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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Pregnancy/Abortion > Medical abortion
Posted on: 03/10/2009
Question
What happens if you decide to have a medical abortion rather than surgical abortion and the baby isn't successfully terminated? Will the baby have defects or damage if you decide to keep it and give birth?
Answer
Medications for medical abortion, including mifepristone and misoprostol, may have teratogenic effects (disturb the growth and development of an embryo or fetus when used during pregnancy). Therefore, if treatment fails, there is a risk of fetal malformation. It is not advised to continue the pregnancy after treatment failure. Also, pregnancy can occur prior to the first menstrual period following treatment. Appropriate contraception can be started as soon as termination of pregnancy is confirmed or before sexual intercourse is resumed.