What is the Abortion Pill?: What You Need to Know

Perhaps you are dealing with an unplanned pregnancy right now and are considering your options. In this time of pandemic with sometimes limited medical help and resources, you may not know where to turn. Maybe you are considering the abortion pill.

The abortion pill us advertised as a “safe at-home” way to have an abortion, but is it really safe? Could it be dangerous? Are you putting your health or even your life at risk? Consider these facts.

WHAT IS THE ABORTION PILL?

The abortion pill known as Mifeprex, Mifepristone or RU489, is a two-pill process to terminate an early pregnancy. This is done by cutting off progesterone (which is necessary to maintain a pregnancy), then inducing labor, causing the fetus and the lining of the uterus to be expelled.

WHAT DOES EACH ABORTION PILL DO?

First, this medication must by prescribed by a healthcare professional and usually requires at least two visits to the clinic to be sure the abortion is completed. It is only effective for a pregnancy that is 10 weeks (70 days) or less.

1^st pill, Mifeprex (Mifepristone): Cuts off progesterone which is needed for a pregnancy to grow, and causes the lining of the uterus to break down.

2^nd pill Misoprostal (Cytotec): Induces labor causing the fetus and uterine lining to be aborted. This may take several hours to 48 hours after Mifeprex is taken.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER TAKING THE ABORTION PILLS?

• Heavy bleeding
• Large clots (may be the size of a lemon), and clumps of tissue
• Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Painful cramping and lower abdominal pain
• Tired, weak, back pain
• Pelvic pain

WHAT ARE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS FROM THE ABORTION PILL?

• Excessive bleeding
• Remaining fetal/pregnancy tissue resulting in an incomplete abortion
• Allergic reaction to the medication
• Possible infection, fever 100.4 or greater, chills, dizziness
• Severe pelvic pain
• No bleeding, cramping, contractions within 24 hours of taking the medication
• Procedure failure that could require another dose of medication or require a surgical abortion

WOULD SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE ABORTION?

• Bleeding or spotting may occur for several weeks
• May need a blood test or ultrasound to make sure the abortion is completed
• Emotional side effects of loss, guilt, grief or depression may be felt

Additionally, many women are not prepared for the intensity of cramping and the heavy bleeding that is part of the abortion process. Women should not be alone during this process and should have a plan ready if emergency medical care is needed. They will also need to dispose of any tissue and fetal remains.

YOU’RE NOT ALONE

If you find yourself experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, need someone to talk to, answer your questions, and discuss your options, contact Life’s Choices. We are ready to meet with you and provide you with information as you process this decision.

To confirm you pregnancy, Life’s Choices offers pregnancy tests as well as a confirmation ultrasound, both free of charge. A caring, non-judgmental representative will help you navigate the choices ahead of you. Contact us today:

Disclaimer: Life’s Choices is not an abortion clinic. Life’s Choices does not benefit financially from your pregnancy decision. Life’s Choices does not provide prenatal medical care, birth control, emergency contraception or abortions. We do not refer for emergency contraception or abortions.