Medication abortion - sometimes called Abortion by pill, also known as RU-486, the abortion pill, or the early option pill, is a process similar to miscarriage, induced by a combination of medications. It requires two visits to the Health Center, as well as a 24-hour period during which you will pass the pregnancy at your own home.
In order to be eligible for medication abortion - abortion by pill:
- You must have started your last period no more than 63 days before you begin the medication abortion process.
- You must be able to come to the health center for two required appointments.
- You must be able to clear your schedule for a 24 hour period after you take the second medication.
- You must have a support person who can be available to be with you for the 24 hour period. They should have access to a car in case of emergency.
- You and your support person must be available to us by telephone without confidentiality restrictions.
Click here to learn what to expect at an abortion by pill appointment.
Please select any of the following frequently asked questions about abortion by pill.
What happens at the first visit?
After you check in, you will have a series of lab work done including blood tests for anemia and Rh typing and a urine pregnancy test. Next you will meet with a healthcare worker who will take your medical history. Your healthcare worker will spend time with you explaining the process you will go through with the medication abortion. She will go into detail about taking the medication and how to take care of yourself afterward. She will be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Your healthcare worker will also give you information regarding methods of birth control so that you can decide what method will be right for you.
Following this session, you will meet with our medical practitioner. She will review your medical history and conduct a brief physical exam. She will also perform an ultrasound to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy. If you are no more than 9 weeks pregnant, she will give you the first medication, Mifeprex, which you take by mouth in the office.
What is in the first pill I will be taking?
Mifeprex is the brand name for mifepristone, a medication that ends pregnancy by blocking progesterone, the hormone that is needed for your pregnancy to grow. By taking Mifeprex, you are starting the abortion process, so it’s very important to be sure of your decision before you swallow the medication.
Are there any side effects to the first medication I take?
Although most women have no side effects from Mifeprex, it can cause some nausea.
A very small percentage of women will pass the pregnancy without taking the second medication. For this reason, you must contact the Health Center if you have any bleeding between the time you take the Mifeprex and the time you are scheduled to take the second medication.
Who should not consider abortion by pill?
You cannot take Mifeprex at CFHC if:
- It has been more than 63 days since your last normal menstrual period
- you have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place
- you are diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside of the uterus)
- you have chronic adrenal failure
- you have a bleeding problems and/or you take blood-thinning medications
- you take certain steroid medicines
- you cannot clear your schedule for a 24 hour period
- you don't have a support person who is available to you during the 24 hours after you take the second medication, or
- you can't return for the required second visit to CFHC
What is the second medication, and what does it do?
The second medication is called Misoprostol. It causes cramping, bleeding, and passing of the pregnancy tissue.
Between 24 and 48 hours after you take the Mifeprex in the office, you will take four tablets of Misoprostol at your home, at a time you have agreed on with your practitioner. Instead of swallowing these pills, you will place them between your cheek and your gum, allowing them to stay there for 1/2 hour and dissolve.
Are there any side effects to the second medication I take?
This medication may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. It can also cause a fever and shaking chills in the first 24-hours after you take it.
What will I experience after taking the second medication?
Typically, cramping and bleeding will begin within a couple of hours and can be quite heavy at times. However, because the experience varies from woman to woman, we can't tell you exactly how much or for how long you will bleed or how heavy your cramps will be. CFHC prescribes pain medication to help with the discomfort.
The pregnancy tissue is usually passed within six to eight hours from the time you take the Misoprostol, but it may take longer, which is why we ask you to clear your schedule for 24 hours. After you pass the pregnancy, cramping and bleeding subside. Lighter bleeding and cramping can continue for up to two weeks.
What are the risks of abortion by pill?
Studies show a 5-8% chance that a medication abortion will fail, either by failure of Mifeprex to end the pregnancy, or failure of Misoprostol to cause complete passage of the pregnancy tissue. It is not advisable to continue a pregnancy that has been exposed to these medications, as they can cause birth defects. If the abortion is incomplete, you will need to have a surgical abortion to reduce your risk of retained pregnancy tissue and infection.
Dangerous side effects rarely occur but may include:
- Hemorrhage -- bleeding that is excessive and uncontrolled can be fatal if untreated
- Infection in the uterus, which can potentially result in infertility or death
- Allergic reaction to one or more of the medications.
CFHC staff are on-call 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to medical emergencies, answer questions and provide support to women undergoing the medication abortion procedure at home. We urge women choosing this method to call us if they have any concerns about the process or their symptoms.
For more information about the safety of medication abortion, visit the National Abortion Federation website:www.prochoice.org/