Generally, how far along you are in your pregnancy determines the type of abortion procedure you qualify for. Although some experts suggest this method can be used through the entire first trimester (12 weeks), the FDA only approves the drugs for use through 10 weeks of pregnancy.
What is the Abortion Pill?
Because the abortion pill uses two powerful drugs to end a pregnancy, it is also known as a medical, chemical, or medication abortion. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone. All pregnancies need progesterone to grow. Without it, the pregnancy ends.
Misoprostol, the second drug, causes contractions and bleeding to expel the pregnancy from the body. The drugs are usually taken within a 24 to 48-hour period.
Who Does Not Qualify for the Abortion Pill?
The Cleveland Clinic lists several reasons why the abortion pill method may not be for you.
- You are too far along in your pregnancy.
- You are allergic to the medications used.
- Your pregnancy is located outside your uterus (ectopic pregnancy).
- You use long-term corticosteroids for issues like asthma, eczema or other skin conditions, or inflammatory arthritis.
- You have an IUD (intrauterine device) in place.
- You have a blood clotting disorder.
- You do not have access to emergency care.
Do You Know How Many Weeks You Have Been Pregnant?
Knowing how far along you are in your pregnancy is vital to determining if you are eligible for the abortion pill. The drug, mifepristone, is less effective the farther along you are in your pregnancy.
An ultrasound is the most accurate way to determine how many weeks you have been pregnant. The technician can take measurements during the ultrasound to determine if your pregnancy is further than 10 weeks.
Receive a No-Cost, Confidential Ultrasound to Date Your Pregnancy
You can receive a limited obstetric ultrasound following a positive pregnancy test at Coweta Pregnancy Services. Our pregnancy services are completely confidential and offered at no cost to you.
Although we do not perform or refer for abortions, we can provide factual, medically accurate information about the abortion pill process, side effects to expect, and potential physical and emotional risks.
Before you take the abortion pill, safeguard your health with information about your pregnancy. Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment with us today. We’re here for you.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.