The abortion pill is a termination method used in early pregnancy. The name “abortion pill” actually refers to a method that utilizes two different drugs and is made up of several pills.
If you are considering the abortion pill, learning about its side effects, risks, and eligibility requirements can help protect your safety.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The first drug in the abortion pill process, mifepristone, works by blocking the progesterone a woman’s body produces. The lack of progesterone support causes fetal demise as the uterine lining begins to break down.
Within 48 hours of taking the first drug, misoprostol is taken to induce uterine contractions. These contractions force the embryo or fetus out of the woman’s body with heavy bleeding and cramping.
What Are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?
Like every medical procedure, the abortion pill has side effects and risks associated with the process.
Side effects of the abortion pill that women commonly experience include:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Risks of the abortion pill can include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Abortion Pill Eligibility
According to the Cleveland Clinic, abortion could present safety concerns in the following circumstances:
- Have passed ten weeks in their pregnancy (the FDA has only approved the abortion pill in pregnancies under 10 weeks)
- Have a pregnancy outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy)
- Have a blood clotting disorder or significant anemia
- Have chronic adrenal failure
- Use long-term corticosteroids
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Have an allergy to the medications used
- Do not have access to emergency care
- Can’t return for a follow-up visit
Before the Abortion Pill
Mosaic Sexual Health Clinic offers free services to help you learn more about your options, including the abortion pill. Though we do not perform or refer for abortions at our clinic, our team is committed to providing factual information so that you can make an empowered and informed choice. Contact us today to schedule a free appointment.