If you’re here, you’re probably considering an abortion or thinking about taking the abortion pill.
An abortion is a big decision and people don’t make it lightly. That’s why we’ve put together some helpful resources for you as you consider the abortion pill.
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Take a deep breath
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Browse our resources
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Find your safe space on our Helpline
Everybody’s journey is unique, and these questions might help as you figure out what your journey looks like.
Our trained counsellors and skilled listeners are here for you when you need us – for free. You don’t need to consider these questions alone. We will listen, we won’t judge, and we’ll give you time and space to think.
Our Helpline is free, non-judgmental, and used by 1,500+ people every month as they navigate unexpected pregnancy. 99% of people surveyed said talking on our Helpline was helpful for them.
Please note we do not refer for abortion. Our service is non-directive, meaning that we do not tell you what to do.
An abortion is a medical procedure, so you need to know everything that’s involved. Here are some questions you might consider asking your abortion provider:
This section summarises NHS, BPAS, and NICE medical information about the abortion pill.
But, in today’s world, getting information isn’t the problem. What does this information mean for you? How might your future journey look for you?
If you wish, our trained counsellors and skilled listeners are here to help you answer these questions. We won’t tell you what to do; instead, we’ll give you a space where you can explore your feelings.
Our Helpline is free, non-judgmental, and used by 1,500+ people every month as they navigate unexpected pregnancy. 99% of people surveyed said talking on our Helpline was helpful for them.
Please note we do not refer for abortion. Our service is non-directive, meaning that we do not tell you what to do.
The abortion pill is a method of abortion. It is actually two medications that are taken through a number of pills.
The first medication is mifepristone. This is in one tablet. It causes the loss of the pregnancy. It works by blocking progesterone, the main pregnancy hormone, causing the lining of the uterus to break down.
The second medication is misoprostol. This is usually a number of tablets that either dissolve in your mouth or you insert into your vagina. It causes contractions so that the pregnancy will come out of the vagina.
You might find abortion pills called “home abortion”, “DIY abortion”, “medication abortion”, or “telemedicine abortion”.
Everyone having medical abortion experiences:
Pain can be severe in some cases.
Common side effects include:
Less common side effects can include (among others):
Sometimes, further medical procedures may be necessary, like a surgical abortion or having antibiotics.
Call 999 or go to A&E if you recently had an abortion and are bleeding heavily. Find your nearest A&E here.
Our Helpline is available every day 9am-6pm. If you leave a message outside of those hours, we’ll be back in touch as soon as we can.
We’re available right away – with a click, text, or call, you can open up a whole new world.
Our Helpline is free, non-judgmental, and used by 1,500+ people every month as they navigate unexpected pregnancy. 99% of people surveyed said talking on our Helpline was helpful for them.
Please note we do not refer for abortion. Our service is non-directive, meaning that we do not tell you what to do.
“From the off you listened, you didn’t judge me, tell me what a fool I was, push me to what you thought was good for me. You seemed to stay ‘outside’ the situation so could truly listen, be calm, be neutral. You are a fantastic charity … Thank you for all you did for me.”
Heard on the Life Helpline, 2025
Our Helpline is free, non-judgmental, and used by 1,500+ people every month as they navigate unexpected pregnancy. 99% of people surveyed said talking on our Helpline was helpful for them.
We don’t provide abortion pills and we have no financial interest in your decision; we don’t receive money as a result of what decisions you make in your pregnancy. Everything is provided to you free of charge by our generous and compassionate donors.
Whatever you’re going through, our Helpliners can be your safe haven, listening without judgment. We won’t tell you what to do. Instead, we’ll help you explore your own feelings around your journey – at your own pace, with no pressure.
Our Helpline is free, non-judgmental, and used by 1,500+ people every month as they navigate unexpected pregnancy. 99% of people surveyed said talking on our Helpline was helpful for them.
Please note we do not refer for abortion. Our service is non-directive, meaning that we do not tell you what to do.
Page last updated: 22 July 2025
