Abortion Pill: Myth vs Facts

There’s a lot of misinformation about the abortion pill and how it works. Care Net Treasure Coast can provide a free consultation and answer your questions or concerns.

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Before Taking the Abortion Pill:

Determine how far along you are.

The abortion pill is only effective for pregnancies below a certain gestational age. If your pregnancy is past a certain week, it may be too late to take the abortion pill. Ensure you aren’t putting yourself at risk by getting a free limited ultrasound first and finding out how far along you are. 

Make sure the pregnancy is viable. 

Approximately 15-25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. It is important to get an ultrasound first to determine if the pregnancy is viable. An ultrasound can also rule out an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when the fertilized egg does not correctly move into the uterus. This can be a life-threatening condition and would need immediate action.

 

How much do you know about the abortion pill?

1. It’s officially called RU-486 and was approved by the FDA in 2000. Other names for abortion pills are self-managed abortions, medical abortions, or chemical abortions. 

2. The pill is two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, and it’s taken in two separate doses. 

3. The abortion pill is not the same as the emergency contraceptive, The Morning After Pill, Plan B One-Step, or ella.

4. It is usually taken between 4-6 weeks but can be taken up to 10 weeks after your last menstrual period (LMP)—this should be verified through an ultrasound. 

5. It is not an option for people with certain medical conditions.

6. Reversal is possible if action is taken after the first dose. 

What are some side effects of the abortion pill?

1. Heavy or prolonged bleeding

2. Digestive system pain or discomfort

3. Heavy cramping and contractions

4. Fever

5. Nausea and/or vomiting 

6. Infection or septic shock 

7. Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion

If you are considering the abortion pill, come see us. Care Net Treasure Coast in St. Lucie County provides a free pregnancy confirmation appointment to determine if your pregnancy is viable and how far along you are. With several abortion methods available today, this information will determine what options are available and help you plan your next steps. We do not provide or refer for abortion services, and we do not profit from your reproductive health decisions.

Learn more about the pill and how it works, and talk to a nurse about your medical history. 

Make an Appointment

Care Net Treasure Coast serves women and men in St. Lucie County by providing no-cost, professional, and confidential services. 

Sources: 

At Home Abortion Facts. (2023a, February 26). Abortion Health & Safety Checklist | At-Home Abortion Facts. https://athomeabortionfacts.com/abortion-health-safety-checklist/ 

U.S. Food And Drug Administration. (Research) Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation

Abortion Pill Reversal. (n.d.-b). Overview. https://abortionpillreversal.com/abortion-pill-reversal/overview 

Risk Factors for Abortion and First Trimester Miscarriage-Results From a UK-Population-Based Case-Control Study, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, December 4, 2006, pp. 1-17.