Just What is the Abortion Pill?

Are you pregnant and considering an abortion? You may have heard your friends talk about just taking a couple of pills. Is it that simple? That safe?What should you know before you take this step?
The abortion pill, or medical abortion, is also known as MifeprexTM, mifepristone, or RU-486. (Please note, the abortion pill is not the same as the “Morning After Pill” or Plan B. We’ll discuss that in a later blog.)
When is the procedure used?
The drug is approved by the FDA for use up to 70 days (10 weeks) after a woman’s last menstrual period (LMP)1.
How does one get a prescription?
The FDA originally specified a visit to a provider’s office is necessary to obtain the pills. (That was relaxed some during the Covid pandemic.)
How does it work?
The “abortion pill” is a two-step process.
Step one – mifepristone. The first pill is taken and blocks the effect of the hormone progesterone. The embryo’s connection with the uterus is lost causing his or her death over the course of days.1
Step two – misoprostol. The woman takes several tablets 24 to 48 hours after the mifepristone.
What happens next?
The 2nd drug expels the embryo or fetus. Bleeding and cramping can last one to two weeks. Identifiable body parts may be seen if she is beyond 8 weeks LMP. By 10 weeks LMP, the developing baby is over one inch in length with clearly recognizable arms, legs, hands, and feet.1
What are the Risks?
Serious complications do happen.
     Hemorrhage -- If heavy bleeding persists, a D&C may be necessary.
     Infection – Total body infection (sepsis) can lead to death.
    Undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy (the embryo attaches outside the uterus). If this is not diagnosed early, severe problems result.
    Failed abortion – The abortion pill doesn’t always cause a complete abortion. A surgical abortion would be needed in this situation.
When to seek help?
Seek help if the following symptoms last more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol: abdominal pain/discomfort, feeling sick, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, prolonged heavy bleeding.1
Will an abortion affect me later?
Long terms effects are possible.
Negative emotions including clinical depression, drug and alcohol abuse, PTSD, suicidal thoughts
Strained relationships
Physical problems including a possible risk of breast cancer
Spiritual thoughts such as wondering what God might think.1
ONE SERIOUS CAUTION:
NEVER order the abortion pill online.
Sometimes the seller has untested medication.
You would not have a health screening, no ultrasound to confirm you are pregnant or if you have an ectopic pregnancy.
You made need medical attention if the side effects become severe.
What if a woman takes the 1st pill and then changes her mind?
If a woman changes her mind after taking the first pill, the abortion may be able to be stopped.
There is a process called Abortion Pill Reversal that is successful 64- 68% of the time in stopping the abortion if the woman seeks help between the first 24 to 72 hours after taking mifepristone but before she has taken the 2nd pill misoprostol.
A health care provider would prescribe doses of natural progesterone which may stop the progression of the abortion.
What to do?
If you or someone you know has taken the first dose but has changed her mind, the best action would be to call the Abortion Pill Reversal Network where caring physicians and pregnancy centers are eager to help.                                                             

Call ​ 877.558.0333 or go to AbortionPillReversal.com
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