If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be considering the abortion pill. In some states, you can now get the prescription without an in-person visit to a clinic.
This may seem quick and easy, however, it skips health screenings that can be critical in detecting health complications such as ectopic pregnancy.
You will also want to learn the age of the pregnancy since the FDA has only approved this method up to 70 days or less since the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill is a series of two drugs. The first drug is mifepristone, which is an antiprogestin that prevents your progesterone level from increasing. Progesterone is an essential hormone in pregnancy, so by blocking the pregnancy from receiving it, it ends the pregnancy.
24-48 hours later, misoprostol, the second drug, is taken. This second pill will force your uterus to contract to expel the fetus and other pregnancy tissues.
How Do You Order the Abortion Pill Online?
Pennsylvania is a state that allows “elaborations”. You would need to schedule a telehealth visit with your healthcare provider, who would then provide a prescription that you can pick up at your local pharmacy.
Depending on your provider, a urine test and blood work may be required beforehand, and you may need to be at least 18 years old.
What Are the Risks?
According to the Mayo Clinic, potential risks include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
It’s important to note that the at-home abortion skips the step of an ultrasound, which first confirms the age and viability of the pregnancy. This important information shows if you are too far along to take the pill (which makes it less effective) and if you have a viable pregnancy or you are miscarrying, in which case you would be taking the abortion pill unnecessarily.
Ectopic pregnancy is also a risk (which is a pregnancy occurring outside the uterus and requires medical treatment). Last but not least, there is no medical oversight or emergency care when you take the abortion pill in your home.
Do I Qualify for an At-Home Abortion?
You need to make sure that you are less than 10 weeks pregnant, have not had a miscarriage, and are not in danger of an ectopic pregnancy (where the fetus is located outside the womb). An ultrasound will confirm your eligibility and we offer free pregnancy confirmations via ultrasound at North Care Women’s Clinic.
These important services are offered to you at no cost. North Care Women’s Clinic does not prescribe or refer for the abortion pill, we are your first step in deciding if abortion is the right choice for you, and giving you the information you need to make a decision.
Contact us today to schedule your no-cost appointment!
Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information. (n.d.). FDA. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
RU486 (mifepristone): mechanisms of action and clinical uses. (n.d.). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9046951/#:~:text=RU486%20(mifepristone)%20has%20proved%20to,hormones%20(progesterone%20and%20glucocorticosteroids).
Uses of Misoprostol in Obstetrics and Gynecology. (n.d.). National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2760893/
Medical Abortion. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
