The abortion pill, also known as medical abortion, uses drugs to end a pregnancy. Choosing this option is a significant decision, so learning the risks and side effects is critical.
We’ll answer your pressing questions about the abortion pill and ensure you have all the information needed to make a decision.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill method most often consists of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone the pregnancy needs to develop and grow. Without it, the pregnancy detaches from the uterine lining and ends.
The second drug, misoprostol, causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy from the body.
Abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding will occur from taking these drugs. Other side effects as possible, including:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Now that you have the basics, it’s important to think about the risks and other considerations of the abortion pill. You can take charge of your future and health by making a fully informed decision.
Get All the Facts Before Deciding
In addition to posing certain side effects, abortion drugs are associated with specific risks. Though there’s no guarantee you’ll experience the following, knowing them is essential to consider your health and safety:
- Digestive symptoms (i.e., upset stomach)
- Fever
- Infection
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion (the body doesn’t release all the pregnancy tissue, potentially requiring a surgical procedure)
It’s also crucial to consult your healthcare provider before making a pregnancy decision. The abortion pill is not an option if any of the following applies to you:
- Are too far along in your pregnancy (abortion drugs are FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation)
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) actively in place
- Have a suspected ectopic pregnancy
- Have certain medical conditions, such as anemia, some bleeding disorders, chronic adrenal failure, certain heart or blood vessel diseases, severe liver, kidney, or lung disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder
- Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines
- Don’t have access to emergency care
- Have an allergy to the drugs used
Before proceeding, discuss your unique health history with your provider and have an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy.
It’s also important to consider that abortion is banned in Texas except when deemed necessary to preserve the woman’s life or health. This will affect your pregnancy options, so getting the facts is critical when deciding. Adira Clinic will make sure you have clarity during this time.
Plan Your Next Steps
Remember, only an ultrasound can determine how far along you are and help you weigh your options. Our trained and licensed staff will decide if you’re eligible for an ultrasound at the clinic, and we’ll also discuss your options in detail.
Protect your health and ensure you’re moving forward with the facts in hand. Contact us today for a free and confidential appointment.
Adira Clinic does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this page is based on accurate information at the time of writing.