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 an early pregnancy.
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 early in pregnancy, you can take the Abortion Pill. This will be confirmed by an ultrasound examination.
What’s the Process?
STEP 1– In Our Office
We recommend an ultrasound before proceeding with the abortion pill. Many women have false positive pregnancy tests, miss their periods for reasons other than pregnancy, or are further along in the pregnancy than dates indicate or experience a miscarriage in early pregnancy. There is always the small chance of an ectopic (tubal pregnancy) which requires different treatment. We can provide referrals to other states where you can receive an abortion and they may require an ultrasound before scheduling.
STEP 2 – When You Take The First Pill
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.
After your abortion is complete, cramping and bleeding should lighten up as the hours and days go by.
You should receive written after-care instructions, and a phone number to call with
any questions or concerns. Follow 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 didn’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.
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.
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.
Our Fees
Please call us prior to your appointment to discuss fees.
We provide:
- Ultrasound
- Consultation
- Lab Work
- Confidential Counseling/Education
- Follow-Up Exam after Abortion
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.
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