Abortion is healthcare. But myths and misinformation can make a straightforward healthcare decision feel confusing, frightening or shameful.
So, let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions about medical abortion – because everyone deserves accurate information about their body and their choices.
Myth 1: “You’ll regret it forever’”
The truth is….
The most commonly reported feeling after an abortion is relief, and long-term studies have found that the vast majority of people do not regret their decision.
That doesn’t mean everyone feels the same. People can experience a range of emotions before, during and after an abortion – and there is no single “correct” way to feel.
What matters is that people are trusted to make the decision that is right for them.
Abortion is a decision. Not a secret or shameful, a decision.
And everyone deserves to make that decision with accurate information, compassionate care and without judgement.
Myth #2: “People use abortion as contraception”
The truth is…
Medical abortion is not contraception. Contraception is used to prevent pregnancy; medical abortion ends an existing pregnancy.
And contraception isn’t perfect. Condoms can break. Pills can be missed. Contraceptive methods can fail. Sometimes people can’t access the method they want or need. Life happens.
In fact, most people who have an abortion were using contraception around the time they became pregnant.
An unintended pregnancy doesn’t mean someone was careless. Bodies aren’t machines, circumstances change, and no contraceptive method works perfectly every time.
Abortion is healthcare; not a casual substitute for prevention.
Myth #3: “It will affect your fertility”
The truth is…
Having a medical abortion does not reduce your chances of becoming pregnant in the future.
An uncomplicated medical abortion does not damage the uterus or cause infertility. In fact, fertility can return very quickly after an abortion, which means it’s possible to become pregnant again before your next period.
Yet fears about infertility remain one of the most persistent and unfounded fears of medical abortions.
The facts matter: abortion is a safe and common form of healthcare, and having one does not mean giving up the possibility of having children later.
Myth #4: “A medical abortion is the same as the morning-after pill”
The truth is…
They’re completely different.
The morning-after pill is a form of emergency contraception. It works by delaying ovulation, to prevent a pregnancy from happening.
Medical abortion is used after a pregnancy has begun.
They are different medications, used at different stages for different purposes.
Confusing emergency contraception with abortion can fuel unnecessary stigma around both. Everyone deserves clear information about the healthcare options available to them.
Myth #5: “You have to tell your GP”
The truth is…
In Australia, your abortion care is confidential and no health professional (including your GP) automatically gets told about it. Your medical records are only shared with your permission.
You don’t have to tell friends, family or other people in your life simply because you’ve had an abortion.
The important thing to remember is this: your healthcare information is private, and you have rights over how it is handled.
(There are rare exceptions in healthcare: e.g. if someone is at risk of harm, but abortion care isn’t automatically shared.)
How we fight abortion misinformation
Misinformation about abortion can create fear, reinforce stigma and make it harder for people to access care.
That’s why MSI teams work across 37 countries, including Australia, to get trusted information to people wherever they are – through community health workers, radio, billboards, social media and conversations with healthcare providers.
By challenging myths and sharing the facts, we can help more people understand their options and make informed choices about their bodies and futures.
Donate today to help us fight misinformation, reduce stigma and protect reproductive choice for all.
