6 Questions About the Abortion Pill – Answered

What is the abortion pill?

The “Abortion Pill” is actually a series of pills. Typically, the first set of pills is taken at a doctor’s office. This first pill blocks the progesterone needed to sustain life, causing the death of the fetus. The second pill is taken at home 24 hours later. It works by inducing labor, which expels the pregnancy. This can take anywhere from a couple hours to a couple weeks.

Are there any side effects?

Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and headaches are common. Women are often told that the abortion pill will cause a “heavy period,” but are often surprised by the serious cramping and bleeding that occurs.

Is it a safe option?

The abortion pill is one of only 74 drugs dangerous enough that the FDA required a special protocol to monitor the patient for complications. Although some of these protections have been recently removed, it does not change the fact that the abortion pill is serious. A lot of women choose the abortion pill because they think it will be more natural and less invasive than surgical abortion. However, studies show the rate of complications for chemical abortions is four times higher than that of surgical abortions. 1 in 12 women bleed for more than 30 days. 1 in 100 women need to be hospitalized.

What’s the difference between ordering the pill online and receiving it in person?

While both options carry risk, ordering online adds even more potential for complications. The lack of a physician’s oversight means you don’t know whether the pills you are receiving in the mail are the real deal, or whether the dosage is correct. In addition, an exam by a health provider should be performed within 14 days to check for tissue remaining in the uterus, an unrecognized ectopic pregnancy, or other complications

Are there any steps I need to take ahead of time?

Even if the entire process goes as planned, anyone considering chemical abortion should receive an ultrasound. This will ensure that the pregnancy is located in the uterus, how far along the baby is, and whether or not the pregnancy is viable.

Will I be able to protect my privacy?

Honestly? Not really. Although the online abortion pill industry profits from the belief that women can take these pills privately, it just isn’t true. You’ll need an exam before and afterwards, and the risk for complications is high. In addition, you’ll never know when your body will respond to the second set of pills, meaning you could be at home, at school, or at work when the contractions begin. Finally, even if abortion pills could provide secrecy and privacy, it’s never in a woman’s best interests to face an unexpected pregnancy alone. Some level of support is necessary for mental and physical health, no matter what decision a woman makes.

Bonus Question: What if I change my mind?

Even if you take the first set of pills, it is still possible to save your baby. Call the Abortion Pill Reversal hotline at 1-877-558-0333