If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be curious about the abortion pill.
While it may seem like a simple solution to an unexpected pregnancy, abortion is a serious medical decision and is not an option for every pregnant woman.
For the sake of your health, it is vital to have your pregnancy and health history evaluated by a doctor before deciding to terminate your pregnancy.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill—also referred to as medical abortion—consists of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone and causes thinning of the lining of the uterus, which stops the growth of the pregnancy.
Misoprostol then causes uterine contractions, and the woman experiences cramping and bleeding as she passes the pregnancy through her vagina.
Limitations of the Abortion Pill
The age of your pregnancy, the location of your pregnancy, and your medical history determine your eligibility for the abortion pill.
Meeting with a medical provider and having an ultrasound scan can help you understand your eligibility and unique risks.
Age of the Pregnancy
According to the FDA, a woman should not use the abortion pill if she is more than 10 weeks pregnant. Doing so may increase the risk of incomplete abortion, which may require a follow-up surgical abortion.
Location of the Pregnancy
The abortion pill is only effective in terminating pregnancies in the uterus. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, where the pregnancy grows outside the uterus, this is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
Medical History and Access to Care
Certain medical conditions or life circumstances may make you ineligible for an abortion; this includes but is not limited to:
- Having an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Taking a blood thinner or certain steroid medications
- Can’t make follow-up visits to your doctor
- Can’t access emergency care
- Having an allergy to the medications used during a medical abortion
- Having certain medical issues such as bleeding disorders, heart or blood vessel diseases, severe lung, liver, or kidney disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder
Pre-abortion Consultation
If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy and feeling overwhelmed, Lifeline Pregnancy Center is here for you.
Our trusted medical team can answer your questions, hear your concerns, and provide a free pregnancy test and follow-up limited ultrasound to learn more about your pregnancy and help you better understand your options.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.
