What do you know about the abortion pill? Before seeking this option, learning all you can to ensure you’re making a safe, informed decision is critical.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill actually refers to two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is taken first. It starts the abortion process by blocking progesterone. Without this critical hormone, your uterine lining will loosen and shed, causing your pregnancy to detach and end.
Misoprostol is taken next. It causes your uterus to contract, expelling the pregnancy out through your vagina.
After taking these drugs, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. Some women have reported that this pain was unexpectedly severe. You might also witness the expelled embryo or fetus, which can be distressing for some women.
Medical abortion comes with risks to your health, which can include:
- An incomplete abortion, which happens when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach
Am I Eligible for the Abortion Pill?
The abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under.
Did you know that not every woman is eligible for the abortion drugs? If any of the following situations apply to you, you aren’t eligible for the abortion pill:
- Your pregnancy is further than 10 weeks gestation. Some types of medical abortions aren’t done after seven weeks of pregnancy.
- You have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place.
- You have a suspected ectopic pregnancy, which is a life-threatening situation.
- You have certain medical conditions, including bleeding disorders; certain heart or blood vessel diseases; severe liver, kidney or lung disease; or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.
- You take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines.
- You can’t make follow-up visits to your provider or don’t have access to emergency care.
- You have an allergy to the medicine used.
Can I Buy the Abortion Pill Online?
Yes, you can technically order the abortion pill online. However, doing so puts your health and safety at risk, which is why the FDA advises against it.
Many of the abortion drugs you can find online aren’t FDA-approved. Since these drugs fall outside of the US supply chain, the FDA can’t guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or source of these drugs.
How Can I Protect My Health Before Taking the Abortion Pill?
Before seeking the abortion pill, it’s critical to get an ultrasound. This simple scan will tell you how far along you are in your pregnancy, which is one of the vital details you need to know to determine if you’re eligible for the abortion drugs.
At Friends For Life Pregnancy Center, we offer free, limited ultrasounds and a safe space to talk because we believe you deserve to have the information you need to make an educated, safe decision. Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential appointment.
