Did you know that “the abortion pill,” is actually a combination of two different drugs? In the United States, the regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol is FDA-approved to terminate a pregnancy through ten weeks gestation (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)). The abortion pill allows women an alternative to the surgical procedure. Because it doesn’t involve surgery, many people assume that taking the abortion pill is a “quicker and easier” alternative. However, it’s not always as simple as that. A medication abortion includes risks and procedures that have critical implications for your health- just like any medical process. It’s important to learn about these risks and procedures as you assess whether or not a medication abortion would be best for your unique body and situation. If you’re asking the question, “Is the abortion pill right for me?” you’re already off to a great start.
At Avenue Women’s Center, we offer comprehensive information for individuals who are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and looking into their options. We’re a limited medical clinic that provides a judgment-free environment for women to receive support and make a well-informed decision when the time is right. Our free, confidential services include lab-quality pregnancy tests, options consultations, limited medical ultrasounds, and more!
Maybe you’ve heard the expression, “knowledge is power.” We believe in this principle at Avenue! If you would like to gather more information through a private consultation, please contact us today.
A Few Facts About the Abortion Pill
Before moving forward with any pregnancy decision (abortion, adoption, or parenting), it’s recommended that you give yourself space and time to discover your personal best decision. You can make good use of the time that you have by getting reliable facts about your available options as you process your pregnancy news. Here are just a few important truths to know about the abortion pill while you consider whether or not this is the right path for you.
- As with any medication, there are possible side effects that come with taking the abortion pill. Bleeding, abdominal pain, nausea,, vomiting and diarrhea are all possibilities. Risks include heavy bleeding, infection, injury, and incomplete abortion (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)). Please talk to your health care provider so you know what side effects to look for and what risks to be aware of.
- The abortion pill is generally considered to be safe and effective. However, there are exceptions to this (as with any medication or medical process). An incomplete abortion is one possible outcome that’s more common among women who take the abortion pill than those who have a surgical abortion. An incomplete abortion occurs when some of the pregnancy is left inside the uterus. A follow-up procedure may be required to complete the process in this case (ACOG).
- It’s important to your health and safety to consult a qualified medical professional and receive follow-up care if you decide to take the abortion pill. According to FDA regulations, “Mifepristone must be prescribed by a health care provider that meets certain qualifications and is certified under the Mifepristone REMS (risk evaluation and mitigation strategy) Program.” It can only be, “dispensed by or under the supervision of a certified prescriber, or by a certified pharmacy on a prescription issued by a certified prescriber” (FDA).
“Am I Eligible for the Abortion Pill?”
There are a number of factors which must be considered as you determine whether or not the abortion pill is the right choice for you. One of these is how far along you are in the pregnancy. The two-medication regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol has been approved by the FDA for a medical abortion through 10 weeks gestation (70 days or fewer since the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period) (FDA). Women with certain medical conditions should not take the abortion pill. It is not recommended for those who have/take the following (Mayo Clinic):
- Certain conditions, including…
- Specific liver or kidney problems
- Chronic adrenal failure
- Anemia
- Certain bleeding disorders and diseases of the heart or blood vessels
- Uncontrolled seizure disorder
- An IUD in place
- An allergy to mifepristone or misoprostol
- A suspected ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy located outside of the uterus)
- No access to emergency medical care
- Certain medications, including blood thinners
How Can Avenue Women’s Center Help?
Our expert staff at Avenue is here to help you confirm the pregnancy and learn about all the options and resources available to you. We offer no-cost limited medical ultrasounds so you can get three key pieces of information:
- The location of your pregnancy. If it’s ectopic, the abortion pill would not be effective, and you would need to seek immediate medical attention.
- The gestational age (how far along you are). This can determine whether or not you’re eligible for the abortion pill under FDA regulations.
- The chances of miscarriage. Approximately one out of every five or six pregnancies ends on its own in a miscarriage. You may want to know your unique probability of this before you make a pregnancy decision.
No matter what you decide, our caring team is available to provide ongoing emotional support as you navigate this journey. We are a safe space and a judgment-free zone.
There is more to the process of taking the abortion pill than most people expect. And choosing a medication abortion involves more than just swallowing a pill. It’s about your physical and emotional health, your pregnancy, and other important aspects of your life. That’s why it’s so important to get accurate information before you move forward. Our staff at Avenue Women’s Center would be honored to equip you with the tools you need to lean into your own best pregnancy outcome.
Reach out today! We’re located in Darien, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, West Chicago, and Wood Dale, Illinois. We offer virtual consultations too!
*Abortion laws vary significantly by state. Check your state’s guidelines to assess the legality of abortion options in your area.
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References:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2024, May). FAQS: Abortion Care. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/Induced-Abortion?utm_source=redirect&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=otn
Mayo Clinic. (2024, June). Medical abortion. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023, March).Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
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.