The Abortion Pill
We provide personalized care for womenWhat is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill (RU 486) or medication abortion is a combination of two medications that work together to end a pregnancy and shed the uterine lining. The two medicines used are mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone
Mifepristone, which is taken first, works by blocking progesterone — a hormone necessary to sustain pregnancy — and causing the embryo to detach from the uterine wall.
Misoprostol
Misoprostol is taken at home within a day or two after taking the first pill and works by causing cramping that empties the uterus, kind of like a heavy period.
The Abortion Pill is Safe
Medication abortion is a safe (and common) procedure for terminating first-trimester pregnancies (10 weeks or less).
Why do women choose the abortion pill?
The Abortion Pill (RU486) is a more natural abortion option with a 96-98% effectiveness rate. It’s causing a miscarriage by taking medications. Some women prefer to undergo a miscarriage in the privacy of their home, which makes the Abortion Pill a great choice. You can decide who will be with you during the process.
If you’re less than 10 weeks of pregnancy, counting from the first day of your last menstrual period, you can take the Abortion Pill. This will be confirmed by an ultrasound examination.
What’s the Process?
STEP 1– In Our Office
Texas law requires a mandatory, in-person consultation appointment with a physician and ultrasound at least 24 hours before taking the first pill. At your first visit, you will be given detailed written and verbal instructions on what to expect during this process and how to take the medications.
**There is an exception if you live more than 100 miles from a Texas licensed abortion facility. If that applies to you, we are able to provide this information over the phone at least 24 hrs in advance. Please discuss with our staff when you call so we can be sure you qualify and have all the necessary information.
STEP 2 – In Our Office
When you return for the second visit, you’ll take the first pill (Mifepristone) in our office. Afterwards, you will feel normal and can continue daily activities. Occasionally there is nausea and rarely some bleeding.
STEP 3 – At Home
24-48 hours later, you will take the second set of pills (Misoprostol) at home. Within hours, most women experience some cramping and bleeding. It is usually heavier than a normal period and may last for several hours. It’s kind of like having a really heavy, crampy period, and the process is very similar to an early miscarriage. After that, your bleeding slows down, similar to a heavy period.
STEP 4 - Follow Up
Within 2 weeks you will need a follow-up to confirm that the pregnancy has ended.
Abortion Pill
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I feel after taking the abortion pill?
How you feel during and after a medication abortion varies from person to person. On the day you take your second medicine, plan on resting in a comfortable place.
You can go back to work, school, driving, and most other normal activities the next day if you feel up to it. But DON’T do hard work or heavy exercise for several days.
After your abortion is complete, cramping and bleeding should lighten up as the hours and days go by.
Any chills, fevers, or nausea you have should go away pretty quickly. Call right away if you have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever for more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol (the second set of pills).
We will give you written after-care instructions, and a phone number to call with any questions or concerns. Follow all of the directions during and after your abortion.
People can have a range of emotions after having an abortion. Most people feel relief, but sometimes people feel sad. This is totally normal. If your mood keeps you from doing the things you usually do each day, you can call Exhale or All-Options for free, confidential, and non-judgmental emotional support after an abortion — no matter how you’re feeling.
Are there any risks?
The abortion pill is really safe and effective. It’s a super common way to have an abortion, and millions of people have used it safely in the U.S since 2000.
Serious complications are really rare, but can happen. These include:
- the abortion pills don’t work and the pregnancy doesn’t end
- some of the pregnancy tissue is left in your uterus
- blood clots in your uterus
- bleeding too much or too long
- infection
- allergic reaction to one of the medicines
These problems aren’t common. And if they do happen, they’re usually easy to take care of with medication or other treatments. It’s important to call us immediately if you are concerned. Don’t sit at home and worry!
Who shouldn’t take the Abortion Pill?
You should not take the Abortion Pill if you…
• Are more than 10 weeks pregnant.
• Are taking anti-clotting medication or have blood clotting disorders.
• Have severe heart, liver, or active inflammatory bowel disease.
• Have certain severe kidney problems.
• Have a serious immune system problem, such as HIV.
• Have seizures more than once a week.
• Take any medicine that should not be combined with Misoprostol
How do I know the abortion pill worked?
We can confirm that you are no longer pregnant when you come for a follow-up visit about 2 weeks after your abortion. This appointment is extremely important and will be scheduled at the time you pick up the pill.
How will the abortion pill affect my periods?
It’s normal to bleed and spot off and on for several weeks after your abortion. Your next NORMAL period should be 4-8 weeks after your abortion. If you start birth control pills, your next normal period should be in 4 weeks (at the end of the pack of pills).
Can the abortion pill be reversed after you have taken it?
Claims about treatments that reverse the effects of medication abortion are out there but these claims haven’t been proven in reliable medical studies — nor have they been tested for safety, effectiveness, or the likelihood of side effects. Experts like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reject these untested supposed treatments.
Abortion Pill Fees
Money should not be a barrier to quality abortion care. We work with multiple funding organizations to get you the funding you need and deserve!
How Do I Prepare for My Appointment?
PATIENT FORMS
You can complete the forms ahead of time, in the comfort of your own home. Click here to download forms
PAYMENT
We accept Cash and Credit Cards (credit card preferred). For financial assistance, please call our office prior to your appointment.
PHOTO ID
Bring a Photo ID to your appointment.
Request an Appointment
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