For many people, choosing between abortion, adoption, and parenting is the hardest part of facing an unexpected pregnancy. Maybe you made up your mind and took mifepristone, the first drug of the two-medication abortion pill process. But what if the certainty you once had is starting to fade? Every person responds in their own unique way to a medical abortion or any other pregnancy decision. Some individuals report feeling confident after taking mifepristone. Others report having second thoughts. Perhaps you relate to this second group, and you’re wondering if it’s too late to change your mind. If you’re having second thoughts about taking the abortion pill, consider reaching out to Avenue Women’s Center. Avenue has been helping people navigate pregnancy decisions for over 40 years, and we understand that feelings can change about an initial choice. We’re here to help you learn more about the abortion pill and your abortion alternatives by providing a free and completely confidential consultation at one of our five locations in the Chicagoland area.
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Why Do We Have Second Thoughts?
Uncertainty can be an overwhelming and powerful feeling. Sometimes, second thoughts appear and linger unexpectedly, causing us to question if we chose what’s best. It’s an uncomfortable sensation that could be described as a a gentle tug on the mind, a feeling of total doubt and anxiety, or anything in-between. Second thoughts can be a natural instinct in the face of an important decision, like choosing between continuing a pregnancy or having an abortion. Not knowing what lies ahead with either alternative is often the hardest part of making this choice. We tend to question ourselves when we’re facing the unknown, especially if our feelings about the decision were complicated to begin with. What do Second Thoughts Mean for an Abortion Decision?
Sometimes, our uncertainty stems from deeper emotions about a decision- possibly emotions we didn’t even know we had. Maybe, when you decided to take the abortion pill, you were absolutely certain that this was the right choice for you. Or, maybe you felt conflicted, but ultimately decided that an abortion would be best. Things might feel different now that you’ve taken mifepristone.? It can be helpful to take a moment to reexamine the reasoning and emotions that led you to take the abortion pill. Consider asking yourself questions like these:
- What feelings resonate with me the most after taking the first drug of the abortion pill process
- Are there certain feelings that keep coming up? Why might that be?
- Did something change in my life situation that may have triggered second thoughts?
- What might have happened if I’d chosen differently? How do I feel about these alternative outcomes?
Let’s be clear. These questions are not meant to create doubts where second thoughts don’t already exist. But if you’re experiencing genuine and natural misgivings after taking mifepristone, rethinking your choice might bring clarity about your honest feelings. You can never know what’s to come for sure, but you can make a choice that feels true and right for your path ahead in life.
Can You Change Your Mind About the Abortion Pill?
Whatever led you to have second thoughts about taking the abortion pill, it might not be too late to choose differently. Perhaps you find yourself wanting to turn back time and make a different choice. This may still be a possibility , depending on a number of factors, including how far along in the abortion pill process you are. The abortion pill reversal is one option that you may be eligible for. he American Pregnancy Association explains, “The abortion pill reversal (APR) procedure can only occur after the first dose of medical abortion (mifepristone/RU-486) is taken orally.” Mifepristone, the first drug of the abortion pill process, works by blocking the hormone progesterone. This prevents the pregnancy from continuing to develop. Typically, with the abortion pill reversal process, a woman is prescribed progesterone in an attempt to counter the effects of mifepristone (American Pregnancy Association).
*It’s important to note that opinions concerning the safety and effectiveness of the abortion pill reversal vary among medical professionals, and the abortion pill reversal is not currently FDA-approved (American Pregnancy Association). If you haven’t made a pregnancy decision yet, or you’re having second thoughts about a decision you’ve started to proceed with, seriously consider speaking with a trusted medical professional.
If you’re struggling with stress and confusion concerning your pregnancy options, contact Avenue Women’s Center right away Our expert pregnancy consultants and medical professionals take the time to listen to your personal concerns and offer you helpful information about your available next steps. We provide no-cost lab-quality pregnancy tests, options consultations, limited medical ultrasounds, and more! Our goal is to equip you with the reliable information and support you need to choose your own best path.
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*Avenue Women’s Center is a limited medical clinic. As such, we do not directly provide the abortion pill reversal.
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Reference:
American Pregnancy Association. Abortion Pill Reversal. Retrieved from: http://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/abortion-pill-reversal/.
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.