Abortion Pill
Considering the Abortion Pill in Missouri?
Maybe you’ve heard about the abortion pill, and you’re wondering if it’s the right choice for you. It seems simple enough, right? Take a pill, and your problems are solved. Or are they?
This is a big, medical decision, and it’s important to know what is involved and how it can affect you before you decide if this is the best choice for you.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill (also known as medication abortion) actually consists of two pills: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is taken first. It cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing and eventually dies.
Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later. Shortly after taking it, you can expect the following to occur[1]:
- Bleeding and cramping usually begin 1-4 hours after taking the second pill.
- You’ll likely bleed very heavily – with clots – for several hours.
- You’ll experience heavy cramping for several hours.
- You may experience a low fever or chills, which can last about a day after taking the second pill.
- Some women also report feeling tired, nauseous, dizzy, and having diarrhea.
How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period.[2] If you take the abortion pill later on in your pregnancy, the risk of serious complications increases. You may need emergency surgery to stop heavy bleeding or complete the procedure if it fails or is incomplete.
For that reason, it’s important to be examined in person by a healthcare professional to figure out exactly how far along you are.
Can I Get Abortion Pills Over the Counter?
No, a prescription from a provider or physician who is registered to prescribe the abortion pills is necessary. However, the FDA does permit pharmacies to become certified to dispense the abortion pill with a proper prescription[1].
Can I Get Abortion Pills Over the Counter?
No, a prescription from a provider or physician who is registered to prescribe the abortion pills is necessary. However, the FDA does permit pharmacies to become certified to dispense the abortion pill with a proper prescription[1].
Can I Order the Abortion Pill Online?
The FDA advises against ordering the abortion pill online. Many online abortion pill providers are located overseas, so the pills they provide may not meet FDA standards[3]. These pills could be counterfeit, expired, or even tampered with. It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid ordering the abortion pill online.
Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is also important to check that your pregnancy is not outside the uterus[3] (ectopic pregnancy) and is not a tumor that developed in the uterus[4] (molar pregnancy). The abortion pill can cause problems if you have either of these conditions, and they must be treated surgically or with a different medication[5] (methotrexate). Click here to learn more about why you should get an ultrasound before an abortion.
Can I Order the Abortion Pill Online?
The FDA advises against ordering the abortion pill online. Many online abortion pill providers are located overseas, so the pills they provide may not meet FDA standards.[6] These pills could be counterfeit, expired, or even tampered with. It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid ordering the abortion pill online.
Want more facts and details about the abortion pill? Check out our blog.
Abortion Pill Information in Branson West, Missouri
When your pregnancy test comes back positive, it can be easy to panic. You have time to think this through and look at your options. We want you to make an informed decision about your body and your pregnancy and know all the resources that are available to you.
Get the care and support you deserve at PLL. We offer free resources and information so you can make the best decision for your situation:
- Free pregnancy tests
- Free ultrasounds
- A safe, non-judgmental place to explore your pregnancy options and share what’s on your mind
All services are confidential and free of charge!
Please be aware that PLL does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Medical Abortion. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, January 16). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion
- FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
- Ectopic pregnancy. Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088
- Molar pregnancy. Mayo Clinic. (2022, November 12). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/molar-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20375175
- Ectopic pregnancy. Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372093
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, March 23). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information