If you recently discovered you’re pregnant and weren’t expecting it, you might be wondering if the abortion pill is an option for you. While it can seem simple, not everyone is medically eligible to take it safely.
To protect your health and safety, schedule a free and confidential appointment at Life Choices Family Resource Center. We can confirm your pregnancy, determine your gestational age, test you for STDs/STIs, and talk about your health history.
How the Abortion Pill Works
The abortion pill, also called a medical abortion, uses two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. The first drug blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for a pregnancy to continue. The second drug causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through vaginal bleeding and cramping.
Because of how the process works, there are limits on who can safely take the abortion pill. Understanding these limits is crucial before proceeding.
You Must Be Early in Pregnancy
The abortion pill is only FDA-approved through the first 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy. After that point, the risk of complications, such as incomplete abortion or heavy bleeding, increases.
Many women don’t know exactly how far along they are based on their last period alone. An ultrasound is the only way to confirm gestational age accurately and determine whether a medical abortion is still within the approved timeframe.
Your Pregnancy Must Be Located in the Uterus
If your pregnancy is ectopic (developing outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube), the abortion pill will not work and could delay life-saving treatment. This condition can be dangerous if not diagnosed early.
An ultrasound can confirm the location of the pregnancy and help ensure you receive the appropriate type of medical care.
You Should Not Have Certain Health Conditions
According to medical guidelines, the abortion pill may not be safe if you:
- Have certain heart, blood vessel, or seizure disorders
- Have anemia
- Take blood thinners or steroid medications
- Have an IUD currently in place
- Have an allergy to mifepristone or misoprostol
- Can’t access emergency medical care if complications arise
Because these conditions can increase your risk of severe bleeding or other side effects, it’s essential to have a medical professional review your health history before deciding.
Protect Your Health First
Even though the abortion pill may seem private and convenient, it’s still a serious medical procedure with potential risks. Protect your health by learning all the details about your pregnancy first.
At Life Choices Family Resource Center, we offer no-cost pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and options counseling so you can make a confident and informed decision.
Schedule your confidential appointment today.
Life Choices Family Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions. All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate medical sources at the time of writing.