If pregnancy wasn’t part of your plan, you may be considering a medical abortion. As you explore your options, there are a few things you’ll want to know, so you can make a fully informed decision!
Today, we’ll discuss what you need to know about medical abortion.
A medical abortion involves taking medications to end a pregnancy. You may hear it referred to as a “medication abortion,” “chemical abortion,” or “the abortion pill.” The FDA has approved the use of pills for medical abortion up until ten weeks of pregnancy.1
A medical abortion uses two medications—mifepristone and misoprostol. Both must be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.
The first medication, mifepristone, interferes with progesterone receptors so that the pregnancy stops progressing. The second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy.2
If you’re considering a medical abortion, these are the things you’ll first want to know:
Call Richland Pregnancy Services for a free ultrasound at (419) 522-8862.
Both mifepristone and misoprostol must be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider. After verifying the viability and location of the pregnancy, the provider will rule out contraindications to an abortion such as an ectopic pregnancy, drug allergies, blood thinning disorders, an IUD, or other medical disorders.4
Women should never order abortion pills online from a pharmacy not approved by the FDA. The FDA has not evaluated those pills for safety5 and could contain the wrong type or amount of medication.
Medical abortions cause bleeding and cramping as the pregnancy is expelled from the uterus. Clots often accompany heavy bleeding. Cramping can be mild to moderate. If a woman ever bleeds through two thick pads in an hour, then she should seek emergent medical care.6
Complications after taking the second abortion pill (misoprostol) can include hemorrhaging (very heavy bleeding), an infection, an allergic reaction, or an incomplete abortion, which could require further medical intervention.7
Bleeding after a medical abortion typically lasts for about 9 to 16 days8, but could cause bleeding for up to three weeks.9 Women should receive follow-up care to evaluate for any complications.
Here are reasons you may not be eligible for a medical abortion10:
A medical abortion, or abortion pills, can cost between $500 to $950.11 These costs often include fees for ultrasounds, blood tests, medications, and follow-up appointments.
Contact Richland Pregnancy Services for a free ultrasound today!
Up to 8% of women who take the abortion pill require a further surgical procedure because the abortion was incomplete.12
If you’re further along than ten weeks pregnant, you’ve verified that the pregnancy is not ectopic, and you don’t have medical conditions that would contraindicate an abortion, then you may qualify for a surgical abortion. In a surgical abortion, a medical provider uses instruments to remove a pregnancy from the uterus.13
At Richland Pregnancy Services we want to empower you with the information you need about all of your options. Before choosing a medical abortion, call us today at (419) 522-8862 to speak with our compassionate and qualified staff.
Please be aware that Richland Pregnancy Services does not provide or refer for abortion services.