Choosing the abortion pill method to terminate a pregnancy has the potential for physical and emotional complications. We're glad you're asking this question beforehand. Let's take a closer look at who qualifies for the abortion pill and why it may not be a safe option for you.
First, Have You Confirmed Your Pregnancy?Believe it or not, a late period and a positive pregnancy test may not be enough information to confirm your pregnancy. Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. Because it takes a woman's body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels after a miscarriage, it's possible to get a positive test result and no longer be pregnant.
Get a Free Ultrasound to Confirm Your Pregnancy First
If you've received a positive result from one of our pregnancy tests, it's time for an ultrasound. A registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer performs our limited obstetrical ultrasounds at Choices Options for Women.
Here's what you'll learn:
- If your pregnancy is developing or if you have miscarried.
- How far along you are in your pregnancy.
- If the location of your pregnancy is correct.
Eligibility for the Abortion Pill
The abortion pill is also known as a medical or chemical abortion because it uses two powerful drugs to terminate a pregnancy. The FDA approves the use of the drugs in the abortion pill method through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. The drugs are less effective the further along you are in your pregnancy.
The FDA does not recommend ordering the drugs through the mail. They highly regulate them and recognize only certified providers to distribute them.
Why the Abortion Pill May Not Be an Option For You
According to experts, a medical abortion (the abortion pill method) isn't a safe option for the following reasons:
- You are too far along in your pregnancy. An ultrasound can determine the number of weeks and days of gestation.
- You are allergic to either of the drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
- You have a pregnancy outside of your uterus (an ectopic pregnancy). The drugs do not terminate an ectopic pregnancy, which could be a life-threatening condition. An ultrasound locates your pregnancy to determine if it is in your uterus.
- You use long-term corticosteroids (to treat arthritis, asthma, eczema, etc.).
- You have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place.
- You have a blood clotting disorder, significant anemia, or chronic adrenal failure.
- You don't have access to emergency care.
The Potential Physical and Emotional Consequences
No one can determine ahead of time how your body responds to the drugs in the abortion pill method. Expect cramping and bleeding, with blood clots. Other side effects include nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea.
Although many women say they feel relieved immediately following their abortions, some women suffer mental health issues within weeks, months, or years afterward. Emotional problems such as anxiety and depression can occur.
How Can Choices Options for Women Help Me?
Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, you can receive a free and confidential one-on-one consultation to discuss abortion methods and risks. In addition, schedule your free and confidential pregnancy testing and ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy.
Call (732) 516-0911 to schedule a time. We're here for you and want to help you in any way possible. Your health and safety matter to us.