The abortion pill refers to a medical, medication, or chemical abortion. This method uses two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol to end a pregnancy.
How Does a Medical Abortion Work
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone to end the pregnancy. All pregnancies need progesterone to develop. Without it, the lining of the uterus thins and the pregnancy ends.
The second drug, misoprostol, causes bleeding and contractions to expel the pregnancy and tissue from the body. Some women have reported extreme pain after taking misoprostol. However, the experience varies from woman to woman.
Do I Qualify For the Abortion Pill?
There are limitations as to who is eligible for the abortion pill method. The Mayo Clinic says the procedure isn’t an option for the following reasons:
- You are too far along in your pregnancy. The Mayo Clinic advises taking it no later than 11 weeks of gestation. However, the FDA only approves the drug’s use for up to 10 weeks.
- You have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place.
- You have an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy forms outside the uterus and can be extremely dangerous. An ultrasound determines the location of your pregnancy.
- You have certain medical conditions, such as anemia, bleeding disorders, or heart disease.
- You take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines for asthma, bronchitis, or arthritis.
- You can’t reach a healthcare professional or don’t have access to emergency care.
- You are allergic to the drugs.
The Abortion Pill Is Highly Regulated for Safety Reasons
Only certified providers can prescribe mifepristone, the first drug taken. The FDA discourages everyone from buying the drugs online because many online providers are based in foreign countries. The FDA cannot guarantee the effectiveness, quality, or safety of drugs bought online.
Even when prescribed by a certified provider, there are still risks, such as life-threatening bleeding and infection. Other risks include incomplete abortion, digestive symptoms such as upset stomach, and fever.
What Should I Do Before My Abortion?
Before undergoing any major medical procedure, it is recommended that you meet with your healthcare provider. It’s vital to review your health history and current prescriptions, take the necessary diagnostic tests, and discuss your mental health.
Because you take the abortion pill drugs in the privacy of your home, you have no immediate medical oversight. Talk with us about the signs to look out for that indicate it’s time to seek emergency medical attention.
Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we will provide factual, medically based information on procedures, the side effects to expect, and the potential physical and emotional risks.
We do not perform or refer for abortion.
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