Abortion Pill / Medication Abortion

 

How far along in the pregnancy can I be?

Up to 8 weeks (56 days) from the first day of your last period.

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How far along in the pregnancy can I be?

Up to 8 weeks (56 days) from the first day of your last period.

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What will happen?

The actual abortion takes place at home.

• In the office, you will swallow the abortion pill (Misoprostol). You will probably not feel any different after taking this pill.

• At home, 48 hours later, you take the Misoprostol pills.

• The abortion usually starts within a couple of hours after taking the

• Misoprostol. You will probably have heavy bleeding and cramping for a couple of hours.

• You will come back to the office around 1 week later to be sure everything is okay.

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How painful is it?

Some women have mild cramps like a period; others have very strong cramps for a couple of hours. You will be given medication to take at home to relieve the pain, usually ibuprofen, or Mypradol and a stronger pain killer.

How much will I bleed?

It is unlikely that you will get anemia or need treatment for the bleeding. Heavy bleeding with clots is common during the 2-4 hours of the abortion at home. Afterwards, you may have lighter bleeding, sometimes with clots, for 1-2 weeks.

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How much does it cost?

The exact cost depends on where you go for the procedure.

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Can the abortion fail?

It is successful 98-99% of the time. If it fails, an aspiration abortion is necessary.

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Can I still have children afterwards?

Neither type of abortion changes your chances of getting pregnant or staying pregnant in the future.

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Is it safe?

Both medications have been studied and used safely for over 10 years. Complications are rare, and medication abortion is at least 10 times safer than continuing the pregnancy.

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What are the advantages?

• It is highly successful and predictable

• It seems more natural, like a miscarriage or heavy period.

• You can have the abortion earlier than with aspiration abortion, often as soon as you know you are pregnant.

• You have more control over the process.

• Being at home instead of in an office may be more comfortable and private.

• You can choose to have someone with you, or you can be alone.

• You won’t have injections, anesthesia, or instruments in your body.

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What are the disadvantages?

• It cannot end an ectopic pregnancy, one that is in the Fallopian tube.

• The whole process is longer than with an aspiration abortion.

• Bleeding can be very heavy and may last longer than with an aspiration abortion.

• Cramping can be severe and usually lasts longer than with an aspiration abortion.

• Two visits to the provider are necessary.

• The chances of infection and death are higher than with an aspiration abortion.