If you’re considering the abortion drug, you probably have questions a quick search won’t answer. Here are a few facts worth knowing first.
Schedule a free, confidential appointment at Cecil Pregnancy and Family Resource Center to learn more about your pregnancy, ask questions, and receive accurate information in a private setting.
Medical Abortion Is Actually Two Drugs, Not One
People often call it “the abortion pill,” as if it’s a single tablet. A medical abortion actually uses two separate drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, taken a day or two apart.
Mifepristone blocks progesterone, the hormone a pregnancy needs to keep developing. Misoprostol then causes the uterus to contract, expelling the pregnancy through vaginal bleeding and cramping.
It’s Not the Same as Plan B
The abortion drug is often confused with Plan B, the emergency contraceptive sometimes called the morning-after pill. They’re different drugs, used for different reasons, at different points in a pregnancy. In 2022, the FDA updated Plan B’s label to clarify that it does not affect an existing pregnancy.
Plan B is intended to reduce the chance of pregnancy before one has been established. Medical abortion drugs are used after pregnancy has already been confirmed.
Timing Matters More Than You Might Think
The FDA has approved mifepristone for use only through 10 weeks of pregnancy. Because pregnancy dating isn’t always as straightforward as counting from your last menstrual period, an ultrasound can provide a more accurate estimate of gestational age and additional information about your pregnancy.
Know the Risks Before You Decide
A medical abortion carries real risks, including fever, heavy or prolonged bleeding, infection, digestive discomfort, and an incomplete abortion that may require a follow-up surgical procedure.
Understanding these risks before making a decision allows you to weigh them alongside other medical considerations and discuss any questions with a healthcare provider.
If You’ve Taken the First Drug and Have Second Thoughts
If you’ve taken mifepristone but have not yet taken misoprostol, you may still have questions about your options. In some situations, Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) may be available after taking the first drug. Because APR is time-sensitive, treatment should begin as soon as possible if you wish to explore this option.
If this applies to you, don’t wait. Call the Abortion Pill Reversal Network immediately at 877-558-0333 or visit AbortionPillReversal.com to chat with a nurse and learn whether APR may be an option for your situation. You can also contact us for additional information about your pregnancy and local support resources.
Get Factual Information First
Our team can provide essential details about your pregnancy, discuss your options, and connect you with community resources such as shelters, food pantries, substance abuse services, medical assistance, and other local support when appropriate.
If you’re looking for more information about your pregnancy, Cecil Pregnancy and Family Resource Center is here to help. Reach out to schedule a free, confidential appointment to receive a medical-grade pregnancy test and learn whether you qualify for a limited obstetric ultrasound.
Cecil Pregnancy and Family Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortion services, but the team is here to make sure you have accurate information first.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.