If you’re looking into the abortion pill, you’re likely researching to find clear, accurate information. Keep reading for the medical facts you need to know.
Additionally, schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment at Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center to get your questions answered in person. You can also receive essential pregnancy services, such as pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, and more.
How the Abortion Pill Works
The FDA-approved version of the abortion pill is not a single drug. It’s a two-step regimen that consists of mifepristone followed by misoprostol.
- Mifepristone is taken first to block progesterone, the hormone that sustains a pregnancy.
- Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later, causing the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
The FDA approves this two-step regimen only through 10 weeks of pregnancy.
What You Need to Know Before Taking It
Taking the abortion pill without an ultrasound first leaves critical health questions unanswered and jeopardizes your health and safety.
An ultrasound confirms three critical facts.
- Gestational age. Gestational age is how far along you are in your pregnancy. If you are beyond ten weeks of pregnancy, the abortion pill will come with increased risks.
- Pregnancy location. If the pregnancy has implanted outside the uterus, it is called an ectopic pregnancy. This is a medical emergency that cannot be treated with the abortion pill and requires immediate care.
- Pregnancy viability. About 1 in 4 known pregnancies end in miscarriage. A positive pregnancy test does not confirm a progressing pregnancy. If a miscarriage has already occurred, abortion is not the correct medical procedure.
Known Risks
The abortion pill carries documented risks, including incomplete abortion, heavy or prolonged bleeding, infection, and fever.
Because the abortion pill causes vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping, it can be hard to tell the difference between typical side effects and complications. That’s why medical supervision and access to emergency care are crucial.
How Crossroads PRC Can Help You
Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center provides no-cost pregnancy tests and limited ultrasounds to ensure you have accurate information before making any decisions.
Protect your health and safety by making an appointment online or calling 985-492-6604.
Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.