If you’re considering the abortion pill, it’s important to understand exactly what it involves before making a decision. Many people refer to the “abortion pill” as though it’s a single drug, but it’s actually two different drugs that work together to end a pregnancy and expel the pregnancy from the uterus.
While you may have heard that the abortion pill is simple, it’s important to know that the abortion drugs carry potentially serious risks. Understanding how the drugs work, the possible physical complications, and even the emotional impact can help you make an informed decision about your pregnancy.
Read on to learn the essentials, and contact Choices of the Heart for a safe space to find answers and support.
How Do the Abortion Drugs Work?
The abortion pill process involves two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone your body needs to support a developing pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy detaches from the uterine lining and eventually ends.
The second drug, misoprostol, is taken 24 to 48 hours later. It causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina via uterine contractions.
What Are the Physical Risks?
The abortion drugs work by causing vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping as part of the abortion process. However, increasingly heavy bleeding and sharp abdominal pain can be a sign that you’re experiencing a complication.
One of the greatest risks of the abortion pill is an incomplete abortion, which occurs when parts of the pregnancy remain in the uterus. This can lead to a serious infection that may progress to sepsis, a dangerous reaction to infection.
Other risks of the abortion pill include:
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Fever
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach
What About the Emotional Risks?
Every woman’s emotional experience after an abortion is different. Some women report feeling immediate relief only to experience difficult emotions days, weeks, or even years later.
These feelings may include:
- Sadness or grief
- Guilt or regret
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Anger
- A sense of loss
Research suggests that women who feel pressured or coerced into having an abortion may be more likely to experience emotional distress afterward. If you’re feeling rushed, uncertain, or like someone else is making this decision for you, it’s important to pause and give yourself the opportunity to fully explore your options.
Your pregnancy decision should be your own, not one made because of fear, pressure, or someone else’s expectations.
Take Time to Get the Facts
Before making any pregnancy decision, it’s important to gather accurate information about your pregnancy and your options.
A pregnancy test alone cannot tell you everything you need to know. An ultrasound can confirm whether the pregnancy is viable, estimate how far along you are, and determine whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus.
These details are important for protecting your health and understanding your available options due to safety and legal reasons.
For example, the abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under, and if you take the drugs beyond this point, you’re more likely to experience a risk.
Additionally, many states, including Georgia, put restrictions on when women can use the abortion pill.
We’re Here to Support You
If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, you don’t have to sort through your questions alone.
At Choices of the Heart, we provide a safe, confidential place where you can receive accurate information about your pregnancy and all of your options. We offer no-cost pregnancy services, including limited ultrasounds, so you can better understand your pregnancy before making a decision.
Contact Choices of the Heart today to schedule your confidential appointment. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.
All abortion and legal information is accurate at the time of writing.
