What Is the Abortion Pill?

Also known as medical abortion, the abortion pill works to terminate an existing pregnancy. It’s a serious medical procedure with risks and side effects to consider.

First, determine if you’re eligible for abortion by confirming your pregnancy details. Safeguard your health by understanding how far along you are and if you’re experiencing any possible complications with an ultrasound. We can help.

How Does The Abortion Pill Work

Medical abortion (the abortion pill) consists of two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone is taken first, and misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later. Some people take mifepristone at a healthcare professional's office or clinic, but some women can take it at home.

Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, causing the lining of the uterus to thin and preventing the embryo from staying attached to the uterine wall and growing. Second, misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo through the vagina.

These drugs are only FDA-approved through 10 weeks of pregnancy. Otherwise, surgical abortion may be your only other abortion option.

The Risks of the Abortion Pill

There are risks to consider before making up your mind about the abortion pill. Common risks to consider include the following:

The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion.
An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn't work.
Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
Infection.
Fever.
Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.

You May Not Be Eligible

Some women should not go about a medical abortion due to health reasons. According to the Mayo Clinic, this type of abortion procedure isn’t an option for you if you:

Are too far along in your pregnancy. You shouldn't attempt a medical abortion if you've been pregnant for more than 11 weeks. A pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last menstrual period.
Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place.
Have a suspected pregnancy outside of the uterus. This is called ectopic pregnancy.
Have certain medical conditions. These include anemia; some bleeding disorders; chronic adrenal failure; 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 reach a healthcare professional by phone or online, or don't have access to emergency care.
Have an allergy to the medicine used in a medical abortion.

Free Pregnancy Services

At Gianna’s House, we can inform you more about the abortion pill and all your possible options. Women must receive accurate information in a safe environment. We are here to answer your questions and help you gain the clarity you need.

Schedule a free and confidential appointment to receive a free self-administered pregnancy test to begin. We’re here for you.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.