The Abortion Pill involves a series of pills to terminate a pregnancy and does not require surgery or anesthesia. Many people think that the abortion pill procedure is easier than having a surgical abortion – take a pill and your troubles are over. But abortion is a serious medical decision. Although the media and abortion providers say it’s safe and easy, there are side effects and risks to be aware of.
Before you order the abortion pill, there’s more information you need to know about your pregnancy. At the Women’s Help Center, we want you to be completely informed.
How Does The Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill uses two powerful drugs over a 24 to 48 hour period to terminate a pregnancy. Because drugs are used rather than surgery, the abortion pill is known as a medication or medical abortion.
All pregnancies need a hormone known as progesterone to grow and continue developing. The first drug, mifepristone (Mifeprex©), blocks the uterus from absorbing progesterone. Without this vital hormone, the pregnancy is terminated.
The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo through the vagina. During the process, you’ll experience bleeding and cramping.
Are There Any Side Effects?
For the most part, every drug has side effects. The Mayo Clinic lists these as potential side effects of the abortion pill:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever and Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Emotional and psychological consequences
What Are The Risks?
Just as there are side effects, there are also risks to taking the abortion pill. The risks are determined by how far along your pregnancy is, certain medical conditions, and if your pregnancy is located outside of the uterus (an ectopic pregnancy).
Here are the risks listed by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA):
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding; can be so heavy that it requires a surgical procedure
- Abdominal pain or “feeling sick” such as weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever that lasts longer than 24-hours
- Fever of 100.4° or higher that lasts for more than 4 hours could be a symptom of a serious infection or another problem
- Incomplete or failed abortion
Requirements For Taking The Abortion Pill
The FDA states “Mifeprex is used…to end an early pregnancy. Early pregnancy means it is 70 days (10 weeks) or less since your last menstrual period began. Mifeprex is not approved for ending pregnancies that are further along.”
Are you positive you know how far along your pregnancy is? If not, you need to visit the Women’s Help Center for a confidential ultrasound at no cost.
It might not be necessary to have an abortion since up to 20% or possibly more pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. You can find out if you’ve already miscarried with our ultrasound.
You Have Options
While many women feel abortion is their only option, you actually have three: abortion, adoption, and parenting. Get educated today about your pregnancy options so you feel confident in your decision.
If you have more questions about abortion procedures, risks, or options, contact one of our four locations. You can call, text, or schedule an appointment online. We’re here for you. How can we help?