The Abortion Pill: Get the Facts
Considering taking the abortion pill? 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. Let’s look at the facts:
What is the abortion pill?
The abortion pill is actually 2 pills (Mifepristone and Misoprostol), and they’re used to perform a medical abortion[1].
The abortion pill should not be used if it has been more than 10 weeks[2] since your last period because it can have serious side effects if it is used too far along into a pregnancy. For that reason, it’s important to be examined in person by a healthcare professional to figure out exactly how far along you are.
Who should NOT use the abortion pill?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a well-known medical institution, medical abortion is not a safe option for those who[3]:
- Are too far along in the pregnancy (more than 10 weeks since your last period)
- Have a pregnancy outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy)
- Have a blood clotting disorder or significant anemia
- Have chronic adrenal failure
- Use long-term corticosteroids
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Have an allergy to the medications used
- Do not have access to emergency care
- Can’t return for a follow-up visit
As with any medical procedure, it’s important to discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before a medical abortion procedure.
Does the abortion pill have risks?
Potential risks of a medical abortion include[4]:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- Ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
What happens after I’ve taken the abortion pill?
Shortly after taking the second pill, you can expect the following to occur[5]:
- 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, and this can last about a day after taking the second pill.
- Some women also report feeling tired, nauseous, dizzy, and having diarrhea.
Why would I want an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill?
It’s also important to check that your pregnancy is not outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy[6]) and is not a tumor that developed in the uterus (molar pregnancy[7]). The abortion pill can cause problems if you have either of these conditions, and they must be treated surgically or with a different medication (methotrexate[8]).
The best way to discover either of these conditions is with an ultrasound. An ultrasound can help determine the gestational age of your pregnancy (“how far along you are”) and therefore help determine what options are safe (with your well-being in mind!). The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period.[9]
How can we help?
At PLL, we can confirm your pregnancy (at no cost to you) with a medical-grade pregnancy test and perform an ultrasound to see where your pregnancy is located and how far along you are. We can discuss your options and help you feel more knowledgeable and comfortable with your situation. We want you to make an informed decision about your body and your pregnancy and know all the resources that are available to you.
Our woman-centered approach to unplanned pregnancy helps clear the clutter, giving peace of mind and confidence when it’s needed most. Schedule an appointment at your convenience. We’re here to help you choose the best next steps for your life. Please note that our office doesn’t provide or perform abortions but can provide the abortion information you need.
Disclaimer: This website and blog do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided here is only for general understanding. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Sources:
[1] Medical Abortion. Mayo Clinic. (2022, July 29). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
[2] Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. FDA. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023, September 1). https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
[3] Medical Abortion. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, January 16). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion
[4] Medical Abortion. Mayo Clinic. (2022, July 29). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
[5] Medical Abortion. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, January 16). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion
[6] Ectopic Pregnancy. Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088
[7] Molar Pregnancy: What You Need to Know. Healthline. (2019, August 30). https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/molar-pregnancy#treatment
[8] Ectopic Pregnancy. Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372093
[9] Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. FDA. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023, September 1). https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex