Abortion Services - Medication
What is Medication Abortion?
Medication abortion (also called medical abortion and abortion by pill) is a way to end a pregnancy without surgery. Medication abortion is an option up to 9 weeks or 63 days of pregnancy, measured from the first day of your last menstrual period.
How Does Medication Abortion Work?
There are three steps in medication abortion. In the first step, a clinician will give you a dose of mifepristone (blocks the hormone progesterone which ends the pregnancy) orally in tablet form. In the second step a medication called misoprostol (causes the uterus to contract and empty, causing the abortion) is taken orally. The third step is a follow-up exam at our clinic a few weeks later to make sure that the abortion is complete.
Once the second step (taking the misoprostol causing the abortion) in completed at home, there will generally be heavy bleeding within hours. The entire process can take up to 14 days, and is it important for you to remember that choosing medication abortion means that you will have to visit our clinic more than one time.
Am I Required to Bring Anything?
- You need to bring a form of valid identification such as a driver’s license, driving permit, state identification card, or passport.
- You also need to bring proof of your blood type (or Rh result). We will accept a Red Cross donor card, an active military ID, or a copy of a lab result from another health care provider. You must bring your blood type result with you – do not count on your doctor or someone else to fax it in to us. If you don’t have access to your blood type, arrangements may be made to obtain this test several days before your appointment for a fee. Ask for details when you schedule your appointment. If you are Rh negative (blood type A neg, B neg, AB neg, or O neg), an additional medication called Rhogam will be used during your abortion. There is an additional expense associated with the use of Rhogam.
- Bring a change of underwear and 2 maxi pads and dress in a comfortable outfit with a separate top and bottom (not overalls or a jumpsuit, etc.).
- Eat a healthy meal before you arrive as you may only have clear liquids once you arrive at our health center.
What If I am Under Age 18?
Women under age 18 will need a parent or legal guardian to give permission for the abortion and to stay with you while you are at our health center. Identification will be needed from both the patient and parent, as well as a birth certificate. If you are unable to get parental or guardian permission, judicial bypass may be an option. Judicial bypass is a last resort, but may be used in extreme circumstances. If you need information on judicial bypass, please call the PPMET health center nearest you.
How Does Medication Abortion Feel?
After a medication abortion, there may be strong cramps, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and temporary abdominal pain. Over the counter pain relievers can often reduce most of these symptoms. In addition, passing large blood clots or tissue through the vagina is not uncommon. Bleeding may last up to 4 weeks after a medication abortion.
What Are The Risks of Surgical Abortion?
Abortion is a very safe medical procedure. Complications are rare. In fact, abortion in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy is much safer than childbirth. However, as with any medical procedure, there are risks. They may include: incomplete abortion; allergic reaction; infection; very heavy bleeding; undetected ectopic pregnancy; blood clots in the uterus; injury to the cervix; organ injury; and death. Click here for a more detailed explanation of the risks.
Why Do Some Women Prefer Medication Abortion?
There are many reasons why some women may prefer medication abortion over surgical abortion. Reasons may include: no surgery; can be done earlier than surgical abortion; may experience less cramping; the feeling that medication abortion is less invasive; may feel more like a natural miscarriage; and because the actual abortion occurs at home (during the second step when misoprostol is taken), it is private.
When is Medication Abortion not Recommended?
Medication abortion is not recommended if you are more than 63 days pregnant, taking anti-clotting medication or have blood-clotting disorders, have severe heart, liver or kidney problems, have seizures more than once a week, can't return for follow-up visits, are unwilling to have a surgical abortion if the medication abortion is incomplete, or have any allergies to the medications.
What Are Signs of Complications With a Medication Abortion?
An immediate call to our health center is necessary if any of the following occur: heavy bleeding that leads to using more than 2 maxi pads an hour, more than two hours in a row; bleeding heavily for more than 12 hours in a row; passing clots larger than lemons for 2 hours or more; a temperature over 101.4 for more than 4 hours; strong nausea or vomiting for more than 4 hours; extreme pain even while taking pain medication; or an allergic reaction to the medication. If any of these symptoms arise, a visit to our health center may be necessary. Of course, if you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, you should visit the nearest emergency room or dial 911 immediately.
When Will My Period Return After My Abortion?
Abortion begins a new menstrual cycle. Your regular period should begin in roughly four to eight weeks.
How Soon Can I Have Sex after My Abortion?
You should not have vaginal intercourse or insert anything into the vagina for at least one week after an abortion. Pregnancy can happen very soon after an abortion. Discussing birth control options with a clinician is highly recommended.
How Can I Pay for My Abortion?
Payment is needed at the time of your appointment. We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, cashier’s checks and money orders. We do not accept personal checks. Financial assistance is available. Please call the health center nearest you for more information or to make an appointment.
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