Pillars of Choice: Understanding the Abortion Pill

April 1, 2024

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, it’s critical to know that you have three pillars of choice: abortion, parenting, or adoption. 

This article will focus on the first pillar. In particular, we’ll explore the essentials you need to know about the abortion pill and the steps you can take to protect your health. 

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

You may have heard that the abortion pill is as safe as Tylenol, but this is simply not true. The abortion pill actually consists of two powerful drugs that work together to terminate and expel a pregnancy from your body. 

The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone in your body. This hormone is essential during pregnancy, and without it, your uterine lining will loosen and shed, causing the pregnancy to detach and end. 

The second drug, misoprostol, causes uterine contractions, which expel the pregnancy from the uterus and out through the vagina.

What Are the Risks of the Abortion Drugs?

After taking the abortion drugs, you will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. Some women have reported that they experienced pain that was unexpectedly severe. 

The abortion drugs come with risks to your health. These risks are rare but can be life-threatening and include:

• Seeing fetal parts expelled
• Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the pregnancy remain in your uterus
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding; 1% of women need a D&C to stop hemorrhaging
• Infection
• Fever, weakness, chills
• Digestive system discomfort; diarrhea, vomiting

How Can I Protect My Health?

No matter what pregnancy decision you’re considering, it’s critical to get an ultrasound. This simple scan will determine the key details you need to know to stay safe, including:

• Gestational age: The abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under. If you’re further along and attempt to take the abortion drugs, you’re more likely to experience a risk.
• Pregnancy location: This will rule out a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy, which is when a pregnancy develops outside your uterus. 
• Pregnancy viability: This will rule out a miscarriage, which occurs in roughly 26% of all pregnancies and requires medical follow-up to ensure you don’t face complications. 

At Women’s Care Center, you’re not alone as you navigate your pregnancy options. We’re here for you. 

We offer complimentary limited obstetrical ultrasounds and other pregnancy resources to give you the information you need to make an educated decision. We also provide pre-termination consultations if you’re considering abortion to ensure you have the space to ask questions in a non-judgemental environment. 

Contact us today to schedule your appointment.