Am I Eligible For The Abortion Pill?

Experiencing a pregnancy crisis can be scary. If you or a friend are currently looking into termination procedures, it’s important to understand your options to be sure you receive the best care. 

In this article, we will discuss what the abortion pill is and who qualifies for this type of termination.

What Is The Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is a two-step process that uses mifepristone and misoprostol to terminate a pregnancy. Your doctor will prescribe mifepristone first, which blocks the body’s pregnancy hormones and stops the pregnancy from growing. 

After 24-48 hours, you’ll be given misoprostol to pass the pregnancy. Misoprostol causes strong uterine contractions, much like very bad period cramps. A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled a few days later to ensure you have passed the entire pregnancy. 

It is not advised to purchase the abortion pill online without the supervision of a licensed doctor. The FDA does not regulate the sales of online abortion pills. Purchasing these drugs online puts you at high risk of consuming ineffective and potentially dangerous medication. 

Am I A Good Candidate For The Abortion Pill?

Contrary to popular belief, not every woman is eligible for the abortion pill. The abortion pill is designed to terminate pregnancies within the first 10 weeks of gestation. Beyond 10 weeks, the abortion pill is ineffective and, if taken, could leave women at risk for an incomplete abortion. 

If you are unsure how many weeks pregnant you are, a simple ultrasound is the best place to begin. An ultrasound will reveal gestational age and if you are at risk for certain pregnancy complications such as an ectopic pregnancy. 

An ectopic pregnancy is where the pregnancy grows outside of the uterus. These pregnancies must be removed promptly, or they can cause severe internal bleeding for the mother. The abortion pill will not terminate these types of pregnancies and in fact, can be dangerous if you have an ectopic pregnancy.

Take That Next Step

If you’re looking for a safe place to talk through your options, Mendo Lake’s Women’s Clinic is here for you. Our Clinic values women’s physical, emotional, and mental health and strives to create a place of encouragement and education. 

Appointments are easy to book – just text us at 707-272-3051 to get started. An unexpected pregnancy isn’t anything you can’t handle. We’re cheering for you!