The abortion pill method is also known as a medical or chemical abortion because it uses drugs to terminate a pregnancy. Generally, how far along you are in your pregnancy determines the type of abortion procedure you qualify for.
Although some abortion providers suggest this method can be used through the entire first trimester (12 weeks), the FDA only approves the drugs for use through 10 weeks of pregnancy.
What is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill method uses two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone. All pregnancies need progesterone to grow and develop. Without this hormone, the pregnancy cannot survive.
Misoprostol, the second drug, causes bleeding and contractions to push the pregnancy out of the body. A woman takes the drugs within a 24 to 48-hour period. Since this method is completed at your home, knowing what to expect is essential.
Does Everybody Qualify?
The Cleveland Clinic lists several reasons why the abortion pill method may not be for you.
- You are too far along in your pregnancy.
- You are allergic to the medications used.
- Your pregnancy is located outside your uterus (ectopic pregnancy).
- You use long-term corticosteroids for issues like asthma, eczema, other skin conditions, or inflammatory arthritis.
- You have an IUD (intrauterine device) in place.
- You have a blood clotting disorder.
- You do not have access to emergency care.
Do You Know How Many Weeks You’ve Been Pregnant?
Knowing how far along you are in your pregnancy is vital to determining if you are eligible for the abortion pill. An ultrasound is the most accurate way to determine how many weeks you have been pregnant.
Get a free and confidential limited ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy at PCS Health. Our medical professionals will test or retest you first with a free and confidential pregnancy test. We’ll then provide an ultrasound if your test is positive.
How Can PCS Health Help Me?
Our services are free and confidential, including STI testing and treatment. Although we do not perform or refer for abortions, we can provide factual, medically accurate information about the abortion pill process, side effects to expect, and potential physical and emotional risks.
Before you take the abortion pill, safeguard your health with information about your pregnancy and sexual health. Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment with us today. We’re here for you.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.