Are you considering an abortion pill and want to learn more?
Ending a pregnancy with an abortion pill is not a simple procedure. While you can take the medication at home, it forces a miscarriage and can be painful. It may not even be necessary if the pregnancy is not developing.
Whatever you do, don’t buy abortion pills online or try home remedies for abortion as these are not FDA approved and can be dangerous. Before you spend the money on an abortion pill appointment at an abortion clinic, find out if you actually have a developing pregnancy and are not too far along for an abortion pill procedure.
Here are some recent questions others are asking
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill (also known as medication abortion) actually consists of two pills: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is taken first. It cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing and eventually dies. Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later.
These pills are taken with the intention of ending a pregnancy. This is different from a miscarriage that happens spontaneously.
How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period[1]. If you take the abortion pill later on in your pregnancy, the risk of serious complications increases. You may need emergency surgery to stop heavy bleeding or complete the procedure if it fails or is incomplete.
Can I Get Abortion Pills Over the Counter?
No, a prescription from a provider or physician who is registered to prescribe the abortion pills is necessary. However, the FDA does permit pharmacies to become certified to dispense the abortion pill with a proper prescription[1].
How long does it take to recover after the abortion pill?
Abortion recovery times vary from woman to woman. Women who have first trimester abortions and those who do not have any complications say they feel normal within a few days. The bleeding usually stops within six weeks.
However, recovery for late-term abortions may take longer. Longer still, if complications develop, and hospitalization or surgery is necessary. However, hospitalization is not the norm, and most women will recover within a few weeks.
Can I change my mind after taking the first abortion pill?
Yes. There have been successful reversals when treatment was started within 72 hours of taking the first abortion pill. To take the abortion reversal pill, you can go to Abortion Pill Rescue.
Can I get an abortion pill over the counter (OTC)?
No. You cannot get the abortion pill over the counter. A physician must prescribe it. Additionally, the FDA warns against purchasing online abortion-inducing drugs because this puts the woman at risk of taking a drug that the FDA has not approved.
Can I Order the Abortion Pill Online?
The FDA warns against ordering the abortion pill online, as it bypasses safety regulations designed to keep you safe. Many online abortion pill providers are located overseas, so the pills they provide may not be FDA-approved.
Sources
- FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, March 23). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
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DISCLAIMER: Wiregrass Hope Pregnancy Center does not offer or refer for pregnancy terminations or birth control. Information is provided as an educational service and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.