Understanding The Abortion Pill: What to Know

Abortion is a serious decision with risks and side effects. If you are considering the abortion pill (also known as “medical abortion”) for your pregnancy, learning as much as you can about this method is critical.

Soundview is here to be an educational resource as you consider your pregnancy options, helping you . make an informed decision based on the facts.

Continue reading to learn essential facts about the abortion pill regimen.

Two powerful drugs.

Two drugs are used in the abortion pill regimen. The first drug is called mifepristone, which blocks progesterone, a hormone that helps the pregnancy develop. With this drug, the pregnancy detaches from the uterine lining and ends.

The second drug is called misoprostol. This drug causes the uterus to contract, which expels the pregnancy from the body. Due to the nature of these drugs, abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding will occur.

These drugs should not be taken past a specific timeframe.

The FDA has approved these drugs up to 10 weeks gestation, so they should not be taken past 10 weeks since the first day of your last menstrual period.

Additionally, the FDA does not recommend that these drugs be purchased online because doing so bypasses safety standards meant to protect one’s health. Since these drugs often come from foreign or unregulated sources, their effectiveness and quality can not be guaranteed.

Abortion pills are associated with certain health risks.

Knowing the following risks can help you make a sound decision as they can affect your health:

Digestive symptoms (i.e., upset stomach)
Fever
Infection due to incomplete abortion
Heavy, prolonged bleeding
Incomplete abortion (this happens when pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus, and it may require surgical treatment)

This abortion method is not an option for everyone.

Some people should not take the abortion pill regimen. This procedure is not if someone:

Is too far along in her pregnancy- beyond 10 weeks from her last menstrual period
Has an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place)
Has a suspected ectopic pregnancy
Has certain medical conditions, including anemia, bleeding disorders, and chronic adrenal failure
Takes a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines
Can’t access emergency care
Has an allergy to the drugs used

There is a lot of information to consider when weighing your options. At Soundview you will have access to non judgemental, personalized healthcare including ultrasound, through , independent, on-site medical professionals.

You can confirm your pregnancy and weigh the pros and cons of each option, ensuring you have all the care and details needed to decide.