The series is set on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, and depicts the poor, dysfunctional family of Frank Gallagher, a neglectful single father of six: Fiona, Phillip, Ian, Debbie, Carl, and Liam.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.64 million household viewers and gained a 0.7 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
Lip (Jeremy Allen White) feels worried over his presence with Helene (Sasha Alexander), especially after Theo (Michael Reilly Burke) makes it clear he is only having sex with her because he is allowing it.
Hipsters start frequenting the Alibi Room, after a review called it the "Best Shittiest Bar on the South Side", a term that Kevin and Svetlana (Isidora Goreshter) welcomes.
Debbie has second thoughts about her pregnancy after hearing her friends complain about their new lives, Derek's family confirming that he abandoned her, and losing her bag of flour on the subway.
Club gave the episode a "C" grade and wrote, "Once I accept that television will always value the plot dynamics of a surprise pregnancy over the truth of the character involved, there's thematic weight to this development to Fiona.
"[4] Leslie Pariseau of Vulture gave the episode a 3 out of 5 star rating and wrote "By choosing Sean, a recovering addict and her boss, she encourages the instability, leaving open a possibility for the other shoe to drop.
"[7] Allyson Johnson of The Young Folks gave the episode a 7 out of 10 rating and wrote "That group support and dynamic has been missing for quite a while now and bringing that back, rallying the troops so to speak, would be one good move in the right direction.
"[8] David Crow of Den of Geek gave the episode a perfect 5 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "this is what makes "#AbortionRules" such a strong continuation of an impressive kickoff to season 6.
"[9] Paul Dailly of TV Fanatic gave the episode a 4 star rating out of 5, and wrote, ""#AbortionRules" was another solid effort from this Showtime drama.