Mainly taken up to 10 weeks* pregnant. If over 9 weeks and 6 days the pills must be taken in a clinic or hospital (up to 24 weeks), not at home. 

This involves taking two different pills:

Mifepristone (RU-486)

This blocks the main pregnancy hormone, progesterone, which helps to stabilise and nourish the lining of the womb. This breaks down, cutting off blood and nourishment to your baby, causing it to starve and die.

Misoprostol (prostaglandin)

Taken 1–2 days later, this induces contractions to push your baby and other pregnancy tissues out of the womb.

This process can be intense and painful, and bleeding and contractions can last from a few hours to several days.

Whilst you could pass your baby at any time and place during this process, many women sit on the toilet as they prepare to pass their baby, which they will then flush away. 

Be aware that you may see your dead baby in the pregnancy sack, even their fingers and toes. At 9 weeks a baby will measure around 2.2 cm.

Very common physical side-effects include:

• Bleeding 
• Pain 
• Nausea 

Less common physical complications include:

• Haemorrhage and sepsis 
• Incomplete abortion

Sometimes, the medication may not work exactly as planned. If a medical abortion is 'incomplete' then a surgical abortion might be required to complete the process. Other complications might also require hospital admission.

Emotional potential risks include:

• Sadness and depression
• Anxiety, anger and guilt
• Emotional numbing
• Anniversary grief
• Nightmares or flashbacks of the abortion
• Increased risk of alcohol and drug abuse
• Relationship problems
• Suicidal thoughts