With so much debate about abortion happening in our world, finding the facts about the abortion pill can be difficult. “What is it? How does it work? Is it safe? Is the abortion pill right for me?” These are all legitimate questions to ask, and we have trusted answers to help you make a confident, informed decision.
What is the abortion pill? How does it work?
The Abortion pill, known as a medication abortion, chemical abortion, or Plan C pill, is actually a series of two medications. The first pill, known commonly as mifepristone or Mifeprex, blocks the hormone progesterone in your body. Progesterone is a necessary hormone in pregnancy and prepares your body to develop an embryo. After taking mifepristone, your uterine lining begins to thin, preventing the embryo from staying implanted and continuing to grow. Mifepristone is administered at your provider’s office.
The second pill, known as misoprostol or Cytotec, is a different type of medication. In an abortion, one dosage of misoprostol typically consists of 4 tablets. Taken orally or administered vaginally, misoprostol is a drug that causes your uterus to contract. These contractions lead to the expulsion of the embryo through the vagina. Misoprostol is taken up to 48 hours after the initial dose of Mifeprex, often at home. The FDA regulation of these drugs continues to change as new information arises. Consult with your provider before taking either medication to stay up-to-date on regulations and safety measures. A follow-up appointment with your provider is usually required to ensure your uterus was emptied and your abortion was complete. Sometimes, surgical procedures are needed to complete the abortion. We welcome you to consult with our staff to understand more about the abortion pill process!
Is it safe?
Risks associated with the abortion pill include the following:
- Incomplete abortion
- A continued pregnancy if the abortion does not work
- Heavy or long-term (prolonged) bleeding
- Infections
- Fever
- Abdominal or digestive discomfort
If you experience complications with your abortion, you may be at risk in future pregnancies. Be sure to discuss all of your options with your provider. Our medical team is available to answer questions you may have about abortion risks and procedures.
Is the abortion pill right for me?
It is crucial to get a medical-grade pregnancy test, STI test, and an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy, know exactly how far along you are, and treat any infections before getting your abortion. An ultrasound also confirms whether or not your pregnancy is viable; 1 in 3 pregnancies end in miscarriage and an abortion may not be necessary in your situation. These medical tests are part of a pre-abortion screening, which helps determine if the abortion pill is right for your body.
Finding accurate information about abortion can be hard. You deserve space to think through your options and determine what’s best in your situation. Our medical center provides pre-abortion screenings at no cost to you, no insurance necessary. We have trustworthy medical staff prepared to walk through your options and answer any questions you might have. Making a decision can be tough, and we want to equip you to be confident in your choice.
Want more information? Schedule an appointment at Option 1 today to discuss your options and get the answers you need. We’re here for you!