Medication Abortion

Medication abortions are available at Planned Parenthood Alaska's Anchorage and Fairbanks clinics.

How does it work?
Mifepristone blocks a hormone called progesterone, which is made by the ovary. Without progesterone, pregnancy cannot continue and a miscarriage occurs. The second drug, Misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract. Contractions usually cause the pregnancy to be passed out of the uterus.

How effective is medication abortion?
The approach is 95%-97% effective, causing a complete abortion in about 19 of every 20 women who use it. In the 3%-5% of case in which medication abortion doesn't work, a surgical abortion is needed to finish the process.

What are the side effects?
Medication abortion causes cramping and bleeding, similar to or greater than what you might expect during a heavy menstrual period. The amount of pain and bleeding varies greatly from woman to woman. In most cases, these symptoms mean that the treatment is working. Bleeding or spotting usually continues for 9-16 days and may last for up to 30 days. In some rare cases (about one out of 100 women), bleeding can require a surgical procedure (dilatation and curettage, "D&C") to stop it. Usually, these cases occur when patients feel the bleeding has lasted too long. Other possible side effects of medication abortion include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. These effects lessen after the first few days and are usually gone within 2 weeks.

What steps are involved in medication abortion?

Visit #1: In order to assure our patients' safety, a health pre-surgical workup is done to more accurately date the pregnancy by performing an ultrasound, and to screen for potential problems. It may be done on the same day as the abortion or on a different day depending on the health center site. Women are seen by appointment only for this visit, and must provide health and financial information when calling to make the initial appointment. During your first visit (called a pregnancy confirmation appointment) you will be given a physical exam and ultrasound. Your blood will be drawn to determine your blood type and if you are anemic. A trained counselor will then discuss the medication abortion procedure with you, and what to expect. You will take the Mifepristone at this visit. The trained counselor will also give you a the second medication, Misoprostol, to take home with you to take 24 to 48 hours later. A prescription will be given to you for pain medication to help you through this procedure and some medication for nausea if needed. You will also be given the birth control method of your choice at this visit.

Visit #2: At your follow-up visit--2 weeks later--you will have another ultrasound to make sure you are not having any complications and that the pregnancy has ended. There is no additional charge for this visit.

Who cannot use Mifepristone?
Women cannot use Mifepristone if it has been more than 56 days since their last menstrual period. In addition, women should not use Mifepristone if they have a tubal pregnancy, an intrauterine device (IUD) in place, or other rare problems. Women who meet the following conditions should also not use Mifepristone: been treated with certain steroid medications for a long period of time; have severe anemia, bleeding problems; heart disease; or are taking anticoagulants (blood thinners).

Can I get pregnant again after taking Mifepristone?
Yes. You can become pregnant again right after having a medication abortion. If you want to avoid another pregnancy, start using a contraceptive method as soon as your pregnancy ends or before you start having sex. You can start having sex again after your clinician has made sure your pregnancy has ended and you are well--usually after your 2 week follow-up visit.