The Abortion Pill
The abortion pill, otherwise known as an early medication abortion (EMA), is performed up to the ninth week of pregnancy. With an EMA, a regimen of drugs referred to as the abortion pill is used to perform the abortion.
How the Abortion Pill Works
The Abortion Pill, officially known as RU-486, Mifeprex™, and mifepristone, is a standard early abortion method in the United States used for abortions up to 10 weeks of a woman’s last menstrual period. Though it is referred to as the abortion pill, it involves two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol.
- Mifepristone – the first round of medication is designed to stop your body’s production of progesterone, a hormone necessary for the development and growth of a gestating embryo during pregnancy.
- Misoprostol – the second round of medication used to induce cramping and contractions to expel the contents of the pregnancy.
Abortion Pill is FDA-Approved
The abortion pill drug regimen is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for use in pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestational age. According to the FDA, Mifepristone must be prescribed by a healthcare provider that meets certain qualifications.
Even though the abortion pill is FDA approved, the FDA does not recommend abortion pills be purchased online since “The FDA does not have regulatory oversight of prescription medicines from outside the legitimate U.S. drug supply chain; therefore, the FDA cannot ensure the safety, effectiveness, or quality of those medications.”
Selling or prescribing the abortion pill is illegal in Texas.
Abortion Pill Symptoms & Side-Effects
Cramping and bleeding are expected when taking the abortion pill. Bleeding may be like a heavy period and can last up to sixteen days, possibly up to thirty days.
Additional side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Chills
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
Abortion Pill Potential Complications
Like any drug, the abortion pill comes with potential negative complications. Possible complications of the abortion pill can include but are not limited to:
- Bleeding requiring surgery to stop
- Incomplete/missed abortion
- Unaffected pregnancy
Abortion Pill Reversal
Timing is everything when it comes to successfully reversing the effects of the abortion pill. If you are having second thoughts about completing the abortion pill regimen, contact the abortion pill reversal hotline immediately.
Pregnant? We Can Help.
Inspira Resource Center offers free pregnancy confirmation services including free pregnancy testing and limited ultrasound, so you can make an informed pregnancy decision. Inspira Resource Center offers free options consultations to review all of your pregnancy options in a safe environment. Inspira Resource Center does not refer for or offer abortion services.
Contact us to schedule your appointment today.
