When the Abortion Pill Fails: What Cheverly Needs to Know
Medication abortion is safe, effective, and widely used—but like any medical process, there’s a slight chance it might not work as expected. At Metropolitan Family Planning Clinic (MFPC) in Cheverly, Maryland, we’re here to support you through every step—including what to do if the abortion pill doesn’t fully complete the process.
Understanding what an abortion failure means—and what options are available—can ease stress and help you make an informed next step.
What Is an Abortion Pill “Failure”?
Medication abortion uses two medications: mifepristone to block pregnancy-sustaining hormones and misoprostol to expel the pregnancy from the uterus. This process works about 95–98% of the time, depending on how far along the pregnancy is and how the pills are taken.
When it doesn’t work, it’s usually one of these three outcomes:
- The pregnancy continues (partial or complete continuation)
- The pregnancy tissue isn’t fully expelled
- There’s ongoing heavy bleeding, pain, or infection risk
These situations are rare, but they can happen. That’s why a follow-up is a key part of your care plan at MFPC.
How to Know If the Abortion Pill Was Incomplete
Signs that the abortion pill may not have fully worked include:
- Still testing positive on a pregnancy test after two weeks
- Persistent cramping or bleeding beyond 2–3 weeks
- No bleeding at all after taking misoprostol
- Severe pain, fever, or foul-smelling discharge
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong—but it’s time to get checked. Our providers at MFPC in Cheverly will offer a same-week follow-up to confirm whether the abortion was complete.
We often use a pelvic exam, blood test, or ultrasound to determine the next steps.
What Happens If the Abortion Pill Fails?
If the abortion was incomplete or the pregnancy is continuing, there are safe options available:
- Repeat the medication dose: An extra round of misoprostol can sometimes complete the process.
- Switch to a surgical abortion: A quick in-clinic procedure may be recommended to remove the remaining tissue or end a continuing pregnancy.
At MFPC, we’ll help you decide what makes sense for your body, health, and peace of mind.
Abortion Pill Failure: You Deserve Follow-Through Care
Some clinics prescribe the pill and send you on your way. That’s not how we do things at MFPC.
- We offer complete aftercare and monitoring.
- We will stay in touch to ensure your body is healing.
- We treat every patient with compassion, clarity, and zero judgment.
In rare cases of abortion failure, we act quickly to make sure your health isn’t compromised and your emotional needs are fully supported.
Abortion Pill Failure: Schedule a Follow-Up Today
If you’ve taken the abortion pill and something feels off—or you need reassurance—contact us now. Our Cheverly clinic will help you understand what’s happening and what to do next.
Abortion care doesn’t end after you take the pill. At MFPC, we walk with you the whole way.
Check out our Google reviews to see why patients trust MFPC for comprehensive, compassionate abortion care in Maryland.