ABORTION PILL
Hope Pregnancy Center provides information on the abortion pill in Willmar, Minnesota. We offer no-cost and confidential services to help when facing an unplanned pregnancy. No Cost. No Insurance.
Abortion Pill Information
- The “pill” is actually a protocol that involves taking two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, which are taken in two separate doses on different days.
- It is not available through a pharmacy, but is only available by an authorized provider.
- The FDA strongly cautions against the use of mifepristone obtained over the Internet.3
- Because of complications, the FDA keeps close track.4
- The abortion pill is not the same as the emergency contraception.
- For women who change their minds after taking just the mifepristone, it may be possible to rescue the pregnancy. For more information, see: The Abortion Pill Reversal.
How it works – The first medication, mifepristone, blocks progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that is necessary for the pregnancy to survive. Without progesterone, the embryo eventually dies over the next several days. The second medication, misoprostol, causes bleeding and cramping, expelling the embryo and uterine contents.
Side effects – Cramping and bleeding are expected. Bleeding lasts an average of 9 to 16 days. Other possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, weakness, dizziness and headache.
Complications – In 1% of women, bleeding is so heavy a surgical procedure called a D&C is required to stop the bleeding. Life-threatening infection has occurred in a small number of women who used the abortion pill protocol. Before taking any medication, you should discuss the risks with your doctor and know what to do if complications arise.
Follow-up – It is important to follow-up with your doctor 1 to 2 weeks after taking this medication regime to see if an abortion has occurred and to assess for complications.
Before The Abortion Pill
Confirm pregnancy with an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill in Willmar, MN.
Pregnancy tests are not always conclusive. Pregnancy tests respond to a hormone released by a pregnant woman’s body called HCG. Although your HCG levels may be elevated, your pregnancy might not be viable, as about 10-20% of all pregnancies end in natural miscarriage10. Ultrasound is the most reliable method of detecting pregnancy viability.
This can answer three major questions:
- Is the pregnancy in the uterus?
- How far along you are?
- Is there a fetal heartbeat?
An ultrasound will provide important information that will tell you more about your options. This information is critical regardless of what options you may be considering. Speak with our staff today. Schedule a confidential appointment – at no cost to you.
Eligibility is required for ultrasound services.
REFERENCES
MEDICAL ABORTION
Information taken from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2016). “Mifeprex Medication Guide.” U.S. Department of Health. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
2. Viability is generally considered about 24 weeks from a woman’s LMP. See https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/overview-abortion-laws
3. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
4. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director, Dr. Andrew Hoffmann.
Know your options. Be educated.