The Abortion Pill, Medication Abortion, RU-486, Medical Abortion, Chemical Abortion
The abortion pill goes by many names, including medication abortion, early medical abortion, RU-486, Mifeprex (mifepristone) and misoprostol, and chemical abortion. The abortion pill is approved by the FDA through 10 weeks or pregnancy, but availability is often extended beyond that limit increasing the chances of a failed abortion or increased side effects / complications.
The abortion pill regimen typically requires taking two drugs; the most common drugs used are mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone lowers progesterone to unsafe levels in pregnancy. Progesterone is a hormone that plays an important role in sustaining a pregnancy and in a baby’s development. In a chemical abortion, mifepristone is followed by misoprostol, which is meant to cause uterine contractions with symptoms of severe cramping and bleeding. When and how these medications are administered may vary based on the laws in your area, and the procedures of the clinic you choose. Women who choose the abortion pill are often responsible for self-managing some (or all) of the procedure, so it’s important to gather as much information as possible as you make a decision about your pregnancy.
Note: Mifepristone is approved by the FDA for use up to 10 weeks after your last menstrual period, but abortion providers may choose to offer the procedure later than that. When used beyond the first trimester, laminaria (small rods) may be used to dilate the cervix and sometimes digoxin is injected into the baby during the abortion process. Misoprostol has not been approved for use in pregnancy.
In order to make sure you’re safe, here are a few things you can do ahead of time:
- Make sure that you are pregnant. Have you had a pregnancy test yet? If so, have you had an ultrasound? Some women seek abortion unnecessarily before confirming they are pregnant.
- Did your ultrasound confirm that your pregnancy is growing inside your uterus? The abortion pill will not typically end an ectopic pregnancy, and your life could be in danger if you do not receive immediate treatment for an ectopic pregnancy.
- Know howfar along you are. Always ask for a doctor or other qualified medical professional (registered nurse or sonographer) for an ultrasound to make sure you’re pregnant and within the 10 weeks the FDA requires. If you’re not sure whether you are pregnant, we offer free pregnancy testing. Not sure where to get an ultrasound? Call us today. We can help.
- Learn about the procedure. Ask the abortion provider what their procedure is for chemical abortion. Our center can offer education about abortion.
- Know your options. Making an abortion decision is not easy, and you do have alternatives. Educating yourself on all options is empowering. Whenever you need us, we can help.
- Know your risks. Some of the risks include incomplete abortion (which may require surgical abortion), ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work, heavy and/or prolonged bleeding, and infection.
- Stay Safe. Seek medical attention after an abortion if you have any of these symptoms:
- Heavy Bleeding- soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- If you’ve already taken the abortion pill, contact us for support resources.
- If you have recently taken the abortion pill and are having regret, it may be possible to undo the effects of abortion drugs. Learn more at https://abortionpillreversal.com/.
Next Steps:
If you are thinking about your pregnancy decision, you are not alone. There are many options available to you. At our center, we are here to talk with you about any choices you would like to discuss including abortion, adoption, or parenting. As with any medical procedure, it is important to understand what the abortion entails, side effects, possible risks, complications, and alternatives. If you are ready to talk to someone about your situation, contact us and we can provide you with confidential help.
References:
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American Association of Pro-Life Obstetrics and Gynecologists. (n.d.). AAPLOG statement on the necessity for ultrasound before elective procedures on the pregnant woman. https://aaplog.org/aaplog-statement-on-the-necessity-for-ultrasound-before-elective-procedureson-the-pregnant-woman/
American Association of Pro-Life Obstetrics and Gynecologists. (2020, February).
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023, April 24). Depression. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/depression
Tufa, T. H., Prager, S., Lavelanet, A. F., & Kim, C. (2020). Drugs used to induce fetal demise prior to abortion: A systematic review. Contracept X, 2, 100046. Doi: 10.1016/j.conx.2020.100046
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.D.). Questions and answers on mifepristone for medical termination of pregnancy through ten weeks gestation. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questionsand-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
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