Medical Abortion / Abortion Pill

• Your Pregnancy Situation
• Abortion Pill Procedure
• Risks
• Side Effects
• Complications
• Factors
• Questions
• Provider Research
• Reversal
• Contact Us

Your Pregnancy Situation

You are probably on this page because you are considering an abortion, due to an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy. You may be feeling alone, unprepared, many other emotions, and are unsure what to do next. You may have many questions. Your feelings and your concerns are important.

Women may have different and sometimes unexpected experiences during and after an abortion – physically, emotionally, and mentally. American Psychological Association (APA) research indicates it is important that women’s varied experiences of abortion be recognized, validated, and understood.¹

You are not alone. There is help. And you have several pregnancy options (alternatives).

Network Medical is the first best step to help you to go from feeling unprepared to clearly understanding your options, so you feel peace, confident, and in control. Our supportive expert team provides diagnostic medical services to assist you in your abortion and pregnancy decisions. All our services and information are FREE. We can help you understand some possible abortion pill experiences you may have. We carefully listen and then walk through the abortion pill details with you to help answer your abortion questions and provide information for your particular needs. We inform, you decide.

To know which type of abortion might be an option, an important step is an ultrasound exam which confirms the pregnancy viability and determines the gestational age of your pregnancy. This helps determine the type and cost of an abortion. Gestational age is the common term used during pregnancy to describe how far along the pregnancy is. It is measured in weeks, from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual cycle to the current date.

There are two abortion types: Abortion Pill / Medical Abortion, and Surgical Abortion. Both abortion types should be supervised and guided by licensed medical professionals. Both types of abortion have some possible health risks, side effects, and complications for the women who use them, so knowing those details will help you in your decision. Post-abortion (after abortion) effects and follow-up care are important to understand also.

Take your first best step and make an appointment today.

Medical abortion, commonly referred to as the Abortion Pill (RU-486) is considered a medication abortion, or non-surgical abortion since it uses medications to end a pregnancy. It can also be called an in-home abortion, since it occurs in the patient’s home, not in a medical facility. It is also sometimes described as self-induced abortion, self-managed abortion, home abortion, or online abortion, although these latter terms are not completely accurate.

The Abortion Pill is a combination of two drugs – Mifepristone (Mifeprex) and Misoprostol (Cytotec) – which are designed to induce an abortion and end a pregnancy. It is a multi-step process that needs to be followed carefully, so a licensed medical professional should be involved during the entire process.

The abortion pill method is available within 10 weeks of the first day of the last menstrual period. However, there are some limitations of certain conditions where a medical abortion should not be used.¹ If a medical abortion is not fully complete, a surgical abortion may be necessary.¹

Since it is a medical procedure, a medical abortion (abortion pill) has different risks from a surgical abortion, though both abortion types have some similar risks. With any medical procedure that affects your health, you should be aware of the details since it can affect your short term and long-term future.

What it is Not – Morning After Pill / Plan B. The abortion pill is different from the “morning after pill,” also called the “Plan B pill” or an “emergency contraceptive.” The abortion pill is intended for women who have a verified pregnancy. The “morning after pill” is intended to prevent a pregnancy, shortly after sexual intercourse.² You should speak with a medical professional before considering emergency contraceptives due to health considerations that are important to know about beforehand.

Before starting the abortion pill procedure, you must confirm you are pregnant with a viable pregnancy. This can be done with a pregnancy test and ultrasound.

Network Medical is the best first step for you in this process by providing a FREE pregnancy test, ultrasound, information about pregnancy and abortion options, details about the abortion pill process, and possible experiences you may have during and after the abortion pill usage.

Before an abortion, an STD test and treatment can prevent serious problems. Bacteria can move into the reproductive tract during a medical or surgical abortion procedure, and cause permanent damage if the person has an STD.³ Network Medical offers FREE STD testing, treatment, and education.

A medical abortion is a multi-step process using 2 different drugs, with 5 pills total.

NOTE – Be aware that depending on the abortion clinic / provider, you may not be under constant close medical supervision during the part of the abortion procedure that occurs at your home. This includes expulsion of the embryo and other contents of the uterus, along with vaginal bleeding. Therefore, you or someone with you in the home will need to be responsible for your care, to assess if your symptoms require urgent medical attention and/or mental health support and care.

The procedure described below begins with the abortion clinic / provider.^4,5

1. An assessment of the particular pregnancy situation and review of medical and legal information is required. Some preparatory safety steps necessary.
2. The two medications are prescribed by a licensed or certified medical provider and purchased by the patient.
3. The first medication pill, Mifepristone (Mifeprex), is taken orally and blocks the hormone progesterone needed to maintain the pregnancy.
4. The second medication pill, Misoprostol (Cytotec), is taken orally as suggested by the manufacturer. Some clinics instruct the patient to insert it into the vagina 24 hours later. It causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo through the vagina.
5. Most medical abortions using Mifepristone are completed within a few days. Bleeding may last 7-10 days after taking the medication. A physician or emergency room should be contacted if bleeding is absent, heavy, or continues. The abortion pill may bring about other adverse effects, so it is important to contact a physician if any of these occurs.
6. Two weeks (14 days) later after the abortion is completed, another visit to the clinic is recommended for an ultrasound to be sure all the contents of the uterus are expelled and assessed for any complications or issues.
7. If this abortion method fails, a surgical abortion will be required for complete abortion of the fetus.

If complications or issues exist, then additional medical care by the abortion provider and/or other medical professionals may be required.

The Abortion Pill is a major decision since it is a medical procedure, with possible physical, mental, and emotional impact on your health. Therefore, it is important that you understand the step-by-step abortion pill process, legal issues, risks, side effects, possible complications, and alternatives.¹

Medical supervision is required for a medical abortion. Since there are several important steps that need to be followed carefully, it is wise to review the process ahead of time with a licensed medical professional, so you understand everything completely. Network Medical can help inform you.

Mifepristone should not be used if the patient has certain medical conditions. It should not be used under certain pregnancy conditions – for example if implantation in the uterus has not occurred, which means the pregnancy is ectopic. The abortion pill will not abort an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening.

The U.S. FDA is concerned enough about one of the medications, Mifepristone, that it has this drug under the FDA risk management program⁶, with cautionary guidance about it.⁷

There are also cautions about buying abortion pill medications online from non-approved or risky sources. Telehealth is an option that is commonly discussed for a medical abortion, but also has some risks to consider.

Some additional follow up and care may be needed if there are any possible issues during or after the abortion procedure – physically or mentally / emotionally.

Additional abortion pill risks can include the following: ^{1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13}

• Telehealth (virtual / remote) audio or video assessment – limited medical contact
• Ectopic pregnancy – can be life-threatening
• Hemorrhaging – may require surgery to stop it
• Infection / Sepsis – incomplete removal of the fetus or surrounding tissues may require antibiotics and/or surgery, can lead to death
• Emotional / psychological impact / distress

Side effects and complications – see sections below.

Side effects may include physical and mental / emotional feelings a person may have during or after an abortion.

U.S. FDA abortion pill medication labeling states, “About 85% of patients report at least one adverse reaction following administration of Mifepristone and Misoprostol, and many can be expected to report more than one such reaction.” ¹³

Possible side effects can include: ^{1, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13}

• Pelvic / abdominal pain – requiring pain management methods
• Intense cramping of the uterus
• Vaginal bleeding – excessive bleeding may require surgery to stop it
• Vaginal discharge
• Vaginal itching
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty sleeping
• Unusual bruising
• Tightness in chest
• Coughing, belching
• Nausea / digestive system discomfort / acid or sour stomach / indigestion
• Vomiting
• Fever and infection
• Flu-like symptoms
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Emotional / psychological impact / distress

Complications are a secondary condition a person may have during or after an abortion.

Possible abortion pill complications can include: ^{5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12}

• Hemorrhaging – excessive bleeding may require surgery to stop it
• Infection / Sepsis – incomplete removal of the fetus or surrounding tissues may require antibiotics and/or surgery, can cause death in rare cases
• Ectopic pregnancy – can be life-threatening – may require surgery
• Emotional / psychological impact / distress – may require medical or psychological assistance

During your visit to Network Medical, we can discuss with you these topics below and other topics that are important to you.

About one (1) out of five (5) pregnancies end in a miscarriage, which is a spontaneous loss of a pregnancy, so you may not need to take any action if this occurs. We can explain details about this during your visit.

If you are unsure about what to do with your pregnancy, do not take the abortion pill or get a surgical abortion impulsively. If you have questions, are unsure, are being pressured or misled into an abortion, or are having second thoughts about abortion, consider speaking with the caring, knowledgeable Network Medical team. Please note that Network Medical staff do not provide legal advice.

There are potential costs involved with an abortion, including financial, physical, mental health, social, and others. We can discuss this during your visit.

Here are just a few pregnancy and abortion questions you may be asking, or you may have heard from others. At your FREE appointment, our team can help answer these questions below and others you may have.

• How do I know for sure if I’m pregnant?
• Are there pros and cons of the abortion pill?
• What are possible risks, side effects, and complications of the abortion pill?
• Is the abortion pill painful?
• How is telehealth used with the abortion pill and what are the possible issues?
• What are the risks of buying the abortion pill on the internet?
• How much does the abortion pill cost?

What are the best pregnancy and abortion options for my situation?

If you believe that abortion is the right choice for you then you should carefully research the abortion pill provider about their abortion pills and procedures.

There are some things that abortion pill providers may not readily tell you, so Network Medical can help fill in those gaps at your FREE appointment.

Here are a few initial questions to ask an abortion provider – we can help guide you through these and other issues you should address.

• Is the abortion provider an approved and licensed medical abortion provider?
• Will a licensed, board-certified OB/GYN physician supervise the abortion process?
• Do they clearly and completely explain your legal rights?
• Do they clearly and completely explain all the abortion pill risks, side effects, and possible complications, including the U.S. FDA REMS program?  ^{6, 7}
• What type of after-abortion care, both physical and emotional / mental, do they provide, if any?
• Do they provide reviews from other patients who have used their abortion services?

If you change your mind after the abortion process is started, do they provide any options?

Consider if you feel pressured or rushed to get an abortion by the abortion pill provider or anyone else. If you do, take a pause, and talk with someone who can help you. Network Medical is available for you.

Ask to speak with other patients who have used their services to understand their experience – the positives and negatives.

Look at the abortion provider’s Yelp, Google, and other reviews online.

Some people change their mind after starting the abortion pill procedure.

A medication procedure using a pill exists called abortion pill reversal (APR). There is a 64% to 68% chance of continuing a healthy pregnancy if the abortion reversal pill is taken within 72 hours of taking Mifepristone (the first abortion pill you take).¹⁴

Call 877-558-0333 or visit www.abortionpillreversal.com for more information about abortion pill reversal.

Get Expert Care! Call us at 805-967-9096 or schedule an appointment.

At your appointment, you will be able to discuss the full range of options (abortion, un planned parenthood / parenting, adoption) including the details for each option, so you can make the best choice for your situation and feel confident about your decision.

Whether you choose abortion, unplanned parenthood / parenting, or adoption, you can trust the information you receive as accurate and unbiased because we do not receive financial profit from any choice you make.

We do not perform or refer for abortions or arrange adoptions. Some other clinics and centers receive fees for these types of services; therefore, they may urge you to take those actions for their financial gain. We do provide referrals to other organizations for adoptions if you are interested in that option.

All services are FREE and confidential.

• FREE pregnancy testing – medical grade pregnancy test performed by a registered nurse.
• FREE pregnancy ultrasound – rule out possible life-threatening ectopic pregnancy, determine how far along you are, whether there is a presence or absence of a fetal heartbeat (viability), and assess your options based on your unique circumstances and needs.
• FREE abortion education – answer your questions and provide accurate, up-to-date medical information so you are equipped to make a fully informed choice.
• FREE STD testing and treatment

We value your privacy. You’re free to discuss your circumstances and situation in our non-judgmental and confidential setting.

Content is reviewed for accuracy by licensed Medical Professional(s) and staff editor(s). Our editorial process.

14 Sources / Citations

¹ American Psychological Association (APA), Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion. (2008). Report of the Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved October 22, 2024  from http://www.apa.org/pi/wpo/mental-health-abortion-report.pdf

² Cleveland Clinic (2022). Morning After Pill. Retrieved October 22, 2024 from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23386-morning-after-pill

³ Mayo Clinic. (2022). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Retrieved November 15, 2024 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594

⁴ U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (n.d.). Misoprostol (marketed as Cytotec) Information. Retrieved October 22, 2024 from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/misoprostol-marketed-cytotec-information

⁵ Mayo Clinic. (2022). Medical Abortion. Retrieved October 22, 2024 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687

⁶ U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (2023). Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS). Retrieved October 22, 2024 from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/risk-evaluation-and-mitigation-strategies-rems

⁷ U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (2023). Approved Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) – Mifepristone. Retrieved October 22, 2024 from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/rems/index.cfm?event=RemsDetails.page&REMS=390

⁸ Mayo Clinic. (2022). Medical Abortion. Retrieved October 22, 2024 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20067123

⁹ BMC Psychiatry. (2023). Global prevalence of post-abortion depression: Systematic review and Meta-analysis. Retrieved October 22, 2024 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37884930/ and  https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-023-05278-7#Sec27

¹⁰ Psychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences. (2013). Abortion and subsequent mental health: Review of the literature. Retrieved October 22, 2024 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23859662/ and https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pcn.12067

¹¹ Eastern Journal of Medicine. (2020). Psychological Effects of Abortion. An Updated
Narrative Review. Retrieved October 22, 2024 from https://jag.journalagent.com/ejm/pdfs/EJM_25_3_477_483.pdf

¹² American Psychologist. (2009). Abortion and Mental Health – Evaluating the Evidence. Retrieved October 22, 2024 from https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/features/amp-64-9-863.pdf

¹³ U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (2023). Mifepristone – Shared System REMS. Retrieved October 22, 2024 from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/rems/index.cfm?event=RemsDetails.page&REMS=390

¹⁴ Abortion Pill Rescue Network. (n.d.). Abortion Pill Reversal FAQs. Retrieved October 22, 2024 from https://www.abortionpillreversal.com/abortion-pill-reversal/faq