Considering the Abortion Pill in Florida?

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. It cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing and eventually dies. Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later. This medication makes the uterus cramp and expel the fetus, which ends the pregnancy.[1]

How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period.[2] If you take the abortion pill later on in your pregnancy, the risk of serious complications increases. You may need emergency surgery to stop heavy bleeding or complete the procedure if it fails or is incomplete.

Is Abortion Legal in Florida? 

Currently, abortion is illegal in Florida past 6 weeks gestation, when the fetal heartbeat can first be detected by ultrasound. Exceptions can be made in cases of rape, incest, and human trafficking.[3] 

Click here to learn more about why you should get an ultrasound before an abortion.

Can I Get Abortion Pills Over the Counter? 

No, a prescription from a provider or physician who is certified to prescribe the abortion pills is necessary. However, the FDA does permit pharmacies to become certified to dispense the abortion pill with a proper prescription from a certified provider.[4] 

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.[5] These pills could be counterfeit, expired, or even tampered with. 

When is it Not Safe to Take the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is not recommended if you[6]:

• Have an ectopic pregnancy
• Have adrenal gland problems
• Are being treated with long-term corticosteroid therapy
• Have had an allergic reaction to mifepristone or similar drugs
• Have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinner medicine
• Have inherited porphyria
• Have an IUD in place

What are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?

Like any medical procedure, the abortion pill can have side effects, ranging from mild to severe:

Common side effects[7]:

• Spotting or bleeding that can last up to a month
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea and digestive pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Abdominal cramping (caused by the misoprostol)
  

Severe side effects (seek medical attention immediately):

• Allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock)[8]
• Hemorrhaging (excessive bleeding)[9]
• Incomplete abortion (remaining pregnancy tissue)[10]
• Infection (fever lasting more than 24 hours)[11]

Abortion Pill Information in Florida

When your pregnancy test comes back positive, it can be easy to panic. Don’t let fear make the final decision for you. Get the care and support you deserve at Aspire Womens Clinic . We provide 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 ask questions

Give us a call at (239) 766-5977 or schedule your appointment online. All services are confidential and free of charge!

Sources

1. FDA. (2025, February 11). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex   
2. See source #1.
3. The Florida Senate. SB 300: Pregnancy and Parenting Support. (2023, April 14). https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/300  
4. See source #1.
5. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2025, January 17). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information 
6. See source #1.
7. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html
8. Shin, Hyun Joo, et al. Anaphylactic Shock to Vaginal Misoprostol: A Rare Adverse Reaction to a Frequently Used Drug. PubMed Central (PMC), 9 Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137020
9. FDA. (2019, July). Prescribing Information for Mifeprex. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/022348s014lbl.pdf
10. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
11. See source #7.

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