Taking the Abortion Pill
It's important to be well-informed when deciding whether or not to end a pregnancy by taking the abortion pill.
Also known as a medication abortion, the abortion pill is a combination of two prescribed medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, the hormone which is necessary for pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
A medication abortion is typically used up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. Before proceeding with a medication abortion, it is essential to confirm with a healthcare provider how far along you are in your pregnancy .
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “an individual should not take mifepristone, in a regimen with misoprostol, for medical termination of pregnancy if it has been more than 70 days since the first day of their last menstrual period, or if they:
have an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside of the uterus)
have problems with the adrenal glands (the glands near the kidneys)
are currently being treated with long-term corticosteroid therapy
have had an allergic reaction to mifepristone, misoprostol or similar drugs
have bleeding problems or are taking anticoagulant (blood thinning) drug products
have inherited porphyria (a rare disorder that can affect the liver and other organs)
have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place (it must be removed before taking mifepristone)”
However, a recent study reveals “unequivocally that mifepristone abortion, as currently practiced in the U.S., is considerably more dangerous to women than is represented on the FDA-approved drug label,” according to Ryan T. Anderson, Ph.D. and Jamie Bryan Hall, of the Ethics and Public Policy Center.
The first pill (mifepristone) is taken at a clinic or doctor's office. It begins the process by stopping the pregnancy from developing.
The second pill (misoprostol) is taken at home 24-48 hours after taking the mifepristone pill. This medication causes cramping, bleeding, and the expulsion of the pregnancy.
“Before proceeding with a medication abortion, it is critical to confirm the location of the pregnancy, pregnancy viability and gestational age. Ultrasound is the only way to accurately confirm pregnancy dating.”
Most people experience heavy bleeding and cramping as the pregnancy is expelled. It’s common to pass blood clots and tissue during this time.
Women who have taken the abortion pill regimen have also reported experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and fatigue.
The bleeding that occurs with a medication abortion usually starts a few hours after taking misoprostol (the second pill) and can last up to two weeks.
A medication abortion has the potential of risks and complications. According to the warning label on mifeprisonte (the first pill), “serious and sometimes fatal infections or bleeding” may occur.
“...mifepristone abortion, as currently practiced in the U.S., is considerably more dangerous to women than is represented on the FDA-approved drug label.”
An incomplete abortion occurs when the pregnancy is not fully expelled, requiring further medical intervention.
There is a risk of infection if the procedure is not done properly or if you don't follow post-care instructions.
In some cases, excessive bleeding may require immediate medical attention.
It's important to recognize that choosing whether or not to end a pregnancy is a big decision and can cause a range of emotions. Before deciding, consider seeking support from a counselor or trusted people in your life.
A pregnancy care center is a place you can go to receive free and confidential help, including a medical-grade pregnancy test, a limited obstetric ultrasound, and options counseling.
Before proceeding with a medication abortion, it is critical to confirm the location of the pregnancy, pregnancy viability and gestational age. Ultrasound is the only way to accurately confirm pregnancy dating.
If you need a pregnancy test, ultrasound or help finding a healthcare provider or support resources, call or text AWPC at (248) 471-5858. Appointments are available and all medical services are performed by licensed professional medical staff and medical services are overseen by an obstetrician.
“A pregnancy care center is a place you can go to receive free and confidential help, including a medical-grade pregnancy test, a limited obstetric ultrasound, and options counseling.”
