What special medical conditions might be a problem for using abortion pills?

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Almost everyone can do an early medical abortion. There are very few contraindications to medical abortion. The use of abortion pills is NOT recommended if someone has:

  • Inherited porphyria
  • Chronic adrenal failure or hepatic failure
  • A known or suspected ectopic pregnancy (neither misoprostol nor mifepristone will treat ectopic pregnancy)
  • A previous allergic reaction to mifepristone or misoprostol 

Usually someone will know if they have any of these medical conditions.

  • Do I have any medical conditions that make medical abortion a bad choice for me?

    Almost everyone can do an early medical abortion. There are very few contraindications to medical abortion. The use of abortion pills is NOT recommended if someone has: 19 Inherited porphyria Chronic adrenal failure or hepatic failure A known or suspected ectopic pregnancy (neither misoprostol nor… Read more »

  • I have an IUD (intrauterine device)

    In the case that there is an intrauterine device (IUD) in place, this should be removed prior to use of medical abortion. 1, 2 Intrauterine methods are very effective contraceptives so the risk of pregnancy while using these methods is very low.  21 Read more »

  • I have an ectopic pregnancy

    An ectopic pregnancy occurs when an embryo implants somewhere other than the uterus (womb), like in one of the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancy is an uncommon, but potentially life-threatening condition, occurring in 1.5–2% of pregnancies and can only be confirmed by an ultrasound after 6 weeks… Read more »