Facing an unexpected pregnancy can be a challenging and emotional experience which we understand comes with a lot of difficult decisions to make. When faced with this situation it is essential to understand the risks involved with each option, including the abortion pill. This is often phrased as a “self-managed abortion” or an “at-home abortion” which makes it sound safe, easy, and convenient. This is not always the case and we want to make sure you understand the process, the possible complications, and what steps you should take so you can make an educated decision that very much impacts your health.

Consult a Healthcare Professional
Before taking any steps, it’s crucial to consult a qualified healthcare provider. They should assess your health, provide accurate information, and thoroughly explain the process to you. Your health history, the gestational age, and any pre-existing conditions should be taken into consideration. Your healthcare provider should also discuss your emotional well-being, as having an abortion has been known to bring on stresses to ones mental health. Your healthcare provider should inform you of all side effects, both physical and mental.

Understand the Process
The abortion pill, or medication abortion, involves taking two different medications. The first medication, mifepristone, is usually administered at a healthcare provider’s office. The second medication, misoprostol, is taken 24 to 48 hours later, typically at home. Please do not consider ordering the abortion pill online. This has been given a black box warning by the FDA which is the highest level of caution they assign to a medication. Although it seems convenient and cheap, this greatly endangers your physical safety.

Be Aware of Side Effects
People who have taken the abortion pill will tell you they experienced heavy bleeding, cramping, and the passage of tissue as their uterus emptied. These symptoms can be intense and may last for several hours or days, while most will say their bleeding lasted up to 2 weeks and spotting lasted up to a month. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and fever. On a scale of 1-11 most say their pain reached at least a level 6 during the process. There can be a lot of mental strain and distress that comes along with this intense experience, even when done in the privacy of your own home.

While the abortion pill is said to be safe, we want you to remember that it is still a medical procedure and any good healthcare provider will be concerned with both your physical and mental health. Your well-being and being well informed should be at the forefront of your decision-making process. We understand that this is a deeply personal matter and a very emotional time in your life. We would love to come alongside you no matter what decision you make.