Considering the Abortion Pill in North Carolina? Get the Facts.

Jul 1, 2025

An unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming. It’s crucial to make an informed decision about your options, especially when considering the abortion pill. 

Keep reading to learn how the abortion pill works, its risks, and your legal options to ensure you make the right choice for your health and future.

 

What is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill (also known as a chemical abortion or medication abortion) is a two-drug regimen used to end a pregnancy. It consists of two drugs:

  • Mifepristone: The first pill taken, which blocks the hormone progesterone, necessary to sustain the pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot continue, and the embryo dies.
  • Misoprostol: The second pill, taken 24-48 hours after mifepristone, causes contractions to expel the pregnancy tissue.

By understanding how the abortion pill works, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.

 

How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period.[1]

Taking the abortion drugs beyond this timeframe increases the risk of complications, and may require further medical intervention, including emergency surgery to address excessive bleeding or incomplete abortion.[2]

 

Is Abortion Legal in North Carolina?

Effective July 1, 2023, most abortions are illegal in North Carolina after 12 weeks gestation. However, exceptions can be made through 20 weeks in cases of rape and incest and through 24 weeks for “life-limiting” fetal anomalies and medical emergencies.[3] You are also required to receive an ultrasound beforehand.

Choices Women’s Center offers free ultrasounds to help determine how far along you are in your pregnancy. This ensures you have the correct information to make an empowered decision.

 

Can I Get Abortion Pills Over the Counter?

While the FDA has approved certain pharmacies to dispense the abortion pill with a prescription, you cannot obtain it over the counter. The process still requires a medical consultation and prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to ensure your safety.[4]

 

Can I Order the Abortion Pill Online?

Ordering the abortion pill online from unregulated sources is risky. The FDA warns against purchasing abortion pills from overseas or unverified online platforms, as these pills may be expired, counterfeit, or contaminated.[5] 

Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider to ensure you receive FDA-approved abortion drugs.

 

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[6]:

  • 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)[7]
  • Hemorrhaging (excessive bleeding)[8]
  • Incomplete abortion (remaining pregnancy tissue)[9]
  • Infection (fever lasting more than 24 hours)[10]

 

Abortion Pill Information in Wilson, North Carolina

At Choices Women’s Center, we understand that facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming. We’re here to provide you with the facts about the abortion pill and guide you through every step of the process. 

Our services are confidential, free of charge, and designed to help you make the best decision for your health and future. Give us a call at (252) 237-6833 or schedule your appointment online today. 

Schedule An Appointment

Please be aware that Choices Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortion services. 

Sources

  1. FDA. (2025, February 11). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex  
  2. Redinger, A., & Nguyen, H. (2022, June 27). Incomplete Abortions. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559071/ 
  3. North Carolina General Assembly. SENATE BILL 20 RATIFIED BILL. (2023, May 4). https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2023/Bills/Senate/PDF/S20v5.pdf   
  4. 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
  5. See source #4.
  6. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html 
  7. 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
  8. FDA. (2019, July). Prescribing Information for Mifeprex. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/022348s014lbl.pdf 
  9. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687 
  10. See source #6.
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