What Is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is actually a combination of two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, which work together to terminate pregnancy.The mifepristone pill blocks the body’s ability to produce progesterone, the hormone needed to keep the pregnancy growing. Without progesterone, the uterine wall breaks down so that oxygen and nutrients are no longer reaching the embryo or fetus. In other words, this is the pill that initiates termination.The misoprostol pill, which is taken either directly after or up to 48 hours after taking mifepristone, softens the cervix and induces contractions so that the uterus can expel any pregnancy tissue. Misoprostol triggers bleeding and cramping in the uterus, similar to a miscarriage.