The Abortion Pill
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill (also known as medication abortion) actually consists of two pills: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is taken first, usually in a clinic. This medication cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. The embryo stops growing without a steady supply of progesterone.
Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later at home. This medication makes the uterus cramp and expel the fetus, which ends the pregnancy.


How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill?
You can’t take the abortion pill beyond 10 weeks of pregnancy (or 70 days since the first day of your last menstrual period)[1]. This is because it becomes less effective the farther along you are.
If you take the abortion pill later on in your pregnancy, you could experience serious complications and may need emergency surgery to complete the procedure.
Is Abortion Legal in Ohio?
At the time of writing (May 2024), abortion is prohibited in Ohio beyond 20 weeks post-conception (or 22 weeks from the last menstrual period)[2]. You are also required to receive/Although Ohio law doesn’t require it, we also recommend receiving an ultrasound beforehand.


Can I Get Abortion Pills Over the Counter?
Certain pharmacies are now authorized to dispense the abortion pill. However, you can’t purchase it in the same way you would Tylenol or allergy relief medications. The FDA requires a prescription from a qualified physician in order to take the abortion pill[1].
Can I Order the Abortion Pill Online?
The FDA advises against ordering the abortion pill online. Many online abortion pill providers are located overseas, so the pills they provide may not meet FDA standards[3]. These pills could be counterfeit, expired, or even tampered with! It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid ordering the abortion pill online.


Abortion Pill Information in Toledo, Ohio
When those two lines first appear, it can be easy to panic. Don’t let fear make the final decision for you! Get the care and support you deserve at The Pregnancy Center of Greater Toledo! We offer free pregnancy resources, so you can make an empowered decision for your unplanned pregnancy:
- Free pregnancy tests
- Free ultrasounds
- A safe, non-judgemental place to explore your pregnancy options and share what’s on your mind
Give us a call at 419-578-7351 or schedule your free appointment today. All services are confidential and free of charge!
Please be aware that The Pregnancy Center of Greater Toledo does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Blog Articles Related to the Abortion Pill
How Much Does the Abortion Pill Cost?
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you probably have many questions, especially about the cost of the abortion pill. Does insurance cover the abortion pill? If not, what is the out-of-pocket cost? Sorting through the numbers and processing your emotions can feel...
The Truth About Getting the Abortion Pill Through Telehealth
With the rise of virtual healthcare, getting the abortion pill through telehealth has become increasingly common. Many women search online for how to get the abortion pill online or explore telehealth abortion options, but should you get abortion pills online? How...
What is Abortion Pill Reversal?
In the shock of an unplanned pregnancy, an abortion can feel like a relief. But, what can women do if they decide it’s best for them to continue the pregnancy after taking the first abortion pill? Even if you’ve taken the first abortion pill, abortion pill reversal...
Sources
- FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
- Court: Ohio Can’t Appeal Block on ‘Heartbeat’ Abortion Law. U.S. News. (2022, December 16). Retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/ohio/articles/2022-12-16/court-ohio-cant-appeal-block-on-heartbeat-abortion-law
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, March 23). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information