What if I take the abortion pill with an ectopic pregnancy?

You’ve had a positive pregnancy test and are considering abortion. There are many questions that come along with that decision. Is an abortion safe? What is normal to feel and what is not normal to feel after taking the abortion pill? Another question that you could be asking yourself is, what would happen if I took an abortion pill with an ectopic pregnancy? In short: an abortion pill would not work on an ectopic pregnancy.

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, most commonly in one of the fallopian tubes. A pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus cannot survive. A fallopian tube isn’t flexible like a uterus is, therefore the fertilized egg could burst the fallopian tube as it develops. Here are some possible symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy:


  • Severe pain on one side of the abdomen or pelvis
  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
  • Abnormally low blood pressure
  • The passage of tissue (not just blood clots) from your vagina
  • Bleeding or spotting
  • Shoulder pain

What does the abortion pill do?

An abortion pill uses two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, to complete a medical abortion. First, a woman is given mifepristone to block the effect of the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for the continuation of pregnancy. Secondly, a woman is given misoprostol which causes cramping that expels the pregnancy from her uterus. An abortion pill would not be effective in the case of an ectopic pregnancy because the abortion pill only expels what is inside the uterus. The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy can overlap with the symptoms a woman could experience after a medical abortion.

What steps should I take?

An ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening medical emergency. Immediate medical attention is imperative. It is crucial to know where your pregnancy is implanted prior to any abortion procedure. The only way to confirm where your pregnancy has implanted is through an ultrasound. At AVA Care, we offer ultrasounds and information about all of your options, at no cost to you. Our staff understands the difficulty of facing an unintended pregnancy and believes that information empowers women to make confident and informed decisions.

AVA Care is here to Advocate for you, Validate your concerns and provide Answers to your questions. We are here for you – no matter what you decide. Schedule an appointment online or call 540.434.7528 today.

Dr. Teresa Klansek

Dr. Teresa Klansek

Medical Director


The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director Dr. Teresa Klansek.

June 11, 2025
Understanding abortion laws in Virginia Navigating reproductive health care can feel overwhelming, especially as laws and regulations vary from state to state. In Virginia, abortion remains legal with certain restrictions in place. Whether you're seeking information for yourself or someone you care about, understanding the current legal landscape can support informed and confident decision-making. If you’re considering abortion , AVA Care of Harrisonburg provides ultrasound services and information on abortion at no cost to you. Current abortion laws in Virginia Abortion is legal in Virginia, but it is subject to some restrictions. The following policies are currently in effect: Abortion is prohibited in the third trimester, except when continuation of the pregnancy is likely to result in the death of the pregnant individual or substantially impair their physical or mental health, as certified by physicians. Parental consent and parental notice are required for minors seeking an abortion. State Medicaid coverage of abortion is limited and only available in specific circumstances, such as when the pregnancy endangers the life of the individual or results from rape or incest. Qualified health care professionals, including certain advanced practice clinicians, are permitted by state law to provide abortion care—not just physicians. Virginia law includes patient privacy protections for individuals seeking reproductive health services. Miscarriage care is not the same as abortion care It’s important to clarify that abortion laws or policies do not restrict access to medical care for miscarriage. A miscarriage, also known as spontaneous pregnancy loss, is medically and legally distinct from abortion. Miscarriage care remains fully legal and available across the state. Unfortunately, misinformation has led some to believe that access to emergency care for miscarriage may be affected by abortion laws. This is not the case. Miscarriage can involve serious health risks, and hospitals and medical providers are both equipped and permitted to offer the necessary care. If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of a miscarriage, it’s essential to seek medical attention without delay. Parental consent and provider guidelines Minors seeking an abortion in Virginia must have both parental consent and parental notice. However, if you are under 18 and unsure of your next steps, know that you can still receive confidential support from AVA Care in Harrisonburg, Virginia. We provide services such as pregnancy testing , confirmation ultrasound, and STI testing at no cost to you. Parental consent is not required for our services. We are here to advocate for you, validate your concerns, and provide answers to your questions. Informed consent Understanding your rights and responsibilities under state law is a crucial part of informed consent. Whether someone chooses to carry a pregnancy to term, explore adoption, or seek an abortion, access to clear, accurate information is essential. We offer compassionate and confidential services before abortion in Harrisonburg, Virginia. If you're considering your options, we are here to support you—no matter what you decide. Schedule an appointment today If you think you may be pregnant and want to understand your options, AVA Care of Harrisonburg is here to help. Our compassionate medical and patient services team is here to support you with holistic care so you can make an informed decision for your pregnancy. Schedule your appointment today and explore your options in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.
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