Deciding to take the abortion pill is a significant choice. It’s not just a matter of taking a couple of pills—it’s a serious procedure with risks and considerations that can impact your health and well-being.
Understanding these risks is essential to making an informed decision. Below, we’ll provide the information you need about the abortion pill so you can navigate your options with clarity and confidence.
About the Abortion Pill
The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, involves two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. This method is FDA-approved for pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestation.
- Mifepristone: Blocks progesterone, a hormone essential for maintaining pregnancy.
- Misoprostol: Taken 24-48 hours later, it causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
Know the Side Effects
Taking the abortion pill causes vaginal bleeding and cramping in the stomach area. Additional side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
Many women report the pain to be more intense than they anticipated, which is an important consideration when weighing your options.
Understand the Risks
As with any medical procedure, the abortion pill carries risks you should be aware of, including:
- Incomplete abortion: Not all pregnancy tissue is expelled, which may require surgical intervention.
- Ongoing pregnancy: If the procedure is unsuccessful, the pregnancy may continue.
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding: This may require medical attention.
- Infection: A serious complication.
- Fever and digestive symptoms: These include nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Get Fully Informed
These are just some of the risks and considerations to understand before deciding on the abortion pill. Additionally, specific details about your pregnancy—such as gestational age, location, and viability—are critical to know before proceeding.
At Heartbeats Women’s Center, we provide a safe space for you to get the services and information you need. Our pregnancy testing and ultrasounds help confirm your pregnancy and provide essential details to explore your options confidently.
Contact Heartbeats Women’s Center today to schedule a free appointment. Our compassionate team is here to support you with care and understanding.
Heartbeats Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
