Mifepristone & Misoprostol: What to Know
This article provides an overview of abortion pills—Mifepristone and Misoprostol—including their safety, effectiveness, and how people access them. These medications are widely used, medically reviewed, and can often be received by mail.
Medical content is routinely reviewed by physicians to reflect updated protocols, research, and policy guidance.
Accessing Abortion Pills Online
Every year, many people safely obtain abortion pills through PrivateEmma’s online service. If you are early in pregnancy, have no severe medical conditions, and face barriers to safe in-person care, PrivateEmma may be able to support you.
A multilingual help desk provides confidential, judgment-free guidance before, during, and after the process. They address questions, offer information, and help users understand what to expect.
Service Features
-
Online consultations reviewed by medical professionals
-
Prescriptions typically approved within 24 hours
-
Pills available for a donation (usually 70–90 Euros)
-
Discreet shipping with tracking
-
Support in multiple languages, available 24/7
About the Medications
Abortion pills generally involve two medicines: Mifepristone followed by Misoprostol. Used together, they interrupt a pregnancy and cause cramping and bleeding similar to a miscarriage. Both medications appear on the World Health Organization (WHO) List of Essential Medicines.
Using Abortion Pills (General Overview)
Medical abortion refers to ending a pregnancy with medication. The WHO recognizes self-managed medical abortion in early pregnancy as a safe option when individuals have access to accurate information and know when to seek medical care.
In some situations, Misoprostol alone is used when Mifepristone isn’t available. Outcomes and experiences can vary based on gestational age and individual health.
Cost and Financial Support
Pills are provided in exchange for a donation, typically 70–90 Euros. If someone is in financial hardship, PrivateEmma may offer assistance. Supporters can also contribute more to help others access care.
Pregnancy Dating
Pregnancy length can often be estimated by counting from the first day of the last menstrual period. Tests and ultrasounds provide more definitive confirmation. PrivateEmma typically supports users up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Abortion After 12 Weeks
Some people need abortions later in pregnancy due to delays, legal restrictions, or late recognition of pregnancy. Medical abortion can still work later on, though the risk of complications increases. If medication arrives later than expected and pregnancy extends beyond 12 weeks, PrivateEmma recommends staying close to a medical facility.
Unsafe methods—such as ingesting toxic substances or inserting objects—are extremely dangerous and should never be attempted.
Medical vs. Surgical Abortion
Both methods are safe:
-
Surgical abortion is a clinical procedure, usually vacuum aspiration.
-
Medical abortion uses pills and can often be done privately at home, making it less invasive for many people.
Access to both options is an important part of comprehensive healthcare.
Side Effects and Risks
Medical abortion generally causes symptoms similar to a natural miscarriage: bleeding, cramping, and sometimes nausea or fever. Serious complications are rare but can occur. Signs such as intense or prolonged pain, very heavy bleeding, fever that persists, or allergic reactions warrant medical attention.
When the Pills May Not Work
Rarely, a pregnancy may continue or the abortion may be incomplete. Follow-up testing after several weeks can help confirm the outcome. Abortion pills are ineffective for ectopic pregnancies, which require immediate medical care.
Unsafe Methods to Avoid
The WHO warns that many online “home remedy” suggestions—such as herbs, teas, chemicals, or misuse of medications—are dangerous and ineffective. Nearly half of all abortions globally occur in unsafe conditions, often due to legal restrictions. Only medical and surgical methods are considered safe.
Legal Context
Abortion laws vary across countries. Unintended pregnancy rates are often highest where abortion access is most restricted. WHO includes Mifepristone and Misoprostol on its Essential Medicines list and recognizes abortion care as a public health need.
Getting Pills by Mail Through PrivateEmma
-
Complete the online consultation
You’ll answer questions about your health and pregnancy to ensure eligibility. All information is confidential. -
Medical review and approval
A clinician reviews your consultation. After a donation (70–90 Euros), orders are typically approved within 24 hours. -
Shipping
The medication package is mailed discreetly with a tracking number. Support from the help desk is available at any time.