Definition & Scope

Medical termination employs a two‑drug regimen—mifepristone followed by misoprostol—to induce uterine contractions and expel pregnancy tissue.

Recommended up to 63 days (9 weeks) gestation; beyond this, surgical options are advised.

Refer to medicalTerminationOverviewGraphic for a concise overview.

Infographic summarizing what constitutes a safe medical termination of pregnancy.
Infographic summarizing what constitutes a safe medical termination of pregnancy.

Eligibility & Contraindications

  • Confirmed intrauterine pregnancy ≤63 days by ultrasound or reliable dating.
  • No ectopic pregnancy, bleeding disorders, or chronic adrenal failure.
  • Ability to access emergency care if needed.
  • Use eligibilityFlowchartGraphic to verify your eligibility.
Flowchart to determine if you qualify for a medical termination and when to seek in‑clinic care.
Flowchart to determine if you qualify for a medical termination and when to seek in‑clinic care.

Medication Protocol

Day 1: 200 mg mifepristone orally under supervision.

Day 2–3: 800 mcg misoprostol vaginally or buccally 24–48 hours later.

Cramping and bleeding begin within hours to days of misoprostol.

See pillProtocolGraphic for dosage details and administration tips.

Step‑by‑step chart of the mifepristone + misoprostol regimen, dosages, and timing.
Step‑by‑step chart of the mifepristone + misoprostol regimen, dosages, and timing.

Procedure Timeline

Initial consult: history, exam, counselling, informed consent.

Medication days: administration, pain management plan, home care instructions.

Follow‑up visit within 7–14 days to confirm completion by ultrasound or clinical assessment.

Timeline of events from consultation through follow‑up care for medical termination.
Timeline of events from consultation through follow‑up care for medical termination.

Common Side Effects & Management

  • Bleeding: heavier than a period for 1–2 days, tapering over 7–14 days.
  • Cramping: treat with NSAIDs, heat packs, and rest.
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea: hydrate, eat small frequent meals.
  • Refer to sideEffectsManagementGraphic for home‑care tips.
Toolkit of common side effects (bleeding, cramping, nausea) and home management tips.
Toolkit of common side effects (bleeding, cramping, nausea) and home management tips.

Emergency Warning Signs

Excessive bleeding (soaking >2 pads/hour for >2 hours).

High fever (>38 °C) lasting >24 hours despite paracetamol.

Severe pain unrelieved by prescribed medication.

See emergencyWarningSignsGraphic for when to seek immediate care.

Diagram of warning signs—excessive bleeding, fever, severe pain—and when to go to a clinic.
Diagram of warning signs—excessive bleeding, fever, severe pain—and when to go to a clinic.

Choosing a Safe Provider

Ensure provider is a registered medical practitioner authorized under the MTP Act.

Confirm the clinic has privacy policies, emergency protocols, and trained staff.

Use providerChecklistGraphic to prepare questions and verify credentials.

Checklist of questions to ask your provider: credentials, privacy, follow‑up plan.
Checklist of questions to ask your provider: credentials, privacy, follow‑up plan.

Aftercare & Emotional Support

Rest, avoid heavy lifting, maintain personal hygiene and abstain from intercourse for 1 week.

Hydrate, eat nourishing foods, and track bleeding and symptoms.

Access counselling or peer support to process emotions.

Refer to aftercareChecklistGraphic and supportResourcesGraphic for holistic guidance.

Checklist of rest, nutrition, hygiene, and emotional support following termination.
Checklist of rest, nutrition, hygiene, and emotional support following termination.
Directory of hotlines, counselling services, and online peer‑support groups.
Directory of hotlines, counselling services, and online peer‑support groups.

Legal Rights & Confidentiality

Medical termination is legal up to 20 weeks under the MTP Act; privacy is protected by law.

No requirement for police or court clearance; consent is kept strictly confidential.

Discuss rights with your provider and refer to mythBustGraphic to counter misinformation.

Table debunking myths about medical termination safety, fertility, and legality.
Table debunking myths about medical termination safety, fertility, and legality.

Debunking Common Myths

  • “Pills cause infertility.” → Safe use does not affect future fertility.
  • “It’s painful beyond limits.” → Proper management makes side effects tolerable.
  • See mythBustGraphic for more fact‑based clarifications.

Next Steps

  • Confirm your gestational age and eligibility with a provider using eligibilityFlowchartGraphic.
  • Schedule a consultation and review the pillProtocolGraphic together.
  • Line up a trusted support person and access resources from supportResourcesGraphic.
Action checklist: confirm eligibility, schedule consultation, arrange support, and follow up.
Action checklist: confirm eligibility, schedule consultation, arrange support, and follow up.