What is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill (also referred to as a medical abortion) is a two-step process to terminate a pregnancy. It must be prescribed by a doctor and administered within 11 weeks after the first day of your last period. The first pill blocks the body’s nutrient supply to the fetus. The second pill is taken 24-48 hours after the first pill, causing contractions to expel the fetus from the womb.
How Do I Know if I’m Eligible for the Abortion Pill?
You first need to confirm your pregnancy and how far along you are.
Confirming your pregnancy via ultrasound is a vital step to protecting your health and safety if you are considering the abortion pill. An ultrasound will confirm how far along you are, as well as confirm the placement of the embryo.
An ultrasound also confirms whether you may have an ectopic pregnancy, which is when the embryo is growing outside of a woman’s uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. The abortion pill won’t end an ectopic pregnancy and the embryo will continue to grow, which could cause serious health risks. An ectopic pregnancy is an emergency, and you will be referred to your doctor or a local hospital for further care.
Align Pregnancy Services offers free first trimester limited obstetrical ultrasounds to confirm pregnancy, placement, and dating. If you think you might be pregnant, request an appointment at a location most convenient for you.
What Are Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?
The most common side effects include intense cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heavy bleeding, and infection. While rare, a medical abortion is sometimes unsuccessful, resulting in the need for a surgical abortion to complete the process. Per the FDA – use of the abortion pill is not advised for women who have anemia, bleeding disorders, liver or kidney disease, seizure disorder, acute inflammatory bowel disease, or use an intrauterine device (IUD).
Is the Abortion Pill Safe?
As with all medical procedures, there are significant risks associated with the abortion pill, including hemorrhage, infection, and in rare cases, death. It is important you understand all risks associated with the abortion pill before you decide. Schedule an appointment at one of our Align Pregnancy Services locations for medically-accurate information on the abortion pill.
I Was Told the Abortion Pill Causes a Miscarriage. Is That True?
No, a miscarriage is a natural, spontaneous loss of the developing fetus during pregnancy that the mother often has no control over. An abortion is an intentional termination of a pregnancy either by chemical or surgical means.
What if I Change My Mind? Can the Abortion Pill Process Be Reversed?
Yes, reversal is possible if action is taken after the first dose. If you have recently taken the first pill and decided not to take the second, please contact Abortion Pill Reversal or call 1-877-558-0333.
It’s Not Really a Baby This Early in My Pregnancy, Just a Clump of Cells. Right?
No, this is not accurate. A new human being begins at fertilization with a unique genetic blueprint, and your baby begins rapidly growing within the first few weeks:
- 4 weeks – Your baby’s heart begins beating
- 5 weeks – Limbs and major organs (including the brain) begin forming
- 6 weeks – Your baby now responds to touch
- 7 weeks – Fingers and toes are formed
- 8 weeks – Male and female genitalia begin developing
- 9 weeks – Your baby has its unique set of fingerprints
- 10 weeks – Your baby’s heart has already beaten over 10 million times
Contact us today to schedule a free ultrasound and learn more about how your baby is developing, even if you are in the early weeks of your pregnancy. You can read more fetal development facts by visiting The Voyage of Life – Lozier Institute.