What is a significant risk associated with medication abortion?

• A. About 2% risk of complications, including incomplete expulsion and infection
• B. About 10% risk of hemorrhage
• C. No risk
• D. 50% risk of abortion failure

Answer: (A)

Medication abortion uses two medicines to end a pregnancy: one to stop the pregnancy from continuing and another to trigger contractions to expel it. It is very safe, with a small overall risk of complications—about 2%. The most common issues are incomplete expulsion, which may require a follow-up procedure, and infection. This is why the estimate around 2% including incomplete expulsion and infection best matches what’s typically observed. It’s not zero, and it isn’t as high as 10% or 50%; serious problems like heavy hemorrhage are uncommon. If there are warning signs such as very heavy bleeding, fever, or severe pain, medical care should be sought promptly.