What happens in a medication abortionWhat happens during a medication abortion? CNN: What is the difference between a first-trimester medication abortion and a vacuum aspiration in terms of what a woman experiences? Nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea and headache can occur after using the abortion pill, and everyone who has a successful medication abortion usually reports some pain. CNN: Are there any signs of trouble a woman should watch for after undergoing a medication abortion? Many people specifically choose to have a medication abortion because they can be surrounded by a partner, family or friends.