Just because you are pregnant does not mean you automatically qualify for the abortion pill. Your individual health history, the viability, age, and location of your pregnancy all affect your eligibility.  

After determining your eligibility, it is also essential to consider the health risks associated with the abortion pill before choosing to terminate your pregnancy. 

Continue reading to learn more about how the abortion pill works and its risks and limitations. 

How Does the Abortion Pill Work? 

The abortion pill consists of two drugs and is typically used to terminate a pregnancy within the first trimester. 

Mifepristone is administered first and acts by blocking the hormone progesterone. Progesterone is necessary to sustain a healthy pregnancy, and when the levels are inadequate, the uterine lining thins, causing the pregnancy to stop growing. 

Next, misoprostol is used, which creates uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy through the vagina. 

Who is Eligible for the Abortion Pill? 

Before having an abortion, meeting with a medical provider and receiving an ultrasound scan can help determine your eligibility. 

Certain medical conditions or unique life circumstances make you ineligible for an abortion, including: 

  • Having an intrauterine device (IUD) 
  • Having medical conditions including but not limited to anemia, bleeding disorders, chronic adrenal failure, heart or blood vessel diseases, liver disease, kidney or lung disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder
  • Taking blood thinners or steroids
  • Unable to contact a medical provider by phone or don’t have access to emergency care
  • Having an allergy to the drug used

Along with the importance of reviewing your health history with a medical provider, an ultrasound scan should be performed to provide more details about your pregnancy. An ultrasound scan first determines if the pregnancy is viable, meaning there is a detectable heartbeat. 

An ultrasound also measures the pregnancy to determine the gestational age, which is critical because, according to the FDA, the abortion pill should not be used beyond 10 weeks of pregnancy. 

Additionally, an ultrasound confirms that the pregnancy is located inside the uterus. If the pregnancy is implanted outside of the uterus, this is considered an ectopic pregnancy and is a medical emergency that cannot be treated with the abortion pill. 

Risks of the Abortion Pill 

Just because you determine that you are eligible for the abortion pill, this does not mean that you are not at risk of developing negative health effects following an abortion.

Every woman’s body responds differently to the abortion pill, so it is critical to consider the risks. 

Physical health risks of the abortion pill include: 

  • Incomplete abortion, which may require a follow-up surgical abortion
  • Ongoing pregnancy
  • Infection 
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding
  • Fever
  • Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea 

Additionally, while many women expect a sense of relief following an abortion, studies have shown abortion to increase a woman’s risk for mental health issues, including depression disorders, eating disorders, anxiety, sleep disorders, suicidal behaviors, and substance abuse. 

Get the Support You Deserve

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may feel like the burden of making a pregnancy decision is just too much to bear. 

The good news is you don’t have to walk this journey alone. 

Wellspring Pregnancy and Health Center provides a non-judgemental environment where you can get a free lab-quality pregnancy test and ultrasound scan to help you learn more about your pregnancy. 

Our skilled team can then answer your questions and discuss your options. 

Contact us today for your confidential appointment. 

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