The abortion pill is also known as medical abortion, an abortion procedure that terminates an existing pregnancy. Some women think the abortion pill process is as simple as taking a pill and calling it done. The process is more extensive, as specific steps are necessary to prevent health complications.

This blog talks about how the abortion pill process works and the potential risks of medical abortion. You deserve to know the facts before making up your mind about the option of abortion.

There are two types of abortion pills: mifepristone and misoprostol. They work together to end a pregnancy.

A doctor or medical professional prescribes mifepristone. The drug blocks the pregnancy hormone progesterone, which prevents the embryo from growing, ending the pregnancy.

Then you will take misoprostol at home 24-48 hours later. The drug causes a woman to go into labor-like contractions and expels the pregnancy through the vagina.

You may want to consider the physical health risks of the abortion pill (medical abortion). According to the Mayo Clinic, potential risks include…

• Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
• An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn't work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

A positive, lab-quality pregnancy test and ultrasound are necessary to confirm your pregnancy options.

An ultrasound will alert you to possible pregnancy complications such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy - where the pregnancy grows outside the uterus and can not survive. Medical attention is needed right away to prevent any further complications.

Without confirming how far along you are, you will not know if you qualify for the abortion pill. The FDA protocol states that medical abortions are approved for women up to 70 days (10 weeks) pregnant. An ultrasound is the only way to confirm how far along you are.

Contact us today to begin your pregnancy confirmation with a lab-quality pregnancy test and a possible ultrasound. Walk-ins are welcome.

If your pregnancy is positive and confirmed by an ultrasound, our team will inform you about your options. We are here to support you.

"Medical abortion." Mayo Clinic, 14 May 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687. Accessed 26 April 2022.

"Ectopic pregnancy - Symptoms and causes." Mayo Clinic, 12 March 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088. Accessed 26 April 2022.

"The Availability and Use of Medication Abortion." KFF, 6 April 2022, https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/fact-sheet/the-availability-and-use-of-medication-abortion/. Accessed 26 April 2022.