Before & After a Medication Abortion
Understanding the process and risks of a medication abortion is essential. This guide outlines key steps before and after taking the abortion pill, helping you make an informed decision about your health and safety.
Consult a Licensed Medical Provider
A private, in-person appointment with a licensed medical provider is critical before taking abortion pills. This visit ensures you are medically safe and helps identify potential risks or complications.
Online providers and abortion clinics profit from abortion services, so consider consulting a pregnancy medical center or licensed provider who does not have a financial stake in your decision. (mayoclinic.org, tytimes.com)
Abortion pills are not the same as emergency contraception (the “morning-after pill”). Emergency contraception is intended to prevent pregnancy, while abortion pills terminate an existing pregnancy. If unsure, ask a medical provider or visit optionline.org for clarification.
Before Taking The Pill
Your Medical History
Your medical provider will review your history to rule out risks, such as dangerous interactions between abortion pills and certain medications, supplements, or even foods.
Additionally, abortion pills cannot be taken if you have an intrauterine device (IUD) or specific health conditions. (webmd.com, mayoclinic.org)
Pre-Existing Conditions
Medication abortion may be unsafe for those with:
Ectopic pregnancy
Allergies
Adrenal failure
Porphyria
Bleeding disorders
Your medical provider will determine if you have other conditions that make medication abortion unsafe. (fda.gov)
Why Ultrasounds Matter
An ultrasound is crucial to determine:
Pregnancy Age: If further along than expected, medication abortion may be unsafe. (hindawi.com)
Pregnancy Location: An ectopic pregnancy (outside the uterus) requires immediate medical attention. (mayoclinic.org)
Viability: Since up to one in three pregnancies end in miscarriage, an abortion may not be necessary. (mayoclinic.org)
After Taking The Pill
Regret and Abortion Pill Reversal
After taking the abortion pill, some women regret their decision. Some felt pressured into their medication abortion, some worry about their safety, and some later feel it was not the right choice. In these cases, abortion pill reversal may be an option.
If this applies to you, visit abortionpillreversal.com immediately.
Early intervention increases the chances of continuing a healthy pregnancy.
Essential Medical Follow-up
Even if you do not regret your decision, you need a medical follow-up to ensure the abortion is complete and has not caused complications. Until then, avoid tampons and sexual intercourse. (mayoclinic.org)
At your appointment:
Bring any medication or supplement packaging.
Be honest about where you obtained the pills.
Expect an ultrasound and medical evaluation to confirm your health. (rxlist.com)
Emotional Aftermath
Post-abortion emotions vary.
If you feel regret, sadness, depression, or anxiety, you are not alone. Support is available through your local pregnancy center or supportafterabortion.com.
For urgent emotional support, call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, seek immediate help.
Making an informed decision about abortion is crucial. A licensed medical provider can offer guidance, assess risks, and ensure your safety. If you have concerns or regrets, support and medical help are available.
DISCLAIMER: This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek emergency care if you experience:
Heavy bleeding (soaking two or more pads per hour for two hours) (Mayo Clinic)
Severe abdominal or back pain
Fever lasting more than 24 hours
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge (Mayo Clinic)