Abortion Pill

What is the abortion pill?

The abortion pill is medication taken to end a pregnancy. You might also hear it called a chemical abortion or a medical abortion. Sometimes, you might see it referred to as Plan C.  Each of these names refers to the same two-pill process for terminating a pregnancy.

The abortion pill is a series of two pills that work together to terminate and expel the pregnancy from the uterus. Read more about how the abortion pill works. 

If you are considering abortion, take the time to learn more about how the abortion pill works, its side effects, what to expect, and who can take it.

Who can take abortion pills?

The abortion pill has been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through ten weeks or 70 days gestation.

Women who are more than ten weeks pregnant or who have an ectopic pregnancy are not eligible for the abortion pill. In addition, women with certain medical conditions or who have allergies to drugs used in the abortion pill regimen should not take the abortion pill.

If a pregnancy is ectopic, the abortion pill is ineffective. If there is an ectopic pregnancy, a woman needs to be seen by her doctor immediately to avoid a medical emergency. Abortions are not used to treat ectopic pregnancies. A separate surgical procedure is necessary to treat an ectopic pregnancy.

If you have taken the first dose of the abortion pill and change your mind, contact the abortion pill reversal network to learn more about your options.

Note: If you are Rh-negative, it’s crucial to tell your healthcare provider so you can get the necessary treatment after an abortion.

What do I need to know before getting abortion pills?

Before taking the abortion pill, you need answers to some important questions:

• Is the pregnancy viable? In other words, is it able to continue on its own or are you at risk for a natural miscarriage?*
• Is the pregnancy growing in the right place?*
• How far along is your pregnancy? What is your estimated due date?*
• What is your blood type? This is a critical question if you are pregnant, even if you have a miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, or an elective abortion. (link to blog on the Rh factor)
• What side effects could I experience? Women experience varying degrees of severity, but common side effects include:
  • Cramping/contractions
  • Heavy Bleeding
  • Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Infection
  • Blood Clots
  • Dizziness
  • Abdominal Pain

*A pregnancy options consultation at Jewel Women’s Center includes a lab quality pregnancy test and limited ultrasound. This appointment is designed to help you get answers to these questions.

Why Choose Jewel Women’s Center?

We believe women deserve objective information on their pregnancy options from a resource that does not profit from their decision. Jewel Women’s Center offers no-cost services to confirm your pregnancy and determine how far it has progressed. While Jewel does not provide or refer for abortion services, we provide answers to questions about abortion and the abortion pill, as well as other pregnancy information so you can be confident about your options and plan accordingly.

Jewel Women’s Center serves women and families in Schuylkill County and surrounding areas by providing services at no cost. Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more.