Are you considering medical abortion as you determine what’s next in an unexpected pregnancy situation? You are not alone in your decision-making process.
Medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, is not recommended for everyone and comes with physical risks. Keep reading to learn some medical abortion facts you might not know.
#1: Only Recommended for Women Through 10 Weeks Pregnant
Medical abortion is only approved by the FDA for women through 10 weeks of pregnancy. An ultrasound is needed to determine how far along you are in pregnancy.
Ultrasounds can alert you to potential complications that may disqualify you for abortion. Safeguard your health by taking advantage of this critical confirmation step.
#2: An Incomplete Abortion is One of the Risks
Incomplete abortion is a risk of medical abortion that occurs when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in the uterus. This complication requires another procedure to remove the rest of the pregnancy.
The Mayo Clinic shares the other potential risks of medical abortion, including the following:
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach
Some of the side effects of medical abortion include:
- Vaginal bleeding (this always happens)
- Abdominal cramping (this always happens)
- Nausea (with or without vomiting)
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
#3: Medical Abortion is Not An Option for All Women
According to the Mayo Clinic, not all women are eligible for medical abortion. A medical abortion procedure isn’t an option if you:
- Are too far along in your pregnancy.
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place.
- Have a suspected pregnancy outside of the uterus. This is called ectopic pregnancy.
- Have certain medical conditions. These include anemia, some bleeding disorders, chronic adrenal failure, certain heart or blood vessel diseases, severe liver, kidney, or lung disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.
- Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines.
- Can’t reach a healthcare professional by phone or online or don’t have access to emergency care.
- Have an allergy to the drugs used in a medical abortion.
Confirm Your Pregnancy Details
Before making up your mind about abortion and your pregnancy, be sure to confirm your pregnancy details.
Schedule a free and confidential initial pregnancy appointment to get answers about your pregnancy and options. We’re here to give you the facts.
North Care Women’s Clinic does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
1 “Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation.” FDA, 2023, https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation.
2 “Medical Abortion.” Mayo Clinic, 2024, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687.
