If you’ve recently taken the first pill in the abortion process and are having second thoughts, one of the first questions you may have is: Does reversal actually work?
Abortion pill reversal (APR) is a protocol that some providers offer after taking mifepristone, with the goal of continuing the pregnancy. For immediate medical assistance, contact the Abortion Pill Rescue Network’s 24/7 helpline at 1-877-558-0333 to be connected with a provider.
Understanding the Abortion Pill
To understand how reversal works, it helps first to know what the abortion pill does in your body.
The abortion pill is a two-step process involving two separate drugs. The first, mifepristone, is taken to block progesterone, the hormone your body depends on to sustain a growing pregnancy.
When progesterone is blocked, the uterine lining begins to thin, and the pregnancy can no longer develop. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken a day or two later to cause uterine contractions, leading to cramping and vaginal bleeding that expels the pregnancy and related tissue.
How Effective Is Abortion Pill Reversal?
The effectiveness of APR is directly tied to how quickly the process begins.
Overall, the documented success rate for Abortion Pill Reversal is 64–68%, meaning the majority of women who pursue reversal after taking mifepristone go on to have a continuing pregnancy.
While reversal is most effective within 24 hours, some people have sought help up to 72 hours afterward. It may still be worth contacting a provider to discuss your options.
How Does the Reversal Process Work?
The APR process works by introducing supplemental progesterone into your body, the same hormone that mifepristone was designed to block.
By raising progesterone levels significantly, the reversal protocol works to counteract the effects of mifepristone and give the pregnancy the support it needs to continue.
It is important to know that you should not take misoprostol if you are considering reversal.
Taking the second medication makes it significantly harder to save the pregnancy, so waiting to take it while you explore your options is important.
Is Abortion Pill Reversal Safe?
Studies on APR not only reflect a two-thirds success rate for continuing pregnancy, but also show no increased risk of birth defects. Progesterone has been used safely in pregnancy care for over 50 years, including in cases of threatened miscarriage.
Medical research supports its use as an evidence-based tool for helping at-risk pregnancies continue successfully.
LifeLine Is Here for You
If you’ve taken mifepristone and are having doubts, please don’t wait. Call the Abortion Pill Reversal Hotline as soon as possible at 1-877-558-0333.
If you are still pregnant and feeling uncertain about your next steps, LifeLine Pregnancy Center is here to walk alongside you.
We offer confidential services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds free of charge, to give you the clearest possible picture of where your pregnancy stands.
Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential appointment.
