Perhaps you’ve heard of the Abortion Pill, but aren’t quite clear on what it is or how it works. The abortion pill is a medical abortion and is actually a series of pills that terminate pregnancy up to 10 weeks. The first pill, mifepristone, begins a process to block the effects of progesterone (which is necessary to sustain the pregnancy) causing the death of the embryo over the next few days. On day 3, two pills are taken, one in each cheek pouch. These pills, misoprostol, will cause uterine contractions and bleeding, which can be severe, until the embryo or fetus is expelled. Bleeding typically lasts 9-16 days, however, some women may require surgery to stop the bleeding.
You will also be required to sign a consent for the surgical abortion procedure (D&C) at the time of beginning the medical abortion in the event that the abortion pill doesn’t work or doesn’t complete the abortion. A medical examination to assess for any complications is essential one to two weeks after the abortion per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) protocol.
Who Can Use the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill is FDA-approved for women who are up to 10 weeks from their last menstrual period (LMP), although it has a higher failure rate as the pregnancy progresses. You can use a pregnancy calculator based on your last period to determine how many weeks you might be. It should not be used if implantation in the uterus has not occurred – pregnancy is ectopic – as it will not abort an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening.
As you make your abortion procedure plans it’s wise to consider the risks associated with medication abortion (Mifeprex/Mifepristone, RU-486 with Misoprostol). Some of these include bleeding, infection, or failed abortion attempts. Refer to our website to learn more: https://gatewayfriends.care/abortion-info/abortion-procedures/#no1
Should you choose to use the Abortion Pill
Be aware that you will not be under medical supervision during most of the abortion process and will need to assess for yourself if your symptoms require emergency care. Should you experience flu-like symptoms consistent with infection, seek immediate medical attention.
Follow up visits should be kept to prevent complications from an undiagnosed infection.
Sometimes women regret their abortion decision to terminate pregnancy after taking the first abortion pill. Abortionpillreversal.com can connect patients in this situation to a health care provider that may be able to assist them in reversing the abortion process. Some women have successfully continued the pregnancy and given birth to healthy babies.
For more information on abortion options and other alternatives, please call Gateway at 919-833-0096 or text us at 919-502-0096.
