Abortion pill reversal explained: The science, stories and debate

More than 60% of abortions in the U.S., according to a study released in March 2024, are brought about via medication. But what if a woman takes the abortion pill and then immediately regrets it? Paul DeBeasi, the director of APRScience.org, a website dedicated to explaining abortion pill reversal, recently spoke with OSV News’ Charlie Camosy about the process, which is the subject of legal and medical debates in the post-Dobbs landscape, and what might happen next.

Charlie Camosy: Readers have probably heard of abortion pill reversal, but maybe don’t have a clear idea about what it is, precisely. Can you give us the basics?​

Paul DeBeasi: It is important first to understand that the abortion pill is a two-drug regimen: mifepristone followed by misoprostol 24-48 hours later. Progesterone is a natural hormone that is critical in supporting a healthy pregnancy. It prepares the uterus for embryo implantation, promotes placental development, and suppresses uterine contractions. Mifepristone competitively inhibits the mother’s progesterone, separating the embryo from the mother’s uterus and causing embryo death. Misoprostol causes uterine contractions and expels the embryo.

Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) therapy involves giving the mother progesterone in a capsule or injection after taking mifepristone. APR increases progesterone concentration levels to better compete with mifepristone and restore a normal pregnancy. Each month, hundreds of women call the Abortion Pill Reversal hotline seeking help. A member of the APR team works with each patient to complete a medical history and complete an informed consent process.

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