Understanding Abortion Pills: What to Know

Are you considering taking the abortion pill but want to know more about how it works? The abortion pill taken in the medical abortion process comes with risks and side effects. They are only recommended by the FDA for women through 10 weeks of pregnancy.

What is the Abortion Pill?

Also known as medical abortion, the abortion pill consists of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone necessary for the pregnancy’s growth. Without progesterone, the uterine lining will thin, and the pregnancy will end. Second, Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expels the pregnancy and related tissue from the body.

Common side effects include abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. Some other side effects include:

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Headache

  • Fever

  • Chills

Common risks involved after taking the abortion pills include the following:

  • Fever

  • Infection

  • Digestive system discomfort

  • Heavy, prolonged bleeding

  • Incomplete abortion (which may require a surgical procedure)

  • An ongoing pregnancy (if the drugs don’t work)

Are You Eligible for the Abortion Pills?

First, it’s important to safeguard your health with pregnancy testing and an ultrasound. An ultrasound will determine if you’re eligible for the abortion pill by confirming how far along you are, the location of your pregnancy (if it’s located within the uterus), and viability (if there’s a heartbeat and the pregnancy is progressing).

You may NOT be eligible for the abortion pill if any of the following applies to you:

  • Are more than 10 weeks into your pregnancy

  • Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place

  • Have a suspected ectopic pregnancy

  • Have certain medical conditions. These include bleeding disorders, certain heart or blood vessel diseases, severe liver, kidney, or lung disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder

  • Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines

  • Can't make follow-up visits to your provider or don't have access to emergency care

  • Have an allergy to the drugs used

Get More Facts Today

There is alot to know when it comes to going through with such a serious medical decision as medical abortion. Be sure you understand your pregnancy details and options at Women’s Pregnancy Center.

We offer lab-quality urine pregnancy tests at no cost, and your results will be given during your appointment. If you do receive a positive pregnancy test with us, we also provide no-cost ultrasounds. 

Schedule an appointment to get answers today and to learn more about abortion and its risks. We’re here for you.