If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and are considering abortion, you are likely wondering about the abortion pill.

Also known as medical abortion, the abortion pill does have risks. For the sake of your health and to make an informed decision, it’s essential to understand all your options, including the abortion pill, to make the best decision for your future.

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

Medical abortion involves a series of two separate drugs.

The first is called mifepristone, and it works by blocking progesterone. Progesterone is a crucial hormone during pregnancy, sustaining the uterine lining to support a developing pregnancy.

Without progesterone, the uterine lining thins, and the embryo or fetus can no longer stay implanted or grow, leading to termination.

The next drug taken is misoprostol, which causes the uterus to begin contracting, expelling the pregnancy and related tissue from your body with cramping and bleeding.

The Risks of the Abortion Pill

As with any other medical procedure, there are risks to consider before proceeding.

These include:

• Incomplete abortion
• An ongoing pregnancy
• Infection
• Fever
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Digestive system discomfort

Medical abortion is not a safe option for those with certain medical conditions. These include those with bleeding disorders, certain heart or blood vessel diseases, severe liver, kidney, or lung diseases, or uncontrolled seizure disorders.

It’s always critical to evaluate your health history before taking a new prescription drug or undergoing a medical procedure like an abortion. 

Additionally, the FDA has only approved the first medical abortion for the first ten weeks of pregnancy. Another procedure might be considered safer if you are beyond this gestational age.

Getting the Answers You Need

Confirming your pregnancy is the first step in deciding what option is best for you. While at-home pregnancy tests are usually accurate, an ultrasound will reveal important health information.

Salem Pregnancy Care Center offers free, lab-quality pregnancy tests first to confirm pregnancy. If you receive a positive test, our trained medical team can provide a free follow-up ultrasound to give you essential pregnancy details like gestational age, location, and viability. 

These details will provide valuable information about your pregnancy that will help you know your options and be empowered to make the best decision for your health and future.

Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential appointment.