What to Know About the Abortion Pill

Medication abortions, also known as chemical abortions, now account for the majority of all abortions in the United States. According to the most recent CDC data, 56% of all abortions were medication abortions in 2021 ₍₁₎. The Guttmacher Institute’s most recent data estimates that 63% of all abortions were medication abortions in 2023 ₍₂₎.

Medication abortions involve a prescription medication given to expectant mothers with the goal of terminating a pregnancy. These medications are referred to or advertised under many different names, including Mifeprex, Mifepak, RU-486, the abortion pill, plan C, and the missed period pill. The actual makeup of these is usually a combination of two drugs: mifepristone (a.k.a Mifeprex) and misoprostol (a.k.a. Cytotec). Some providers may also prescribe just one of the drugs - misoprostol - in order to terminate a pregnancy. It is important to know, regardless of brand name or advertised name, which medications you are prescribed and know exactly how they work in your body prior to taking them. We’ve simplified this into just a few key points to keep in mind.

• Mifepristone and misoprostol are both prescription medications that need to be given to you by a licensed prescribing provider, and they are not indicated for use by the FDA past 10 weeks gestation, or 70 days after the first day of your last period ₍₃₎.

• The combination of mifepristone and misoprostol has the ability to end a human life in the womb.

• Mifepristone is a progesterone antagonist, meaning it works against the primary pregnancy hormone, progesterone. Mifepristone makes the lining of a woman’s uterus no longer conducive to support a pregnancy, and deprives a baby of nutrients necessary to sustain life ₍₃₎.
• Misoprostol causes uterine contractions which can expel fetal remains from the uterus through the vagina ₍₄₎.

• There are risks to your health associated with taking a medication regimen of mifepristone ₍₈₎ and misoprostol ₍₄₎.

• Heavy bleeding and possible need for emergency care/blood transfusion
• Infection (fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher may indicate infection)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Persistent Stomach Pain
• Intense pelvic cramping
• Psychological distress
• Future fertility issues
• Potential Masking of Symptoms of a Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy *See our The Importance of Ultrasound blog for more information on ectopic pregnancy and the need to rule this condition out prior to having a medication abortion.

• There is a reversal available for mifepristone, the first component of the chemical abortion process, should you take the first pill in the medication regimen and have doubts about your decision ₍₇₎. Abortion Pill Reversal information can be found here.

• Any medical provider prescribing these medications, specifically mifepristone, must be specially certified to do so, and comply with FDA protocols in order to keep their prescribing privileges. They are required to educate you about how these drugs work in your body, and the short-term and long-term risks these medications could have on your health and future fertility. They must also provide you with a copy of a signed Patient Agreement Form and a Medication Guide that includes all the risks in written form, and they must also provide you with a follow up appointment 7-14 days after the administration of these medications ₍₆₎. Make sure your provider is complying with these protocols, for the sake of your health and wellbeing.

• The FDA does not recommend buying mifepristone or any other abortion pill online ₍₅₎.

• No one can force you to have any type of abortion, including medication abortion. When considering abortion as an option, educate yourself on what abortion entails and ask questions. Consider using an Abortion Health and Safety Checklist to help. You are capable of making an informed decision, and you by law should not be coerced or pressured by anyone, including medical personnel, into making an abortion decision ₍₉₎.

Have further questions about abortion, pregnancy, and the like? We’re here to help.

At Paulding Pregnancy Services, we recognize that facing an unexpected pregnancy can be an extremely overwhelming experience, and we want to lessen the stress and allow you to feel confident in your parenting decision. Our nurses and client advocates are here to give you a safe space to ask questions and learn about your options. You can schedule a free appointment here or give us a call at 770-222-6911.

*Paulding Pregnancy Services does not perform or refer for abortion services. PPS does provide options counseling and education in regards to abortion, in additional to medical-grade pregnancy tests, limited obstetric ultrasounds, and insurance and other community resource assistance.

*The information contained in this blog is for educational and informative purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and care of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.*

Sources:
(1) CDC Abortion Surveillance - United States, 2021 
(2) Guttmacher Institute Abortion in the United States Fact Sheet
(3) FDA Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation 
(4) FDA Misoprostol Drug Information 
(5) FDA Mifepristone Postmarket Drug Safety Information - Questions and Answers
(6)  FDA Mifepristone (Mifeprex) REMS 
(7) Abortion Pill Reversal
(8) StatPearls Mifepristone Information
(9) GA Department of Public Health - Abortion: A Woman's Right to Know