Failed Abortion Pill?

Failed Abortion Pill?

What to Do Next D&C Available in the Bronx

If your abortion pill didn’t work, take a breath. You’re not alone, this is not your fault, and you have safe options right here in the Bronx.

We know this isn’t the situation you expected to be in. You made a decision, you followed the instructions, and now something doesn’t feel right. That can be frightening — and it’s completely understandable to feel anxious, frustrated, or unsure about what comes next.

At Dr. Emily Women’s Health Center, we see patients in this exact situation regularly. Whether you took the abortion pill at another clinic, received it through a telehealth service, or obtained it by mail, we’re here to help — with no judgment about where or how you received your initial care. Our only concern is your safety and wellbeing.

How Do I Know If the Abortion Pill Didn’t Work?

First, it’s important to know that medication abortion is effective in about 95–98% of cases. But that still means that for a small number of patients, the process doesn’t go as expected. If this happened to you, it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong.

Here are some signs that the medication may not have worked completely:

• You didn’t experience heavy bleeding or cramping within 24–48 hours after taking misoprostol
• Pregnancy symptoms have continued or returned — things like nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue
• A follow-up pregnancy test is still positive more than 4–5 weeks later
• Your bleeding was much lighter than expected — more like spotting than a heavy period
• An ultrasound shows retained tissue or a continuing pregnancy

If any of this sounds familiar, please don’t panic — but do reach out to a medical provider. An in-person ultrasound is the most reliable way to find out exactly what’s happening, and from there, your doctor can help you figure out the best next step.

What Are My Options?

If your medication abortion was incomplete, you generally have two paths forward. Your physician will help you understand which one is right for your specific situation.

Option 1: A second dose of medication

In some cases — particularly if there’s only a small amount of remaining tissue — your provider may recommend trying another dose of misoprostol. This can sometimes complete the process without needing a procedure.

Option 2: A D&C (Dilation and Curettage)

A D&C is a brief, gentle procedure that removes any remaining pregnancy tissue. We understand the word “surgical” can sound intimidating, but a D&C is one of the most common and safest gynecological procedures performed. It typically takes just a few minutes.

At Dr. Emily Women’s Health Center, we offer general anesthesia for D&C procedures. That means you’ll be asleep and comfortable — you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Our board-certified OB/GYN physicians, Dr. Brian E. Park and Dr. Vivian Roston, have each been performing these procedures for over 30 years. You’ll be in experienced, caring hands.

Most patients rest briefly in our recovery area afterward and go home the same day.

Why Coming In for In-Person Care Matters

We understand the appeal of managing things from home — it’s private, convenient, and on your own schedule. But when a medication abortion doesn’t go as planned, in-person care gives you something that a telehealth chat or phone call can’t:

• We can see what’s happening. An ultrasound tells us whether the abortion is complete, whether there’s retained tissue, or if the pregnancy is continuing — so you’re not guessing.
• A physician is right there with you. Not a chat window, not a callback in 24 hours — a board-certified OB/GYN who can examine you, answer your questions face to face, and take immediate action if needed.
• If you need a D&C, it can happen right away. You don’t have to schedule at a different facility or wait for a referral. We handle everything in one place, in one visit.
• Complications can be managed on the spot. Heavy bleeding, signs of infection, or other concerns can be addressed immediately by our medical team.

This isn’t about where you got your initial care — it’s about making sure you’re safe and healthy now.

Will I Have to Pay Again?

We know how frustrating it is to face additional costs after you’ve already paid for a treatment that didn’t work. The good news is that for many patients, follow-up care after a failed abortion pill may cost you nothing out of pocket.

• If you have Medicaid: Your D&C is likely covered at no cost to you. New York State Medicaid covers abortion services — including a D&C to complete a failed medication abortion — with no copay, no coinsurance, and no deductible. We accept Medicaid from all 5 NYC boroughs (Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island).
• If you have private insurance: Most plans cover abortion services in New York. New York State law requires comprehensive health insurance plans to cover medically necessary abortion care. We’re happy to verify your coverage before you come in, so there are no surprises.
• Self-pay: $300 for a D&C after a failed abortion pill. This includes the procedure and post-procedure care. We accept cash, debit, and credit cards.

We never want cost to be the reason someone delays care that they need. Please call us at 718-585-1010 and let’s figure it out together.

We’re Here for You — Without Judgment

We want to be clear about something: it does not matter to us where you got your abortion pill. Whether it was from a clinic, a telehealth provider, a mail-order service, or anywhere else — you deserve compassionate, professional follow-up care, and that’s exactly what we provide.

A failed medication abortion can stir up a lot of emotions. You might feel scared, disappointed, or even embarrassed. Please know that there is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about. This happens, it’s a known medical possibility, and it’s exactly the kind of situation our doctors handle with care and expertise every day.

When you walk into Dr. Emily Women’s Health Center, you’ll be treated with warmth, respect, and complete confidentiality. Our staff will explain everything clearly, answer every question you have, and make sure you feel comfortable and informed at every step.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Emily Women’s Health Center

• We’re actually here in the Bronx — the only private women’s health clinic located in the borough
• Board-certified OB/GYN physicians — Dr. Brian E. Park and Dr. Vivian Roston, each with over 30 years of experience
• AAAASF-accredited surgical facility — meeting national safety standards
• General anesthesia available — so you’re comfortable and pain-free
• 800+ Google reviews with a 4.6-star rating — from real patients in your community
• Serving the Bronx since 2004 — over two decades of trusted care
• Open Saturdays 8 AM – 3 PM — because your health doesn’t wait for Monday
• 1 block from the 6 train at East 149th Street

What to Do Right Now

If you think your abortion pill didn’t work, the most important thing is to not wait. The sooner you’re seen, the sooner you’ll have answers — and the sooner you can move forward with peace of mind.

Call us at 718-585-1010 to schedule a same-day or next-day appointment. When you come in, our team will:

1. Talk with you about what you’ve experienced
2. Perform an ultrasound to see exactly what’s happening
3. Explain your options clearly and answer all your questions
4. If a D&C is needed, it can often be done that same visit

You can also book online at www.dremily.net or simply walk in during office hours. We’ll take care of you.