Is the Abortion Pill the Right Option for You?
The first thing you need to know when you’re thinking about the abortion pill is whether or not it’s even an option for you. Medical abortion is only an option for women who are less than 10 weeks pregnant, which means you need to know how far along you are.
The Pregnancy Resource Center can provide a limited obstetrical ultrasound free of charge and help you understand how far along you might be. After you take a free pregnancy test at one of our Centers, you can get a free ultrasound to provide a glimpse into what is going on inside of your uterus and confirm fetal heartbeat.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
Another important part of considering abortion is knowing how the abortion pill actually works. You should always know how the medications you take will affect your body, especially with something as impactful as an abortion.
Many women don’t know that the abortion pill is actually two pills containing separate drugs and taken at different times. The first pill, Mifepristone, causes the developing embryo to detach from your body, removing its source of nutrients and oxygen. The second pill, Misoprostol, causes the embryo to be expelled from your body.
When you visit an abortion clinic for the abortion pill, they will usually perform a physical examination and ask you about your medical history. They will then administer the first medication and send you home. In some cases they will send the second pill home with you to be taken later; other abortion practitioners may require you to come back to the clinic to pick it up. In both cases, you will need to return to the clinic after a few weeks for a follow-up visit to make sure the abortion is complete.
Abortion medications have several side effects as well. Many women experience painful cramps, heavy bleeding, headaches, nausea, and flu-like symptoms. The bleeding and cramping may last several days after you take the medication.
Am I Okay with This Choice?
When you first find out you’re pregnant, it’s natural to feel scared, anxious, and confused. However, you can’t allow those feelings to drive you to make a choice you may regret later. It’s important to take time to consider your options and feelings.
One thing to help you through this process is to turn to your support network of friends and loved ones. Telling other people what you’re going through can help you see the situation clearly and understand your own feelings. You may also gain a new perspective on the situation that you weren’t able to see before.
In some cases, women might not have a strong support network to help them through difficult choices. If you feel like you are alone in this decision, the Pregnancy Resource Center is here for you. We are happy to confirm your pregnancy, help you sort out your feelings, and provide the support you need. The women who work in our Centers understand what you are going through and can relate to your feelings.
