If you’re considering a medical abortion, it’s essential to be fully informed about how it works, what to expect, and the risks involved.
You deserve to learn everything you can about this option before making a decision. We’ll provide factual information and help you weigh options in a confidential environment.
Keep reading to learn critical facts about medical abortion.
Know the Risks. Understand the Process.
Medical abortion (also known as the abortion pill) is a two-step process using multiple drugs. First, mifepristone is taken to block the hormone progesterone, which is crucial for the pregnancy’s development. When this hormone is blocked, the lining of the uterus begins to break down, and the pregnancy cannot continue.
Then, misoprostol, the second drug, is taken and induces contractions in the uterus. These contractions expel the pregnancy and any associated tissue from the body.
It’s critical to understand how these drugs work and the effects they can have before making a decision.
Fact #1: Cramping and Bleeding Will Occur
Taking abortion drugs always leads to vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. The level of discomfort varies—some women describe it as being unexpectedly severe.
Other possible side effects include:
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever or chills
- Headaches
Fact #2: Abortion Drugs Involve Health Risks
While often presented as a simple solution, taking abortion pills involves possible health risks. These include:
- Digestive issues
- Fever
- Prolonged or heavy bleeding
- Incomplete abortion, which may require surgical intervention
- Ongoing pregnancy (if the drugs do not work)
- Infections
When these risks go unrecognized or untreated, complications can occur. That’s why consultation with a medical provider is critical before taking any steps.
Fact #3: Speaking to a Healthcare Provider is Essential
Having a medical abortion is a serious decision, and it requires carefully considering your personal health history, allergies, current medications, and more.
This is why it’s vital to speak with a healthcare professional, who can assess your specific situation and answer your questions.
Fact #4: The FDA Has Set Clear Limits
The FDA has approved medical abortion drugs through 10 weeks gestation. After this point, the risk of complications increases, or a more invasive surgical procedure would be required.
Additionally, obtaining abortion drugs online is not recommended. Doing so bypasses medical oversight and raises concerns about drug safety and effectiveness, as the source cannot always be verified.
Fact #5: Ultrasound Is Essential for Informed Decision-Making
A positive pregnancy test does not tell the whole story. Before considering a medical abortion, an ultrasound is necessary. This scan will:
- Confirm whether the pregnancy is viable
- Determine how far along you are
- Reveal the location of the pregnancy (to check for an ectopic pregnancy)
This scan can detect whether you have miscarried, which may require monitoring or treatment. And if you have an ectopic pregnancy, you will need immediate medical attention.
An ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo implants outside the uterus, is a medical emergency and cannot be treated with a medical abortion. Without proper diagnosis, this condition could be life-threatening.
We care about your health and well-being.
When you have an initial appointment with your registered nurse at Informed Choices Women’s Center, you can discuss your options and get your questions answered. Following positive pregnancy testing at the center, we may also provide a limited ultrasound.
Your Health Matters
Before choosing a path forward, ensure you are armed with trustworthy information. A medical abortion is a serious decision, and understanding the full picture can help protect your health and well-being.
Call our Mountain Home location at 870-424-4673 or Harrison location at 870-280-3169 for the fastest scheduling, or make an appointment online. All services are confidential and offered at no cost.
Informed Choices Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.