Facts About Medical Abortion You Might Not Know

Even if you’ve heard about medical abortion (also called the “abortion pill”) before, if you’re considering it for your unplanned pregnancy, there may be things you don’t know. Before making a pregnancy decision, learn about your options and the potential implications.

Soundview is here to clarify your options as you make a decision. We provide factual information so you can move forward confidently.

Keep reading for medical abortion facts. You can also contact Soundview to speak with an onsite, independent medical professional about your options.

1. There is a gestational limit to when you can take medical abortion drugs.

The FDA has approved the use of medical abortion drugs only through 10 weeks gestation. Taking these drugs beyond this timeframe or purchasing them online is not recommended, as serious risks or side effects can occur.

2. Medical abortion always causes cramping and bleeding.

Any woman who takes abortion drugs will experience cramping in the stomach area and vaginal bleeding.

While it’s impossible to pinpoint how severe these side effects could be for each woman, you should consider your pain tolerance, health, and personal situation.

However, it’s crucial to note that some women report the pain was unexpectedly severe or intense.

3. Having a medical abortion carries certain risks.

Every procedure comes with risks, and medical abortion is no exception. Though these risks are rare, it’s critical to know them to make an educated decision that considers your health:

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

4. Not everyone can take abortion drugs.

One way to protect yourself is to discuss your health history with a healthcare provider. They can review specific concerns and discuss your eligibility for medical abortion drugs.

Medical abortion may not be an option if any of these factors apply to you:

Have an IUD (intrauterine device) currently in place
Have an ectopic pregnancy
Have certain medical conditions, including anemia, certain bleeding disorders, chronic adrenal failure, certain heart or blood vessel diseases, severe liver, kidney, or lung disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder
Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines
Have an allergy to the drugs used
Can’t reach a healthcare professional or don’t have access to emergency care

5. An ultrasound is the best way to confirm pregnancy details and protect your health before deciding.

Receiving an ultrasound before making a pregnancy decision helps you learn valuable information. This scan tells you whether your pregnancy is viable (it is progressing, and there is a heartbeat), where it is located, and how far along you are.

Without these details, you could have an unnecessary procedure (conditions like a miscarriage and/or an ectopic pregnancy need immediate medical care and treatment, not abortion), be too far along to take abortion drugs, or face health risks.

You owe it to yourself to protect your health. Soundview’s onsite, independent medical professionals can assess your eligibility for an ultrasound and provide these details. They’ll help you get the information you need.