If pregnancy wasn’t part of your plan, you may be considering a medical abortion. As you explore your options, there are a few things you’ll want to know, so you can make a fully informed decision!
Today, we’ll discuss what you need to know about medical abortion.
What is a Medical Abortion?
A medical abortion involves taking medications to end a pregnancy. You may hear it referred to as a “medication abortion,” “chemical abortion,” or “the abortion pill.” The FDA has approved the use of pills for medical abortion up until ten weeks of pregnancy.1
How Does a Medical Abortion Work?
A medical abortion uses two medications—mifepristone and misoprostol. Both must be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.
The first medication, mifepristone, interferes with progesterone receptors so that the pregnancy stops progressing. The second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy.2
What to Know Before a Medical Abortion
If you’re considering a medical abortion, these are the things you’ll first want to know:
- How far along am I? It’s important to know how far along you are, as the abortion pill can only be taken up to 10 weeks gestation (as mentioned above). An ultrasound is the most accurate way to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy.
- Is the pregnancy ectopic? If you have an ectopic pregnancy, you need immediate medical attention, and no longer qualify for a medical abortion.
- Is medical abortion legal in New York? Currently, you can get an abortion up to and including 24 weeks of pregnancy in New York. Exceptions can be made after 24 weeks if the fetus is not viable or if the pregnant woman’s life or health is at risk.3 However, the abortion pill can only be taken up until ten weeks of pregnancy, as mentioned above.
Call Carenet Northern New York for a free ultrasound at (315)782-5433.
Where Can I Go to Get a Medical Abortion?
Both mifepristone and misoprostol must be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider. After verifying the viability and location of the pregnancy, the provider will rule out contraindications to an abortion such as an ectopic pregnancy, drug allergies, blood thinning disorders, an IUD, or other medical disorders.4
Women should never order abortion pills online from a pharmacy not approved by the FDA. The FDA has not evaluated those pills for safety5 and could contain the wrong type or amount of medication.
What are Medical Abortion Side Effects?
Medical abortions cause bleeding and cramping as the pregnancy is expelled from the uterus. Clots often accompany heavy bleeding. Cramping can be mild to moderate. If a woman ever bleeds through two thick pads in an hour, then she should seek emergent medical care.6
What are Medical Abortion Complications?
Complications after taking the second abortion pill (misoprostol) can include hemorrhaging (very heavy bleeding), an infection, an allergic reaction, or an incomplete abortion, which could require further medical intervention.7
How Long Do You Bleed After Medical Abortion?
Bleeding after a medical abortion typically lasts for about 9 to 16 days, but could cause bleeding for up to three weeks.8 Women should receive follow-up care to evaluate for any complications.
Who Shouldn’t Get a Medical Abortion?
Here are reasons you may not be eligible for a medical abortion:10
- You’re more than ten weeks pregnant.
- You have an IUD (Intrauterine Device).
- You have an ectopic pregnancy. A pregnancy located outside of the uterus can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical care. An ultrasound can verify that the pregnancy is in the right place.
- You have a clotting disorder or some other medical condition. Speak with a healthcare professional before an abortion.
- Don’t have access to emergency care. In the case that you experience complications after a medical abortion, you should have access to emergency care.
How Much Does a Medical Abortion Cost?
A medical abortion, or abortion pills, can cost between $500 to $950.11 These costs often include fees for ultrasounds, blood tests, medications, and follow-up appointments.
Contact Carenet Northern New York for a free ultrasound today!
How Effective is Medical Abortion?
Up to 8% of women who take the abortion pill require a further surgical procedure because the abortion was incomplete.12
What Are My Options Other than a Medical Abortion?
If you’re further along than ten weeks pregnant, you’ve verified that the pregnancy is not ectopic, and you don’t have medical conditions that would contraindicate an abortion, then you may qualify for a surgical abortion. In a surgical abortion, a medical provider uses instruments to remove a pregnancy from the uterus.13
Medical Abortion Information in Watertown, New York
At Carenet Northern New York we want to empower you with the information you need about all of your options. Before choosing a medical abortion, call us today at (315)782-5433 to speak with our compassionate and qualified staff.
Sources
- FDA. (2023, March 23). Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
- Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Medical Abortion. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion
- BILL NO S00240.New York State Assembly. (2019, January 22). https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?default_fld&leg_video&bn=S00240&term=2019&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Committee%26nbspVotes=Y&Floor%26nbspVotes=Y&Memo=Y&Text=Y
- See source #1.
- See source #1.
- Danco Laboratories, LLC. (2022). MEDICATION GUIDE: Mifeprex. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020687s014lbl.pdf
- See source #6.
- See source #6.
- See source #2.
- See source #6.
- As advertised by abortion providers in August 2024.
- See source #6.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, November 7). Dilation and curettage (D&C). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac-20384910