What Is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill involves two separate drugs taken at different times to end a pregnancy.
Mifepristone. The first pill blocks progesterone, the hormone your body naturally produces to support and sustain a pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot continue to develop.
Misoprostol. Taken 24 to 48 hours after the first pill, the second drug causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. This part of the process typically takes place at home and can last from several hours to several days.
A follow-up evaluation is recommended after the process to check for any complications, such as incomplete abortion or infection.
Every woman’s experience is different. Vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping typically occur as the drugs end and expel the pregnancy.
Some women, however, report moderate symptoms while others experience severe cramping, heavy bleeding, or complications that require medical attention. It is important to know what to watch for and when to seek emergency care.
What the FDA Says
Mifepristone was approved by the FDA in 2000 and is approved for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. There are important things to know about your pregnancy before proceeding with the abortion pill.
Make sure to learn these critical health facts through an ultrasound scan.
- Your gestational age – How far along you are in your pregnancy plays a role in safety.
- The location of your pregnancy – Whether or not your pregnancy is ectopic, meaning it has implanted outside the uterus. This condition can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Confirmation of cardiac activity – About 10-20% of early pregnancies end in miscarriage. Detecting cardiac activity verifies that your pregnancy is progressing and you have not miscarried.
The FDA advises against ordering the abortion pill from unverified online sources because it cannot ensure the safety, quality, or effectiveness of the drugs.
If you order drugs outside the U.S. supply chain, you will not know whether the ingredients and dosages are correct, making pills from unverified online sources risky for your health.
In-Clinic Care vs. Online Providers
Understanding the difference between receiving the abortion pill in a clinical setting versus through an online provider is important for your safety.
When you receive care in a clinic, you can typically expect:
- An ultrasound to confirm gestational age and rule out ectopic pregnancy
- A review of your medical history and any contraindications
- Rh factor testing
- Clear guidance on what to watch for and when to seek emergency care
- Access to follow-up support if complications arise
Obtaining the abortion pill online skips critical safeguards from the process. There is no way for an online provider to screen for ectopic pregnancy or properly evaluate your health before dispensing these drugs.
Changed Your Mind After Taking the First Pill?
If you have taken the first pill and are having second thoughts, you may still have options. Abortion pill reversal (APR) uses progesterone to counteract the effects of the first pill and give the pregnancy a chance to continue. It is most effective when started within 24 hours, but there have been successful cases beyond that window.
Do not wait. Reach out to us right away, and a care coordinator will help you figure out your next step.
We Are Here for You
Whether you are still weighing your options or have already started the abortion pill process, we are here to listen without judgment. All of our services are no-cost and confidential.
Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more.
