It’s understandable to feel confused about abortion procedures and possible consequences. New information seems to be coming out every day. A medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill method, uses two powerful drugs to terminate a pregnancy.
At the Center for Women, we want you to have factual, medically-based information you can trust. If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering your options, contact us for a free and confidential discussion about abortion procedures and all your options.
Fact 1. Not Everyone is Eligible for the Abortion Pill Method
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a medical abortion isn’t a safe option if you:
- Are too far along in your pregnancy. The FDA approves the use of the drugs through 10 weeks of pregnancy only.
- Are allergic to the medications used, mifepristone and misoprostol.
- Have a pregnancy outside of your uterus (ectopic pregnancy)
- Use long-term corticosteroids (Prescription medications to reduce inflammation, such as asthma, eczema, or arthritis).
- Have an IUD (intrauterine device).
- Have a blood clotting disorder, significant anemia, or chronic adrenal failure.
- Don’t have access to emergency care.
To determine the location of your pregnancy and find out how far along you are, we recommend an ultrasound. At The Center for Women, we offer a free limited ultrasound.
Fact 2. The Drugs Have Physical and Emotional Risks
Because you perform a medical abortion alone in your home, knowing the physical risks is critical. The Mayo Clinic lists the following physical risks:
- It’s possible to have an incomplete abortion, where the body does not release all the pregnancy tissue in the uterus. This may require surgical abortion.
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work.
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
- Infection.
- Fever.
- Digestive symptoms such as an upset stomach.
Studies have also found the potential for emotional risks following an abortion. Here’s what one study had to say:
- Abortion is consistently associated with elevated rates of mental illness compared to women without a history of abortion.
- The abortion experience directly contributes to mental health problems for at least some women.
- There are risk factors, such as pre-existing mental illness, that identify women at greatest risk of mental health problems after an abortion.
Fact 3. The Pain Can Be Severe
Abortion providers say that the pain you will experience after taking the two drugs is similar to the cramping you feel during a regular period. However, every woman’s experience depends on various factors, such as how far along the pregnancy is. It can be hard to predict the level of pain that a woman will experience after taking the abortion pill.
Some women have come forward to share that the pain they experienced was “out of this world” – and because their provider didn’t prepare them for this, the experience was harder to cope with overall.
Fact 4. There is the Possibility You Will See the Expelled Embryo
Once again, how far along you are in your pregnancy determines a great deal. Abortion expels the embryo or fetus from the body. Depending on how many weeks you have been pregnant, you may be able to recognize it.
Many women are surprised or even traumatized to see the pregnancy.
The Center for Women Can Help You
Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can provide medically based information about abortion procedures, side effects to expect, and potential physical and emotional risks.
Be fully prepared. Schedule a free medical-grade pregnancy test. If your test is positive, we’ll schedule you for a free limited ultrasound.
Make an appointment today, or if you need immediate assistance, call our 24-hour Helpline at 800-395-HELP (4357). We’re here for you.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.