The abortion pill method sounds easy enough – take a few pills, and your “troubles” are over. But is it really that easy? Understanding how the abortion pills work and who qualifies to take them is essential. If you’re considering using the abortion pill method to end your unplanned pregnancy, be sure you read this first.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill method actually uses two powerful drugs to terminate a pregnancy. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone from reaching the pregnancy. All pregnancies need progesterone to develop and grow. Without it, a pregnancy cannot survive.
Misoprostol, the second drug, causes bleeding and contractions to remove the pregnancy and tissue from the body through the vagina. Although every woman’s experience with the drugs is unique, some women say the contractions after taking misoprostol are unbearable.
Can Anyone Use Abortion Pills?
This abortion method is not for everyone. There are definite limitations. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic says a medical abortion isn’t a safe option for someone with the following issues:
- You are too far along in your pregnancy. The FDA approves the use of abortion drugs through 10 weeks gestation only. The farther along you are in your pregnancy, the less effective the drugs are.
- You are allergic to the medications (mifepristone and misoprostol) used.
- You have a pregnancy growing outside your uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy, which can be extremely dangerous to your health.
- You use long-term corticosteroids (steroids) to reduce inflammation in your body.
- You have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place as birth control.
- You have a blood clotting disorder, significant anemia, or chronic adrenal failure.
- You don’t have access to emergency care.
Are There Side Effects?
Because a woman takes the drugs at her home, knowing what to expect is critical. These are some of the side effects you might experience:
- Bleeding and cramping
- Heavy cramping and bleeding with blood clots
- A fever or chills
- Fatigue
- Nauseous
- Dizzy
Are There Any Risks?
There are possible physical and mental health risks. The physical risks include the following:
- Failure to end the pregnancy or retained pregnancy tissue.
- Heavy bleeding that won’t stop.
- Diarrhea and digestive pain.
- Allergic reaction to the medications.
- Infection.
Although most women report feeling relief following their abortions, some women say that within weeks, months, or even years, they begin suffering emotionally. Mental health issues range from grief and guilt to anxiety and depression.
What Should I Do If I’m Considering the Abortion Pill Method?
Deciding to have an abortion is a significant life-altering choice. You owe it to yourself to get as much information as possible beforehand.
Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we do provide a free pre-abortion consultation. It includes a free and confidential pregnancy test. If your test is positive, we can refer you for an ultrasound.
An ultrasound indicates how far along you are in your pregnancy if it is developing or you’ve had a miscarriage, and if it is located correctly in the uterus. Once your pregnancy is confirmed, we can provide more information about abortion procedures, potential risks, and your other options.
Schedule your free consultation conveniently online or call or text us at (870) 352-8506. We’re here to provide the information you need to make the best decision for your future.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.