24-hr help line: 1-(800)-712-4357
How does the abortion pill work?
The first step is to learn about the options and resources available to you. It's important to know the details about medical abortion (chemical abortion via pills). After that, you will go through a medical exam which includes:
- Medical history
- Lab work
- Physical exam
After the medical exam, you will need to sign a liability release. Your abortion provider should give you a guide that explains the medication and termination process. The 3-step abortion pill process includes the following:
Take Mifepristone:
This is a medication used to block progesterone. Progesterone is one of the necessary pregnancy hormones for the uterus’ ability to support a pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks your body’s ability to recognize progesterone by the uterus, causing the uterine lining to break down and ending the life of the developing fetus. If you change your mind about the abortion and decide to carry the baby to term, you may actually stop the effects of Mifepristone (Click Here for a 24/7 live chat helpline or call (877) 558-0333 for 24/7 support)(1).
Take Misoprostol:
Misoprostol is taken specifically so that the uterus contracts and expels the embryo, embryonic sac, and lining of the uterus. This expels the developing baby from your vagina. This process usually takes between 24-48 hours and is often accompanied by heavy bleeding, strong uterine cramping, and other potential symptoms (see 'What are the risks of the abortion pill' below).
Return to Clinic:
You will need to return to the clinic for a follow-up exam 2 weeks after taking Misoprostol to confirm whether or not the medical abortion was fully successful (this is a very important step because if the abortion was not fully complete, then any parts left behind could cause an infection and have permanent effects).
What should I expect during the medical abortion process?
As soon as you take the second medication Misoprostol, you should prepare to experience heavy bleeding, cramping, and possibly other symptoms as well.
Although it's possible to experience some light bleeding before taking the second medication, the majority of heavy bleeding and cramping happens after the second pill. Additional symptoms or side effects you may experience include:
- Dizziness
- Intense cramping
- Nausea (potentially with vomiting)
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain in addition to cramping
- Mild fever or chills
- Light lactation
The abortion pill is effective the majority of the time. The rate of failure is between 2% and 8% (2). Successful termination is more likely if you are in the early stages of your pregnancy. Even though it can be dangerous to take abortion medications later in pregnancy or outside of the intended approval period, you have time to make this very important decision. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation of your specific circumstances.
The FDA has approved use of the abortion pill up to 70 days past LMP and likelihood of an incomplete abortion increases beyond that time frame.
If the abortion attempt fails, you have options: you may carry the baby to term which includes the options of parenting yourself or choosing the baby’s parents via adoption. The other option is to return to the clinic for a second attempt at a medical abortion or more than likely, a surgical operation.
Know what the abortion laws are according to your state.
How effective is the abortion pill?
How much does the abortion pill cost?
Medical abortion cost ranges from around $300 up to $800. Things that can make the cost of abortion less or more expensive are:
- Lab work
- Office visits
- Types of testing
- Region of country you are in
If the abortion pill fails and your pregnancy continues, you will also have to pay for a second abortion procedure. When making the decision, feel free to contact us to confidentially talk about your specific circumstances.
What are the risks of the abortion pill?
You should tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, bleeding problems, uncontrolled diabetes, or an IUD in place, because a chemical abortion is not safe for women with these conditions.
Medical abortion side effects may include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Cramping
- Pain
Bleeding or spotting will last an average of 9-16 days and up to 8% of women may experience some bleeding for 30 days or more.
Up to 7% of women who take the pill will need a surgical procedure either to stop persistent bleeding or because the abortion was not complete.
You should contact your provider if you experience heavy bleeding, persistent nausea, diarrhea, or fever over 100.4. These may indicate a serious and possibly fatal blood infection.
Taking the Abortion Pill can mask symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, when the embryo is growing outside of a women’s uterus. The best option is to make sure to get an ultrasound before having a chemical abortion.
Testimonials
~Anonymous Woman
"I wish I had known about this place before my last abortion."
Each appointment is confidential, no matter your circumstances. We are here to assist you with accurate medical information and important facts, so you can make an informed decision.
~Anonymous Woman
"Thank you for all that you did for me."
We are here for you. We do not require proof of your financial status. Because we do not profit from any choice you make, there is no pressure.
| © Anchor of Hope |
(1) https://nlm.nih.gov/ - https://micromedex.com/ - https://guttmacher.org/
(2) https://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/abortion-pill/
Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person and there is no guarantee as to your individual experience with any of the above mentioned services, medications, or procedures.