The abortion pill method isn’t just one pill, and it isn’t for everyone. There are limitations, such as how far along you are in your pregnancy and if you take certain medications.
We’ve put together a list of the reasons why the abortion pill method may not be a safe option for you. If you’d like more information about abortion procedures, the side effects to expect, and potential physical and emotional risks, please schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment to talk with a peer advocate.
Reasons Why You May Not Be Eligible For the Abortion Pill
The abortion pill method is also known as a medical, medication, or chemical abortion because it uses drugs to terminate a pregnancy. You take two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
The FDA highly regulates the first drug, mifepristone. Only certified providers can prescribe it. This drug blocks the hormone progesterone, which causes the pregnancy to end. Misoprostol, the second drug, causes bleeding and contractions to remove the pregnancy from the body.
The FDA approves the use of these drugs through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. The further along you are in your pregnancy, the less effective the drugs are.
The Mayo Clinic says a medical abortion may not be an option for you for the following reasons:
- You are too far along in your pregnancy.
- You have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place.
- You have a suspected pregnancy outside the uterus. This is called an ectopic pregnancy.
- You have certain medical conditions, including a bleeding disorder, heart or blood vessel diseases, an uncontrollable seizure disorder, and others.
- You take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines.
- You can’t reach a healthcare professional or don’t have access to emergency care.
- You have an allergy to the medicine used (mifepristone or misoprostol).
Get the Information You Need at No Cost
The best way to get the information you need is to have an ultrasound. An ultrasound scan measures how far along you are in your pregnancy (gestational age), whether your pregnancy is located in your uterus, and if your pregnancy is progressing or if you have had a miscarriage.
Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. It’s possible to get a positive pregnancy test result even after a miscarriage, depending on the timing.
Your First Step
Visit Reach Out Pregnancy Center for confidential, no-cost pregnancy testing. If your test is positive, we may be able to offer you a no-cost ultrasound scan.
Protect your health and safety by taking the necessary steps with Reach Out. Schedule your no-cost appointment today. We’re here for you.
Reach Out Pregnancy Center does not perform or refer for abortion.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.