In the shock of an unplanned pregnancy, an abortion can feel like a relief. But, can it be reversed if you decide you want to continue the pregnancy after taking mifepristone?
Even if you’ve taken the first abortion pill, abortion pill reversal may be right for you. Keep reading to learn about abortion pill reversal.
Important Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be personalized medical advice. Medical decisions should be discussed within the context of an established doctor-patient relationship. Please talk with your doctor about this medication.
How Does Abortion Pill Reversal Work?
Abortion pill reversal aims to counteract the effects of mifepristone, the first dose in the abortion pill regimen. The reversal protocol is for those who have ONLY taken the first drug (mifepristone).
Abortion pill reversal treatment involves prescribing natural progesterone supplements to restore hormone levels, potentially allowing the pregnancy to continue. Natural progesterone competes with mifepristone for receptor sites. This may help the embryo stay attached to the uterus and continue to grow.[1]
After starting the treatment, a healthcare professional will schedule an ultrasound to see if the pregnancy is progressing. Patients will continue to take the progesterone until they start prenatal care.
When Should the Abortion Pill Reversal Process Be Started?
Ideally, women should start the process within 24 hours of taking mifepristone. However, there have been successful cases where treatment was started within 72 hours of taking the first half of the abortion pill.[2]
For 24/7 support, contact the Abortion Pill Reversal Network’s helpline at (877) 558-0333 or email help@apr.life.
What are the Side Effects of Progesterone?
Even though progesterone is a natural hormone, women may still experience side effects from the treatment, including[3]:
- Lack of energy
- Slight dizziness or lightheadedness
- Mild headaches
- Muscle aches
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Spotting or light vaginal bleeding (from the abortion drug)
- Mild cramps (from the abortion drug)
- Symptoms associated with pregnancy (breast tenderness, fatigue, mild nausea and vomiting, moodiness, frequent urination)
- The progesterone fails to rescue the pregnancy
Note: Some forms of progesterone contain peanut oil. If you have a peanut allergy, tell your doctor before starting the reversal process. They can prescribe a different type of progesterone.
What is the Abortion Pill Reversal Success Rate?
Initial studies have shown that 68% of pregnancies treated with oral progesterone progressed normally to full term.[4] However, results may vary.
Is Abortion Pill Reversal Safe?
Doctors have safely used natural progesterone during pregnancy for over 50 years.[5]
When administered and monitored by qualified healthcare professionals, abortion pill reversal carries minimal risk.[4]
A study from 2023 showed that women experienced no adverse effects from taking progesterone after taking mifepristone.[6] Additionally, current studies show no increased risk of birth defects in babies born after successful abortion pill reversal.[4]
Note that researchers conducted these studies in women who had only taken mifepristone.
What If Mifepristone and Misoprostol Have Both Been Taken?
The abortion pill protocol is not always 100% effective, even after taking both mifepristone and misoprostol. Even if both drugs have been taken, there may still be an intact growing pregnancy.
Receive a free ultrasound at 1st Steps Clinic to learn if your pregnancy is still viable. Contact us to get help today.
How Much Does Abortion Pill Reversal Cost?
The cost of treatment depends on the type of progesterone the doctor prescribes and insurance coverage, if applicable.
In cases of financial hardship, the Abortion Pill Reversal Network can help find ways to reduce the cost of the treatment.
Abortion Pill Reversal Information in Starkville, Mississippi
You aren’t in this alone. 1st Steps Clinic is here to help you explore all of your pregnancy options, so you can make an informed and empowered decision.
To start the reversal process, contact the Abortion Pill Reversal Network’s 24/7 helpline at (877) 558-0333 or email help@apr.life.
Please be aware that 1st Steps Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Delgado G, Davenport ML. Progesterone use to reverse the effects of mifepristone. Ann Pharmacother. 2012;46(12):e-pub ahead of print. https://stenoinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Article-Annals-of-Pharmacotherapy-APR.pdf
- Abortion Pill Reversal. (n.d.). Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.abortionpillreversal.com/abortion-pill-reversal/faq
- Mayo Clinic. (2025, November 1). Progesterone (oral route) – Side effects & dosage. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/progesterone-oral-route/description/drg-20075298#drug-side-effects
- Delgado, G., Condly, S. J., Davenport, M., Tinnakornsrisuphap, T., Mack, J., Khauv, V., & Zhou, P. S. (2018). A case series detailing the successful reversal of the effects of mifepristone using progesterone. Issues in law & medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30831017/
- Dante G, Vaccaro V, Facchinetti F. Use of progestagens during early pregnancy. Facts Views Vis Obgyn. 2013;5(1):66-71. PMID: 24753930; PMCID: PMC3987350.
- Turner, J. V., Garratt, D., McLindon, L. A., Barwick, A., & Spark, M. J. (2024). Progesterone after mifepristone: A pilot prospective single arm clinical trial for women who have changed their mind after commencing medical abortion. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 50(2), 182–189. https://doi.org/10.1111/jog.15826