Abortion Pill FAQs
You have suddenly discovered you’re pregnant. It’s overwhelming and frightening because it definitely wasn’t planned. What is your next step? An abortion? Choosing to have an abortion is a serious medical decision. Although you’ve heard you can “just take” the Abortion Pill, is it really that easy? Let’s take a closer look at the Abortion Pill and what that means for you.
What Happens When I Begin the Process?
The Abortion Pill is known as a medical abortion. Medical abortions are usually performed within the first nine weeks of pregnancy. If you’ve been pregnant longer, you would need a surgical abortion. The Abortion Pill (also known as RU486), is a two-step process starting with a clinic visit. After your ultrasound, the doctor would administer the first pill. This pill, Mifepristone (Mifeprex®), blocks the hormone progesterone. Progesterone is known as the “pregnancy hormone.” It helps the fertilized egg implant in the uterus. Mifepristone causes the lining of the uterus to thin and prevents the fetus from staying implanted. The second drug, Misoprostol, is taken at home. It causes the uterus to contract to expel the fetus. It can be taken hours or even days after the first pill.
What Do I Need to Know First?
Abortions can have serious emotional, psychological, and physical consequences. It’s important to consider everything. Before you can start the Abortion Pill process, you need to confirm your pregnancy and have an ultrasound. The ultrasound gives you real-time information such as how far along you are and if your pregnancy is viable (a heartbeat is detected). This determines the type of abortion you can have, either medical or surgical.
Are There Risks and Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?
Because of the risks with any abortion, it’s important to have a doctor’s supervision. Visiting a doctor or clinic is necessary because it is illegal to purchase the abortion pill online.
Potential Risks of Medical Abortion Using the Abortion Pill Include:
heavy bleeding, severe cramping or back pain, and ongoing fever. There is a risk of getting a pelvic infection with abortion too. Also, there is the possibility of incomplete abortion. The farther along you are in your pregnancy, the more likely you are to have an incomplete abortion.
Do not have a medical abortion if you have an IUD, take a blood thinner, or have certain medical conditions such as kidney or lung disease or uncontrolled seizure disorder.
As we mentioned, abortion not only has physical consequences, it can also affect a woman emotionally, as well as psychologically. Many women report feelings of guilt, sadness, and even shame. Often, without proper counseling, women internalize their choice, can become depressed and begin to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.
Choosing to have an abortion when you discover an unplanned pregnancy is not an “easy” decision. Often, the effects of that choice can last a lifetime.
What Should I Do Now?
The Abortion Pill isn’t as simple as taking a pill. If you believe you’re pregnant, visit Bella Women’s Center for free pregnancy testing and an ultrasound. You have options for your unplanned pregnancy, and we will make sure you have all the information you need. Don’t face this major life event alone. We’re here to talk with you.