If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and heard about the abortion pill, you might be wondering what it is, how it works, and what risks it may involve.
Here’s everything you need to know to make an informed decision. (Looking for a safe space to talk? We’re here for you.)
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, is a two-step process used to terminate an early pregnancy (it’s only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under). It involves two drugs:
- Mifepristone: This drug blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for the pregnancy to continue. Without progesterone, your uterine lining will loosen and shed, and your pregnancy will detach and eventually end.
- Misoprostol: This drug is taken 24-48 hours later to cause the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through your vagina.
This process can take several hours to days, and you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. You might also experience nausea and other symptoms during this time.
Risks of the Abortion Pill
The abortion pill is not without risks. Physically, complications can include:
- Heavy bleeding: Some women require medical intervention to stop excessive bleeding.
- Incomplete abortion: This happens when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus.
- Infection: Although rare, post-abortion infection can be life-threatening.
Emotionally, the abortion pill can also have a significant impact. Some women report experiencing depression, anxiety, guilt, and even post-abortion trauma after taking the drugs—and these mental health risks can surface days, weeks, or even years later. And if you feel at all pressured into an abortion, you’re more likely to experience one of these mental health complications.
Why Is an Ultrasound Essential?
Before taking the abortion pill (or making any pregnancy decision), getting an ultrasound is critical to protect your health. An ultrasound can:
- Confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy, ensuring you’re within the FDA-approved time frame for the abortion pill.
- Determine if the pregnancy is viable. Some pregnancies end naturally through miscarriage, which would make the abortion pill unnecessary.
- Identify ectopic pregnancies, which occur outside the uterus and require immediate medical attention to avoid life-threatening complications.
Supporting Your Health and Choices
At Vie Medical Clinic, we care about your health and well-being. We offer free ultrasounds and confidential consultations to help you understand all your options.
If you’re considering the abortion pill, let’s talk. While we don’t perform or refer for abortions, we’re here to give you the information and support you need to make the best decision for your situation
Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential appointment. You don’t have to face this alone—we’re here to help.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
