If you’re considering abortion, you may be wondering what the process is like to get abortion pills and take them. Learn more from Jewel Women’s Center.
When can I take abortion pills?
The abortion pill works through two different pills: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone can be taken within the first 70 days of the pregnancy and is 93-98% effective in terminating a pregnancy.
For pregnancies dating more than 10 weeks, a surgical method must be performed.
Before any procedure, some things to discuss with your doctor include: any history of blood clots, medications you are taking, any symptoms of anxiety or depression, or if you have an IUD. These things must be addressed before taking the abortion pill.
How do I get abortion pills?
In the past, abortion pills could only be obtained through a doctor who was certified to administer them. Pennsylvania law used to require a woman to have a face-to-face consultation with the doctor at least 24 hours before starting the medical abortion process. The first pill mifepristone was administered in the office or clinic. This would occur after the waiting period has ended and in a separate appointment from the consultation. Typically, the patient was then instructed to take the second pill at home.
In April of 2021, the FDA relaxed restrictions on the management of mifepristone. As a result, women seeking an abortion are now able to receive the abortion pill through the mail following a virtual visit with an abortion clinic.
The cost of a medical abortion can range from $300-800 depending on your circumstances. It is unlikely that health insurance will cover the cost of abortion pills, so that is something to consider.
Abortion pill side effects & potential abortion pill complications
Side effects of the abortion pill
After taking the first pill, you may experience some light cramping or bleeding. You will take the second pill 24-48 hours after the first pill. The second pill will take effect anywhere from 5 hours to a few days. Heavy cramping and bleeding will begin and eventually you will pass the embryo, embryonic sac and uterine tissues out through the vagina.
Some women who have opted for medical abortion have also experienced: dizziness, intense cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain separate from cramping, mild fever or chills and light lactation. These symptoms are not particularly unusual and should subside when the abortion process is complete.
Possible abortion pill complications
Besides the side effects above, there are more serious possible abortion pill complications to be aware of such as:
- An allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Prolonged or excessive bleeding and fever higher than 100.4 degrees
Although rare, severe reactions to abortion pills can be fatal. Discuss any reactions and concerns with your doctor.
How long will I bleed after taking the abortion pill?
After the pregnancy is expelled, bleeding and cramping should lessen, but may still be heavier than your normal period. It is normal to bleed for about 2 weeks after taking the abortion pill. Spotting may continue through 3-4 weeks after taking the abortion pill.
It’s important to be prepared for much more bleeding than a regular period. There will be large blood clots, up to the size of a lemon, as the uterus expels the pregnancy. The further along the pregnancy was, the larger and more noticeable these clots and tissue will be.
It’s a good idea to have someone you trust with you and available for support both physically and emotionally during a medication abortion.
What happens after the abortion process?
If your abortion is performed under medical supervision, your doctor will have you watch for the passing of the fetal tissues so you can call and schedule a return visit to ensure the abortion is complete. At this appointment, your doctor will confirm that no fetal tissues are still in the uterus. If present, this could indicate the need for surgical abortion or surgical removal of tissues to prevent infection.
If the abortion pills did not terminate the pregnancy, what to do next can be discussed with your doctor at this appointment. It is important to keep this follow-up appointment since an incomplete abortion can lead to infection and can impact future fertility.
Learn more about the abortion pill from Jewel
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