“Take the pill and everything will be ok.” Maybe you’ve heard this or something like it from someone you know, and you’re wondering if it’s really as simple as that. But maybe you’re also facing an unexpected pregnancy and feeling like abortion is your only choice. So, perhaps you’ve found yourself searching the internet for where you can get the abortion pill. Before going any further, it can be helpful to get more information about the processes and risks involved. Avenue Women’s Center can help with that! As a first-step pregnancy clinic, we know the stress and anxiety that an unexpected pregnancy can bring. You are not alone.
Where to get the abortion pill
First, you should know that there are two drugs involved in the medication abortion process. The first, mifepristone, blocks the pregnancy hormone progesterone, which causes the uterus lining to thin and stops the growth of the pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, makes the uterus contract and expels the uterine contents.
You can receive the abortion pill from a doctor, medical clinic, or another medical professional. It is FDA-approved through 10 weeks of pregnancy (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)). The abortion pill should be prescribed and overseen by a qualified medical professional. This may involve an in-person or telehealth appointment, along with a follow-up test or ultrasound to confirm completion and rule out complications.
Avoid purchasing online
The abortion pill should only be prescribed by a medical professional who meets certain qualifications, including certification under the Mifepristone REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) Program. The Mifepristone REMS Program oversees the production and distribution of mifepristone to ensure its safety and effectiveness. The FDA does not recommend buying the abortion pill online. There is no assurance of the quality of abortion pills purchased online and they are not verified by the FDA (FDA). The FDA warns against potential risks when the abortion pill is given without professional medical oversight.
Risks of the abortion pill
There are several side effects and risks of the abortion pill that you should know about before choosing this option. Some side effects could include vaginal bleeding, abdominal cramping, and vomiting (Mayo Clinic). According to Mayo Clinic, potential risks of the abortion pill include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by a surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure is ineffective
- Heavy and persistent bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
If you ever experience very heavy bleeding (soaking two or more pads per hour for several hours), severe abdominal pain, fever over 100.4°F, or dizziness/fainting, seek emergency medical care right away
Understand all your options
If you’re experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, your emotions may be high and you may feel rushed to make a decision. Take a breath and take your time. Your pregnancy decision is one you can’t take back – so be sure to understand all your options. No one has the final say but you.
Avenue Women’s Center is here to provide comprehensive and accurate information on all your pregnancy options: abortion, adoption, and parenting. We’re available to explain the processes and risks using language that’s unbiased and easy to understand. Our goal is to equip you with the tools that you need to make your own best decision with confidence and a well-informed perspective.
If you need support at this time, Avenue Women’s Center can help. Confirm and learn about your pregnancy with a free lab-quality pregnancy test and ultrasound at Avenue. Get to know all your pregnancy options with a no-cost and confidential pregnancy consultation at one of our five limited medical clinics in Chicagoland, Illinois.
Make an appointment with us today! We are here to listen and inform you so you can make an empowered decision for your future.
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.