Quick Answer
The abortion pill is a medical method to end an early pregnancy using two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. It's safe and effective when taken under medical guidance, typically used up to 8 weeks of pregnancy. In India, abortion pills must be used in accordance with the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act and require a doctor's assessment. At Proactive For Her, we provide non-judgmental, confidential abortion care with proper medical supervision, counseling, and follow-up support across our multiple clinics in Bangalore.
Think you might be pregnant? Get a free urine pregnancy test at any Proactive For Her clinic in Bangalore- no questions asked, completely confidential.
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| Topic | Quick Answer |
| Cost | ₹10,000 for complete, medically supervised care including consult, pills, tests, and follow-up. |
| Time | 1 clinic visit plus medicines over 24 to 48 hours, with bleeding for a few days and follow-up in 1 to 2 weeks. |
| Eligibility | Suitable for early pregnancy, usually up to 8 weeks, after ultrasound and doctor assessment. |
| Legality | Legal in India under the MTP Act and only the woman’s consent is required if 18 or older. |
What Is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill refers to medical abortion, a way to end an early pregnancy using medication rather than a surgical procedure. Many women assume it's a single tablet or something similar to emergency contraception, but medical abortion actually involves a two-medication process taken over a period of time.
Medical abortion differs from surgical abortion in several ways. While surgical abortion involves a procedure performed in a clinic, medical abortion can often be completed at home after an initial clinic visit. The choice between methods depends on factors like gestational age, medical history, and personal preference.
The abortion pill is typically used during early pregnancy, most commonly within the first 8 weeks from the last menstrual period. After this point, other methods may be more appropriate. A doctor's assessment through ultrasound and examination helps determine gestational age and whether medical abortion is suitable for your situation.
Understanding what medical abortion involves helps you make informed decisions. It's a recognized medical procedure used worldwide, backed by decades of research and clinical experience from organizations like the World Health Organization and major healthcare institutions.
| Feature | Proactive For Her | Large Hospital | Local Clinic |
| Consent Required | Only patient consent (18+) | Sometimes asks for partner/parent | Often unclear |
| Women-only Staff | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Privacy & Comfort | Records kept confidential | ❓ | Limited |
| Non-judgmental Care | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
At Proactive For Her, every part of the experience, from booking to follow-up, is designed around women’s comfort and autonomy, unlike hospitals or local clinics where the process can feel intimidating or invasive.
Types of Abortion Pills: Names You May Hear
When researching abortion pills, you'll encounter several medication names. Understanding what each does helps clarify the process.
Mifepristone is the first medication in the medical abortion process. It works by blocking progesterone, a hormone necessary for pregnancy to continue. You might hear it referred to by brand names or simply as "the first pill." This medication is taken under medical supervision at a clinic.
Misoprostol is the second medication, typically taken 24 - 48 hours after mifepristone. It causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue. This medication is what causes cramping and bleeding. Misoprostol is also used for other medical purposes including ulcer treatment and postpartum haemorrhage prevention.
Combined abortion pill kits are packages containing both medications in the appropriate doses. These kits are sold under various brand names in India. While you may find these available through different sources, using them without proper medical assessment can be unsafe.
It's crucial to understand that the correct medication, timing, and dosage depend on your gestational age and individual health factors. This is why medical assessment before taking abortion pills is essential, not optional.
How Mifepristone and Misoprostol Work
Understanding the medical process helps reduce anxiety about what's happening in your body.
Mifepristone blocks progesterone, the hormone that maintains the uterine lining during pregnancy. Without progesterone, the lining breaks down and the pregnancy cannot continue. This medication doesn't typically cause immediate symptoms, most women don't feel much after taking mifepristone.
Misoprostol triggers uterine contractions, similar to what happens during menstruation but stronger. These contractions cause cramping and expel the pregnancy tissue through the vagina. This is when bleeding and cramping occur, typically beginning within a few hours of taking misoprostol.
The experience varies between individuals. Some women experience heavy cramping and bleeding, while others have milder symptoms. Many describe the cramping as similar to severe menstrual cramps, though intensity varies. Bleeding is typically heavier than a normal period and may include clots.
Most women complete the process at home, though having support nearby and knowing when to contact a doctor provides important safety backup. This isn't an experience you should go through completely alone or without medical guidance.
CTA: Need to discuss your options? Book an MTP consultation with our non-judgmental gynaecologists at Proactive For Her. Get clear, medically accurate information to make the decision that's right for you.
Considering an MTP? Speak to a non-judgmental gynac today and understand your options in a safe, private space.
What to Expect During Medical Abortion
Knowing what's normal helps you distinguish between expected symptoms and signs that need medical attention.
Timeline: After taking mifepristone, most women don't experience immediate symptoms. Bleeding and cramping typically begin within hours of taking misoprostol, usually taken 24-48 hours after the first medication. The heaviest bleeding and cramping generally occur in the first few hours after misoprostol, with symptoms gradually subsiding over the following days.
Bleeding and cramping: Expect bleeding heavier than your regular period, possibly with clots. Cramping can range from moderate to severe. Pain medication can help manage discomfort. Bleeding may continue for several days to weeks, gradually becoming lighter like a normal period tapering off.
When to contact a doctor: Seek immediate medical help if you experience soaking through two or more pads per hour for two consecutive hours, severe pain not relieved by medication, fever lasting more than 24 hours, foul-smelling discharge, or feeling extremely unwell. These symptoms could indicate complications requiring medical attention.
Follow-up appointments, typically scheduled 7-14 days after the abortion, confirm the process is complete and check your overall health. This follow-up is an important part of safe medical abortion care, not an optional extra.
Abortion Pill Cost in India
Cost considerations often weigh heavily when making decisions about abortion care. Understanding pricing factors helps you plan and avoid potentially unsafe sources.
Abortion package price range: In India, medical abortion through proper medical channels typically costs between ₹5,000 to ₹10,000, depending on various factors. This usually includes consultation, medications, ultrasound, and follow-up care.
Factors affecting cost: Prices vary based on gestational age (earlier pregnancies are typically less complex), the clinic or hospital facility, included services like ultrasound and blood tests, counselling and support provided, and follow-up care. Urban areas often have higher costs than smaller cities, and private clinics may charge more than government facilities.
Abortion pill name and price in India: Various branded and generic versions of mifepristone and misoprostol are available. While you might find pills at lower prices through pharmacies or online sources, these options come without the medical assessment, proper dosing guidance, and emergency support that clinical care provides.
The temptation to save money by obtaining pills without medical supervision creates significant risks. Incorrect dosing, use beyond appropriate gestational age, missed ectopic pregnancies, and lack of support during complications can lead to serious health consequences. The cost of proper medical care includes safety, accurate information, and help when needed, not just the medications themselves.
Safety and Effectiveness of the Abortion Pill
One of the most common concerns about medical abortion centers on safety and whether it will affect future fertility.
Effectiveness: Medical abortion is highly effective when used correctly within appropriate gestational limits. Effectiveness rates are approximately 95-98% when both medications are used as directed within the recommended timeframe. Success rates decrease slightly at later gestational ages, which is one reason gestational age assessment matters.
Common side effects: Expected side effects include cramping, bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and chills or fever (usually temporary). These symptoms are generally manageable at home with pain medication, rest, and hydration. They typically resolve within a few days.
Long-term safety: Medical abortion does not affect future fertility. Once your body returns to its normal cycle after the abortion, you can conceive again. The World Health Organization and major medical organizations worldwide recognize medical abortion as a safe option when performed with proper medical guidance.
When medical attention is needed: While complications are uncommon, knowing warning signs is important. Incomplete abortion (pregnancy tissue remains), ongoing pregnancy (medications didn't work), infection, or excessive bleeding all require medical intervention. This is why follow-up care is standard practice, not an optional convenience.
The combination of proper medical assessment beforehand, clear instructions during the process, and follow-up care afterward creates a safe framework for medical abortion. Removing any of these elements increases risk.
Why Choose Proactive For Her
At Proactive For Her, we provide abortion care that centers your health, autonomy, and dignity. We understand that finding yourself facing an unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming, and you deserve support without judgment.
What we offer:
- Non-judgmental, women-led clinics where you're treated with respect regardless of your circumstances or decision
- Free urine pregnancy tests at all our clinics—your first step can be taken without cost or commitment
- Consent-based care: If you're 18 or older, only your consent is required for abortion services
- Doctors trained in MTP Act-compliant abortion care who follow proper medical protocols and legal requirements
- Clear counseling before any decision so you understand your options, what to expect, and can make informed choices
- Multiple clinics across Bangalore making care accessible wherever you are in the city
- Trusted by 50,000+ women who've received reproductive healthcare through Proactive
- Confidential, stigma-free care that protects your privacy completely
Many women come to us after being confused or frightened by conflicting information online, from chemists, or from friends. We provide clear, medically accurate information so you can make decisions based on facts, not fear. We also provide proper medical supervision throughout the process, not just handing you pills, but ensuring you have the assessment, support, and follow-up care that makes medical abortion safe.
Whether you're certain about your decision or still considering your options, we're here to provide information, medical care, and support without pressure or judgment.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are mifepristone and misoprostol?
A: Mifepristone and misoprostol are the two medications used in medical abortion. Mifepristone is taken first and works by blocking progesterone, the hormone needed to maintain pregnancy. Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later and causes uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy tissue. Together, these medications form the standard protocol for medical abortion worldwide, as recognized by the World Health Organization.
Q: How much does the abortion pill cost in India?
A: The cost of medical abortion in India typically ranges from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 when obtained through proper medical channels. This price usually includes initial consultation, both medications (mifepristone and misoprostol), ultrasound examination, and follow-up care. Costs vary based on gestational age, clinic location, and included services. While pills may be available cheaper through other sources, proper medical care includes essential safety components like gestational age assessment and follow-up to ensure the abortion is complete.
Q: Can I take abortion pills without a doctor?
A: Taking abortion pills without medical supervision is not safe and is not recommended. Medical assessment is essential to confirm the pregnancy location (ruling out ectopic pregnancy), determine gestational age, ensure you're within appropriate limits for medical abortion, provide correct dosing, and arrange follow-up care. Using abortion pills without these safeguards can lead to serious complications including incomplete abortion, ongoing pregnancy, or missed ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening.
Q: Where can I get a pregnancy test and guidance?
A: At Proactive For Her, we offer free urine pregnancy tests at all 7 of our Bangalore clinics. You can walk in without an appointment for testing. If the test is positive and you need guidance, our counselors provide non-judgmental information about all your options, including continuing the pregnancy, adoption, or abortion. We help you understand what each option involves so you can make the decision that's right for you. Everything is completely confidential.
Q: Will the abortion pill affect my future fertility?
A: No, medical abortion does not affect future fertility. According to the World Health Organization and major medical organizations worldwide, properly performed medical abortion has no impact on your ability to conceive in the future. Once your body returns to its normal menstrual cycle after the abortion, typically within 4-8 weeks you can become pregnant again. There is no waiting period required before trying to conceive if you choose to do so, though you should discuss contraception and family planning with your healthcare provider.
Q: How do I obtain abortion pills legally in India?
A: In India, the MTP Act allows abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy under specific conditions. For pregnancies up to 20 weeks, one registered medical practitioner's opinion is required. Medical abortion pills should be obtained through registered medical practitioners after proper assessment, including confirmation of pregnancy, gestational age determination, and ruling out contraindications like ectopic pregnancy. Purchasing abortion pills without prescription or medical assessment is unsafe and may not comply with legal requirements.
Q: Is follow-up required after taking abortion pills?
A: Yes, follow-up is an essential part of safe medical abortion care. A follow-up appointment, typically 7-14 days after taking the medications, confirms the abortion is complete and checks for any complications. This visit usually includes an ultrasound or physical examination. If the abortion is incomplete, additional treatment may be needed. Skipping follow-up means potentially missing complications that could affect your health.
Q: Can I use abortion pills later in pregnancy?
A: Medical abortion is most effective and safest in early pregnancy, typically up to 9-10 weeks from the last menstrual period. While medical abortion can sometimes be used later with different protocols, this requires specialized medical supervision and may involve hospital-based care. Using abortion pills without medical guidance at later gestational ages is dangerous. Beyond certain gestational limits, surgical abortion becomes the safer, more appropriate option.