What is the abortion pill?
Mifepristone is also known as the abortion pill or RU-486 and is prescribed by a doctor within the first seven to ten weeks of pregnancy. Most women don’t really know how it works. Many physicians will tell you that mifepristone is a “light procedure”; or is “relatively quick” and “easy.” That is not usually the case, and there can be side effects. [1]
Mifepristone is a drug that blocks the effects of a hormone called progesterone, which leads to the death of the developing baby.
Sometimes, an additional surgical abortion is needed to complete the termination.
Alternatives does not perform or refer for abortions.
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The Process
A doctor will give a woman considering medical abortion a physical exam to determine if she is eligible for this type of medical abortion procedure. A woman should be given an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill to ensure that it is safe to proceed.
She will be given an oral dose of mifepristone during her first office visit, and antibiotics might be prescribed to prevent infection.
Misoprostol tablets are taken orally or inserted vaginally about 36 to 72 hours later. These tablets will cause contractions and expel the remains of the baby. This process may take a few hours or as long as a few days. The woman will need to be examined by her doctor two weeks later to ensure the abortion was complete and to check for complications. [2]
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What should you ask your Abortion Provider?
Abortion is never easy, and you need to feel educated before making a decision that could impact your life. It’s your right to have access to safe, reputable healthcare, because your body and your future are of the utmost importance.
These questions are designed to help you screen abortion providers to help ensure that they are operating according to State guidelines.
If a provider is unable to answer your questions satisfactorily, we recommend going elsewhere.
Questions to ask your abortion provider