Abortion Pill

The Abortion Pill (Chemical/Medical Abortion)

What is the Abortion Pill?

Other names for the Abortion Pill is Chemical or Medical Abortion

The Abortion Pill involves a series of pills to terminate pregnancy within 10 weeks (70 days) of your last menstrual period a pregnancy and does not require surgery or anesthesia.

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

Step 1: You take a pill called mifepristone. Mifepristone blocks your body from producing a hormone called progesterone. Progesterone is needed for the pregnancy to grow normally. Blocking progesterone will stop the pregnancy from growing.

Step 2: Up to 48 hours after taking mifepristone you will take the second pill, misoprostol. Misoprostol will generate your body to go into labor to expel the contents of the uterus. Misoprostol can cause severe cramping and heavy bleeding.

Potential Risks of a Chemical Abortion Include:

  • Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed with a surgical abortion
  • An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding
  • Infection
  • Fever
  • Digestive system discomfort

Medical Abortion isn’t an Option If You:

  • 71 days or longer from your last menstrual period
  • Have an intrauterine device (IUD).
  • Have a suspected pregnancy outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy).
  • Have certain medical conditions. These include bleeding disorders; certain heart or blood vessel diseases; severe liver, kidney or lung disease; or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.
  • Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medications.
  • Can’t make follow-up visits to your doctor or don’t have access to emergency care.
  • Have an allergy to the medications used.

Having a chemical abortion is a major decision. If you’re considering this procedure, make sure you understand what it entails, the possible side effects and risks, complications and alternatives. The client advocates at Gateway Express Testing will give you the guidance and support you to need to make an informed decision about your pregnancy.

References: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687