The abortion pill (medical abortion) is a serious medical procedure designed to terminate a first-trimester pregnancy through triggering uterine contractions, leading to abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding to expel the pregnancy.
All this to say, not every woman should attempt a medical abortion due to the nature of the procedure. The amount of bleeding may not be safe for women with bleeding or heart conditions or who take certain medications like blood thinners due to the risks.
However, this is only one example. There are other reasons that a medical abortion may not be a safe option for you.
If you’re wondering about the abortion pill and your personal risk level, the first step is getting accurate information about your pregnancy. At Choices Medical Services, we provide free, confidential pregnancy testing and limited obstetrical ultrasounds to help you understand your health and options.
Confirming Your Pregnancy
A home pregnancy test or a late period is not enough to confirm a current pregnancy. Research shows that up to 26% of pregnancies end in early miscarriage, and hormone levels can remain elevated for days or weeks afterwards. This means a positive test may not indicate a continuing pregnancy.
Additionally, some pregnancies are ectopic, meaning they are implanted outside the uterus. The uterus is the only place a pregnancy can safely grow due to its ability to stretch, making any other location a life-threatening situation.
A limited obstetrical ultrasound can confirm:
- Whether your pregnancy is progressing with a detectable heartbeat
- How far along you are in the pregnancy (gestational age)
- Your estimated due date, if you’re planning to carry to term
- Whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus
Why the Abortion Pill May Not Be a Safe Option
Although approved for early pregnancy, the abortion pill is not considered safe for women who meet any of the following conditions:
- Are more than ten weeks pregnant per the FDA-approved timeline
- Have a pregnancy located outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy)
- Have allergies to mifepristone or misoprostol (or any other drugs used)
- Have chronic health conditions (heart, liver, or kidney disease)
- Have Bleeding disorders or significant anaemia
- Have an IUD currently in place
- Take certain medications like steroids or blood thinners
- Cannot access emergency medical care
Talk with a medical professional about your health history, current medications, allergies, and any other concerns before considering taking the abortion pill.
Get Accurate Information and Support
At Choices Medical Services, you can receive free pregnancy testing, a limited obstetrical ultrasound, and confidential support so you can make informed decisions about your health. Our clinic is a compassionate space where you can discuss all options for pregnancy and find resources that meet your specific needs.
Schedule your appointment today to confirm your pregnancy and get answers.
Your health and safety are our top priorities.