If you’re considering the abortion pill, you may have many questions. Here are some of the most common questions answered to help you make an informed decision.
You don’t have to make this decision alone. We can help talk you through what next best steps are right for you.
12 Most Asked Abortion Pill Questions Answered
What is the abortion pill?
The abortion pill, also referred to as a medical abortion, is a medication taken to end an early pregnancy. It is a combination of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. Each pill has a specific role in the abortion process and can bring about its own side effects and risks.
How does the abortion pill work?
In the abortion pill process, first, mifepristone is taken to block the hormone progesterone which is necessary for the pregnancy to continue and grow. Then, misoprostol is taken to cause the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
Are misoprostol-only abortions safe?
Some providers use misoprostol by itself, but this method is not as effective as the recommended combination of mifepristone and misoprostol. Studies show a substantially higher fail rate of the drug working when misoprostol is used alone.
The fetus has a survival rate of 17% during misoprostol only abortions. Since you are skipping mifepristone, the drug that ends the pregnancy, you also risk expelling a live pregnancy, which can be a really traumatic experience if you are not aware of what might happen.
Misoprostol is also known to cause birth defects; this leaves the fetus at risk of defects if continued to birth.
It is important to discuss safer, more effective options with a healthcare provider if they try to give you only misoprostol.
How far along can I take the abortion pill?
The abortion pill is typically approved to be taken up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. After this point, risks and failure rates increase.
To ensure you don’t take the abortion pill too late, the most accurate way to determine gestational age is with an ultrasound. Parkville Women’s Clinic offers limited ultrasounds at no cost.
Does the abortion pill hurt?
Everyone tolerates pain differently. Many women who have taken the abortion pill say they feel underprepared for what they experienced.
Bleeding and cramping are usually most intense when your body begins to prepare to expel the pregnancy, this can last between 2-24 hours.
Is the abortion pill safe?
With any pharmaceutical drug, there are side effects and risks that affect each person differently. Complications such as excessive bleeding, infection, or incomplete abortion can occur. It’s essential to have a thorough pregnancy evaluation to rule out a nonviable pregnancy and ensure gestational age.
Parkville Women’s Clinic offers no cost pregnancy evaluations that includes a lab-quality pregnancy test, limited ultrasound, STD/STI testing and treatment, and pregnancy option education.
If you take the abortion pill, make sure you have access to medical care during the process and know where the nearest emergency room is. You should have a follow-up appointment scheduled with your healthcare provider 1 to 2 weeks after your abortion. This is a crucial next step for your health.
How effective is the abortion pill?
The abortion pill is about 96% effective when taken within the recommended timeframe. The further along you are in your pregnancy, the less effective it is.
The abortion pill has a complication rate four times higher than a surgical abortion, and as many as 1 in 5 women will suffer a complication like heavy bleeding or an incomplete abortion resulting in needing a surgical abortion.
Schedule an ultrasound to find out how far along you are today.
How long do you bleed after the abortion pill?
Bleeding typically begins a few hours after taking misoprostol and can last for several days up to six weeks. It is often a lot heavier than a period.
You may see large blood clots, up to the size of a lemon, and tissue when you pass the pregnancy. The further along you are in your pregnancy, the larger and more noticeable blood clots and pregnancy tissue will be.
It’s a good idea to have someone you trust with you when having a chemical abortion. Going through an abortion can cause a lot of conflicting emotions, both good and bad. Choose someone you trust to be there to support you, so you don’t go through this alone.
If you are soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours, you are bleeding too much and should go to the nearest emergency room right away. Learn more about signs the abortion didn’t work in our article here.
What are the side effects of the abortion pill?
Common side effects include:
- Cramping and heaving vaginal bleeding
- Nausea
- Fever/Chills
- Weakness
- Vomiting/Diarrhea
- Headache/Dizziness
- Anxiety
More serious side effects include:
- Incomplete abortion
- Heavy bleeding that requires surgery
- Blood clots in uterus
- Serious infection
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
How much are abortion pills?
The cost of abortion pills can vary, typically ranging from $500 to $800. This might not include clinic fees and any testing they should perform. At Parkville Women’s Clinic we provide no-cost pregnancy evaluations.
Is it safe to have an abortion by yourself with pills ordered online?
No, it is not safe to take abortion pills ordered online by yourself. Without medical supervision, there’s no guarantee of the pills’ safety, effectiveness, or authenticity. It is important to consult with a medical professional to discuss safe options under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.
What if I change my mind after taking the abortion pill and don’t want to follow through?
If you have taken the first abortion pill and decide you don’t want to go through with it, it might not be too late to stop the effects.
Progesterone Treatment is a safe, painless treatment used to reverse the effects of mifepristone and allow the pregnancy to continue successfully.
To start Progesterone Treatment, call the 24/7 hotline at 1-877-558-0333 to begin treatment right away.
Abortion Pill Info in Kansas City, MO
Navigating an unexpected pregnancy can be a lot to handle on your own. If you’re considering abortion, schedule an appointment at Parkville Women’s Clinic, where you can receive accurate information and compassionate care in a safe, nonjudgmental space.
While we do not perform or refer for abortion, we are here to talk through your options and find the best support and resources for your personal needs.
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