The Abortion Pill
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
Although it’s referred to as a pill (singular), the abortion pill actually consists of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is taken first, usually in a clinic. This medication cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo/baby, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo/baby stops growing.
Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later at home. This medication causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo/baby, which ends the pregnancy.
How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill?
You can’t take the abortion pill beyond 10 weeks of pregnancy (or 70 days since the first day of your last menstrual period)[1]. This is because it becomes less effective the farther along you are in your pregnancy. If you take the abortion pill later on in your pregnancy, you could experience serious complications and may need emergency surgery to complete the procedure.
Is Abortion Legal in Alabama? Do I Need an Ultrasound Before Taking the Abortion Pill?
Currently, abortion is illegal in Alabama, though exceptions can be made for medical emergencies[2]. Even then, you are required to receive an ultrasound before any abortion.
Do I Need a Prescription for the Abortion Pill? Can I Get the Abortion Pill Over the Counter?
By Alabama law, pharmacies are not authorized to dispense the abortion pill because that would be considered another way to perform an abortion.
Can I Order the Abortion Pill Online?
The FDA advises against ordering the abortion pill online. Many online abortion pill providers are located overseas, so the pills they provide may not meet FDA standards[3]. These pills could be counterfeit, expired, or even tampered with! It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid ordering the abortion pill online. It is illegal for a provider to supply abortion pills to a resident in the state of Alabama.
Abortion Pill Information in Huntsville, AL
When those two lines first appear, it can be easy to panic. Don’t let fear make the final decision for you! Get the care and support you deserve at HPRC! We offer free pregnancy resources, so you can make an informed and empowered decision for your unexpected pregnancy!
Give us a call at (256) 533-3526 or schedule your appointment online today!
Please be aware that HPRC does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, January 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
Frequently Asked Questions: Alabama's Abortion Ban. Alabama Policy Institute. (2022, June 24). Retrieved from https://alabamapolicy.org/2022/06/24/abortionfaq/
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, January 24). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
Other Abortion Pill Information
