidal thoughts or self harm

Barrett, J. M., Boehm, F. H., & Killam, A. P. (1981). Induced abortion: A risk factor for placenta previa. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 141(7), 769–772. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9378(81)90702-x

Celopharma Inc. (2019). Mifegymiso [Drug information]. Health Canada. Retrieved March 18, 2025, from https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00050659.PDF

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Medical abortion.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion

Goodwin, P., & Ogden, J. (2007). Women’s reflections upon their past abortions: An exploration of how and why emotional reactions change over time. Psychology & Health, 22(2), 231–248. https://doi.org/10.1080/14768320600682384

Karami, M., & Jenabi, E. (2017). Placenta previa after prior abortion: A meta-analysis. Biomedical Research and Therapy, 4(7), 1441–1450. https://doi.org/10.15419/bmrat.v4i07.197

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Abortion.https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551

Mota, N. P., Burnett, M., & Sareen, J. (2010). Associations between abortion, mental disorders, and suicidal behaviour in a nationally representative sample. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 55(4), 239–247.

Sajadi-Ernazarova, K. R., & Martinez, C. L. (2021). Abortion complications. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430793/

Stevenson, M. M., & Radcliffe, K. W. (1995). Preventing pelvic infection after abortion. International Journal of STD & AIDS, 6(5), 305–312. https://doi.org/10.1177/095646249500600501

Women’s Reproductive Clinic. (n.d.). Abortion pill failure.https://mfpiclinic.com/abortion-pill-failure

Women have varying emotional responses following an abortion. These reactions may be immediate or occur years later. Emotional responses vary depending on a woman’s age, stage of pregnancy, religious or cultural beliefs, previous mental health, number of abortions, or whether she is being pressured by others into having an abortion. An abortion decision can affect both the man and the woman.

Emotional risks include:

• Sadness

• Grief, which may include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, low self-esteem, and re-living the abortion through dreams or flashbacks.

• Guilt

• Depression

• Emotional numbness

• Flashbacks and nightmares

• Alcohol and drug abuse

• Suicidal thoughts or self harm

Some women, especially if they have a previous history of mental illness may be more likely to experience depression or addiction.

Coleman, P. K., Coyle, C. T., Shuping, M., & Rue, V. M. (2009). Induced abortion and anxiety, mood, and substance abuse disorders: Isolating the effects of abortion in the national comorbidity survey. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 43(8), 770–776. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2008.10.009

Goodwin, P., & Ogden, J. (2007). Women’s reflections upon their past abortions: An exploration of how and why emotional reactions change over time. Psychology & Health, 22(2), 231–248. https://doi.org/10.1080/14768320600682384

Mota, N. P., Burnett, M., & Sareen, J. (2010). Associations between abortion, mental disorders, and suicidal behaviour in a nationally representative sample. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 55(4), 239–247.

Sullins, D. P. (2016). Abortion, substance abuse and mental health in early adulthood: Thirteen-year longitudinal evidence from the United States. SAGE Open Medicine, 4, 2050312116665997. https://doi.org/10.1177/2050312116665997

Sullins, D. P. (2019). Affective and substance abuse disorders following abortion by pregnancy intention in the United States: A longitudinal cohort study. Medicina, 55(11), 741. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55110741