What Is The Abortion Pill?
The shock of an unexpected pregnancy can make you feel unsure about your decision. As you decide, you’ll want to have all the facts about your options and the information about your pregnancy. Keep reading to learn about the abortion pill and what you need to know beforehand!
How does the abortion pill work?
With the abortion pill, a woman intentionally takes medication to terminate her pregnancy. Abortion pills may also be called a medical abortion, chemical abortion, RU-486, or at-home abortion.
The process involves two medications. The first medication, mifepristone, interferes with progesterone receptors and prevents the pregnancy from developing. The second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy.[1]
Can your gynecologist give you the abortion pill?
In states where abortion is legal, only certified doctors or mid-level providers can prescribe abortion pills. They will determine whether a woman qualifies for an abortion based on the gestational age. They will also rule out contraindications to an abortion such as an ectopic pregnancy, drug allergies, blood thinning disorders, an IUD, or other medical disorders.[2]
How much does the abortion pill cost?
Abortion pills can cost up to $750 and include fees for ultrasounds, blood tests, medications, and follow-up appointments.
What are the risks of the abortion pill?
Like any medical procedure or medication, the abortion pill has risks.[3] First, women wanting an abortion should rule out an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy develops outside of the uterus and can be life-threatening if not properly treated. So, before taking abortion pills, it is recommended that a woman receive an ultrasound first. At HPRC we provide cost-free pregnancy confirmation and limited ultrasounds.
Further complications after taking mifepristone include prolonged bleeding, an infection, an allergic reaction, or an incomplete abortion, which could require further medical intervention.
How effective is the abortion pill?
Up to 8% of women who take the abortion pill require a further surgical procedure because the abortion was incomplete.[4]
Where can I go to get an abortion pill?
Some providers require a woman to take the first pill in the abortion clinic. Others, depending on state laws, can obtain abortion pills from certified pharmacies. Women should never order abortion pills online from a foreign pharmacy. The FDA has not evaluated those pills for safety[5] and could contain the wrong amount of medication.
How far along can you take the abortion pill?
Women qualify for the abortion pill only up until 10 weeks of gestation.[6] Gestational age can be estimated based on a woman’s last menstrual period, but an ultrasound is the most exact way to determine the gestational age. Call HPRC at 256-533-3526 for a free ultrasound today.
How long does the abortion pill take to work?
During the abortion pill regimen, a woman takes mifepristone first. Then, 24 to 48 hours later she takes misoprostol which causes her uterus to cramp and to expel the pregnancy. She may continue to experience bleeding for about 9 to 16 days and could bleed up to 30 days. [7] She should follow up with a provider 7 to 14 days after taking the abortion pill to evaluate for complications.[8]
Does the abortion pill hurt?
Everyone tolerates pain differently, but on average, women report a higher level of pain than they expected. They describe the pain as worse than menstrual cramps and compare it to labor contractions.[9]
Is Plan B an abortion pill?
Plan B is an emergency contraception and can be referred to as the morning-after pill. Emergency contraception and abortion pills are different. Emergency contraception attempts to prevent a pregnancy from starting by delaying ovulation and preventing fertilization, but the abortion pills end a pregnancy that has already begun. Plan B should not be used as a routine form of birth control.
Abortion Pill Information in Huntsville, Alabama
Weighing the pros and cons of abortion can feel overwhelming. But you aren’t alone! Visit HPRC to speak with our trained and compassionate staff. We provide a non-judgmental space for you to process your questions and concerns.
Please be aware that HPRC does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Medical Abortion. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion
FDA. (2023, January). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation?sm_guid=NTU1NzgyfDYzMDE1OTM2fC0xfGppbUBha2ZhbWlseS5vcmd8NTY4OTI4MXx8MHwwfDE5OTYwMDk4OHwxMDg2fDB8MHx8NTQ3NzI2fDA1
What is the Abortion Pill. (2024, January 10). Pregnancy Decision Line. https://pregnancydecisionline.org/what-is-the-abortion-pill/
Danco Laboratories, LLC. (2022). MEDICATION GUIDE: Mifeprex. Danco Laboratories, LLC. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020687s014lbl.pdf
FDA. (2023, January). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation.
Danco Laboratories, LLC. (2022). MEDICATION GUIDE: Mifeprex.
Ibid.
FDA. (2023, January). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation.
Georgsson, S., & Carlsson, T. (2019). Pain and pain management during induced abortions: A web-based exploratory study of recollections from previous patients. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 75(11), 3006–3017. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14132