A medical abortion, or chemical abortion, is when medication is used to terminate an early pregnancy. Although it is typically referred to as the “abortion pill,” a chemical abortion consists of two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone is taken first and begins the abortion process by blocking the hormone progesterone, a vital proponent in supporting a pregnancy. By blocking progesterone, the lining of the uterus begins to breakdown, and the baby cannot receive the nutrients necessary to stay alive. The second medication, misoprostol, is then taken 24-48 hours after mifepristone. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and bleed to expel the fetal tissue. The process for a complete chemical abortion can take anywhere from 2 to 3 days from the moment the woman takes the first pill.

In recent years, the abortion pill has become more accessible to women all over the world. As more abortion clinics have closed, many are looking online for answers, help, and abortion pills by mail to end a pregnancy. There are many websites that allow a woman to receive the abortion pill by mail without requiring her to take a pregnancy test, get an ultrasound, or talk to a medical professional to review potential health risk factors. An ultrasound used to be a standard of care before an abortion was provided to confirm there is a pregnancy and to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is when the baby implants anywhere outside of the uterus, in which case the abortion pill will not terminate the pregnancy and can be life-threatening for the woman. Some women who received the abortion pills by mail have reported they arrived with very limited instructions and were not aware of the potential side effects that could arise from a chemical abortion. Consulting with a physician before you decide to have a chemical abortion can be vital to ensure your safety.

Before you decide to take the abortion pill, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects that may be experienced. Pain, cramping, and bleeding are the most common symptoms experienced when having a chemical abortion. Women have also reported experiencing gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, in some cases being very extreme, causing severe dehydration requiring medical attention. Other symptoms may include fever, chills, headaches, and excessive bleeding, or hemorrhage. If you have taken the abortion pills and are experiencing bleeding that soaks through two large sanitary pads in an hour, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. In some cases, the abortion pills have not worked effectively to terminate the pregnancy, in which case it is important to see a physician as soon as possible, as surgical intervention may be necessary.

As with any decision, it is important to be informed and aware of all the information, side effects, and options available. It is illegal in all 50 states to be pressured or coerced into having an abortion. If you or someone you know feels threatened or pressured to have an abortion, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233 for 24/7 confidential support. Abortion is not the only option if you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. If you would like to talk with someone about your options before you decide, The Well Pregnancy Resource Center is available to help answer your biggest questions about pregnancy, ultrasounds, options, and more. Contact us to learn more or to schedule a cost-free, confidential appointment.

If you have taken the first dose of the abortion pill, mifepristone, and you are unsure if you want to continue with the abortion process, it may not be too late to change your mind. The Well PRC is an Abortion Pill Reversal provider. Call the Abortion Pill Reversal hotline at (877) 558-0333 or visit AbortionPillReversal.com to talk with a Healthcare Professional to see if a reversal is possible for you. You are not alone, and you don’t have to make this decision on your own.