What is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill, often referred to as a medication abortion, involves taking two different medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. The first medication, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone necessary for the pregnancy to continue. The second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. The abortion pill is FDA-approved for use up to 70 days (10 weeks) after the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). ¹ ² ³

Can the Abortion Pill be Reversed?

If you’ve taken the first dose of the abortion pill, mifepristone, and have second thoughts, reversal may be possible if started quickly. Visit abortionpillreversal.com for more information. ⁴

Important Safety Information

The FDA warns against purchasing the abortion pill online from unverified sources. Buying Mifeprex (or its generic form, mifepristone) from unauthorized websites bypasses important safety protocols and can be dangerous. A new study from the Ethics & Public Policy Center shows that 1 in 10 patients experience serious adverse events. ^{5 6}

Before Taking the Abortion Pill

Before taking the abortion pill, it’s important to understand your pregnancy and rule out any possible complications. A free ultrasound at our center can help you avoid unnecessary costs or procedures by confirming these 3 things:

• Check If Your Pregnancy is Viable

Roughly 15% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, and many of these resolve naturally without the need for medical intervention or the use of the abortion pill. A viable pregnancy is one that is implanted in the uterus and has a detectable heartbeat, something that can only be confirmed through an ultrasound.7 

• Verify The Location Of Your Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy can’t proceed normally, which could be life-threatening if left untreated.8

• Confirm How Far Along You Are

While tracking your menstrual cycle can give you an estimate, an ultrasound is the most accurate way to date a pregnancy. This information is critical because the abortion pill is only approved for pregnancies up to 10 weeks from the first day of your last period.

Meeting with a qualified medical provider is essential for your safety and can help you make an informed decision before proceeding.

When the Abortion Pill May Not Be an Option ⁹

You may not be eligible to take the abortion pill (medication abortion) if:

• You currently have an IUD in place.
• You have signs of an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus), which can be life-threatening. Learn more about ectopic pregnancy. 8
• You are more than 10 weeks pregnant. The abortion pill is only FDA-approved through 10 weeks. After this point, risks such as incomplete abortion or severe bleeding increase.
• You have certain health conditions like:
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Severe liver or kidney disease
  • Known heart disease
  • Uncontrolled seizure disorders
• You take specific medications, including blood thinners or steroids.
• You are allergic to either of the abortion pill medications.

Know How Far Along You Are

The type of abortion options available to you depends on how far along your pregnancy is. A free ultrasound can confirm gestational age and help determine your next steps. Our medical staff can walk you through all of this with no pressure or judgment. Call us at (334) 365-8266 to schedule your appointment.