In the Netherlands you need to make an appointment at an abortion clinic or hospital.
The first thing to consider is the duration of your pregnancy. The abortion pill is only suitable for pregnancies shorter than 49 days. Subtracting the 5 days that the law requires between the first visit to the doctor and the abortion there is only 43 days left.
The doctor administers three tablets (mifepristone), causing the lining of the uterus to break down. The fertilized egg can no longer settle in the womb and dies.
After 48 hours you go back to the clinic or hospital to get tablets which cause the uterus to contact, expelling the foetus and the pregnancy tissue. It’s like having your period, but much heavier. A common side effect is cramping. Some women also experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
You normally lose blood for about 7-10 days, sometimes longer. In about 1% of the cases the bleeding is excessive, requiring further treatment.
After 3 weeks you return for a check-up. In about 2-5% of the cases the abortion pill failed, requiring suction curettage.