Facts About Medical Abortion You Might Not Know

July 11, 2024

Getting the facts about any medical procedure can help you understand whether it’s right for you. When you’re properly informed about the risks, side effects, and special things to consider, you can make a decision with your health in mind.

There’s a lot of information online about medical abortion (also called the abortion pill). You need the facts from trusted sources who will allow you to make a pregnancy decision free from pressure or judgment.

New Hope Center’s medical team can discuss medical abortion with you and all the options for your unplanned pregnancy. Continue reading to learn the basics.

You can also book a free and confidential appointment today.

Medical Abortion: What You Should Know

Abortion is a significant decision with side effects and risks. We’re here to provide the facts as you navigate an unplanned pregnancy.

1. It is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks gestation.

Knowing your gestational age (how far along you are) is essential because it clarifies your pregnancy options. Medical abortion is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks gestation, so taking abortion drugs after this time isn’t recommended and could create health risks.

2. Taking abortion drugs causes cramping and bleeding.

If you take abortion drugs, you will have abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. These side effects are what you feel as your pregnancy ends and exits your body.

During a medical abortion, mifepristone blocks progesterone, which supports a developing pregnancy. Without this hormone, the pregnancy will detach and end.

Mifepristone is taken afterward and causes uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy from your body. This is why you’ll experience bleeding and cramping–the pregnancy and related tissue are leaving your uterus.

3. There are health risks associated with a medical abortion.

You should always know the risks associated with taking any medication or drug. This will help you to make an educated decision.

Abortion drugs can cause the following risks:

• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort
• Infection
• Heavy, prolonged bleeding
• Incomplete abortion (which may require surgical treatment)
• An ongoing pregnancy (if the drugs don’t work)

4. You may be ineligible for a medical abortion if certain factors apply to you.

Not every woman can have a medical abortion. Certain factors can disqualify you from having one, including if you:

• Are past 10 weeks gestation
• Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place
• Have an allergy to the drugs used
• Have a suspected ectopic pregnancy
• Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines
• Have certain medical conditions (i.e., bleeding disorders, certain heart or blood vessel diseases, severe liver, kidney, or lung disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder)
• Cannot make follow-up appointments with a medical provider or access emergency care

5. Before making a pregnancy decision, you should have an ultrasound.

Even if you are considering abortion for your pregnancy, you should receive an ultrasound. This scan provides critical information to stay safe and learn more about your pregnancy.

An ultrasound tells you whether your pregnancy is growing and has a heartbeat, whether it is located in the uterus, and how far along you are. Knowing your gestational age helps determine whether you’re eligible for an abortion procedure.

Abortion in KY is banned unless a provider decides it’s necessary to preserve a woman’s health or life.

Ultrasound scans can also detect conditions like ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate medical treatment. It can also determine whether you’ve had a miscarriage and need monitoring or treatment.

We’re Here For You

New Hope Center doesn’t provide or refer for abortions, but we’ll discuss all options so you can make a confident decision and ask questions.

We can also offer a limited ultrasound if you are not already under a doctor’s care. You deserve to safeguard your health.

Book a free and confidential appointment today. You are not alone.