If pregnancy wasn’t part of your plan, you may be considering an abortion. As you explore your options, there are a few things you’ll want to know about the types of abortion, so you can make a fully informed decision! Today we’ll discuss what you need to know about a medical abortion. 

What is a Medical Abortion? 

A medical abortion involves taking medications to end a pregnancy. You may hear it referred to as a “medication abortion,” “chemical abortion,” or “the abortion pill.” The FDA has approved the use of pills for a medical abortion up until ten weeks of pregnancy[1].

How Does a Medical Abortion Work? 

A medical abortion uses two medications—misoprostol and mifepristone. Both must be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. The first medication, misoprostol, interferes with progesterone receptors so that the pregnancy stops progressing. The second medication, mifepristone, causes the uterus to cramp and to expel the pregnancy[2].

After the provider prescribes a woman the medications, she takes the pills in a clinic or at home, depending on state laws. 

What to Know Before a Medical Abortion: 

If you’re considering a medical abortion, these are the things you’ll first want to know:

1. How far along am I?  It’s important to know how far along you are, as the abortion pill can only be taken up to 10 weeks gestation (as mentioned above). An ultrasound is the most accurate way to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy. In North Carolina, state law requires a woman to receive an ultrasound prior to an abortion. 
2. Is the pregnancy ectopic? If you have an ectopic pregnancy, you need emergent medical attention, and no longer qualify for a medical abortion.
3. Is medical abortion legal in North Carolina?. It’s important to know the abortion laws in your state. Currently, Effective July 1, 2023, most abortions are illegal in North Carolina after 12 weeks gestation. However, exceptions can be made through 20 weeks in cases of rape and incest and through 24 weeks for “life-limiting” fetal anomalies and medical emergencies[3]. 

Call Life Care Pregnancy Center for a free ultrasound today at 910-947-6198. 

Where Can I Go to Get a Medical Abortion? 

Both misoprostol and mifepristone must be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider. After verifying the viability and location of the pregnancy, the provider will rule out contraindications to an abortion such as an ectopic pregnancy, drug allergies, blood thinning disorders, an IUD, or other medical disorders[4].

Women should never order abortion pills online from a pharmacy not approved by the FDA. The FDA has not evaluated those pills for safety[5] and could contain the wrong type or amount of medication. It’s also important for women to know the FDA boxed warnings for the abortion pills[6].

What are Medical Abortion Side Effects? 

Medical abortions cause bleeding and cramping as the pregnancy is expelled from the pregnancy. Clots often accompany heavy bleeding. Cramping can be mild to moderate. If a woman ever bleeds through two thick pads in an hour, then she should seek emergent medical care[7]. 

What are Medical Abortion Complications? 

Complications after taking the first abortion pill (mifepristone) can include hemorrhaging (very heavy bleeding), an infection, an allergic reaction, or an incomplete abortion, which could require further medical intervention[8]. 

How Long Do You Bleed After Medical Abortion?

Bleeding after a medical abortion typically lasts for about 9 to 16 days[9], but could cause bleeding for up to four weeks[10]. Women should receive follow-up care to evaluate for any complications[11]. 

Who Shouldn’t Get a Medical Abortion? 

Here are reasons you may not be eligible for a medical abortion[12]:

• You’re more than ten weeks pregnant. 
• You have an IUD (Intrauterine Device). 
• You have an ectopic pregnancy. A pregnancy located outside of the uterus can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical care. An ultrasound can verify that the pregnancy is in the right place. 
• You have a clotting disorder or some other medical condition. Speak with a healthcare professional before an abortion. 
• Don’t have access to emergency care. In the case that you experience complications after a medical abortion, you should have access to emergency care. 

How Much Does a Medical Abortion Cost? 

A medical abortion, or abortion pills, can cost between $500 to $950[13]. These costs often include fees for ultrasounds, blood tests, medications, and follow-up appointments.

Contact Life Care Pregnancy Center for a free ultrasound today! 

How Effective is Medical Abortion? 

Up to 8% of women who take the abortion pill require a further surgical procedure because the abortion was incomplete[14].

What Are My Options Other than a Medical Abortion? 

If you’re further along than ten weeks pregnant, you’ve verified that the pregnancy is not ectopic, and you don’t have medical conditions that would contraindicate an abortion, then you may qualify for a surgical abortion. In a surgical abortion, a medical provider uses instruments to remove a pregnancy from the uterus[15]. 

Medical Abortion Information in Carthage, NC

At Life Care Pregnancy Center we want to empower you with the information you need about all of your options. Before choosing a medical abortion, call us today at 910-947-6198 to speak with our compassionate and qualified staff.

Please be aware that Life Care Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortion services. A medical professional will evaluate the necessity of an ultrasound. 

Sources

1.  FDA. (2023, January). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation.
2. Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Medical Abortion. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion
3. SENATE BILL 20 RATIFIED BILL. North Carolina General Assembly. (2023, May 4). https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2023/Bills/Senate/PDF/S20v5.pdf
4.  FDA. (2023, January). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation?sm_guid=NTU1NzgyfDYzMDE1OTM2fC0xfGppbUBha2ZhbWlseS5vcmd8NTY4OTI4MXx8MHwwfDE5OTYwMDk4OHwxMDg2fDB8MHx8NTQ3NzI2fDA1
5.  Ibid. 
6.  Ibid. 
7. Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Medical Abortion. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion
8. Ibid.
9.  Danco Laboratories, LLC. (2022). MEDICATION GUIDE: Mifeprex.
10.  Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Medical Abortion. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion
11.  FDA. (2023, January). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation.
12. Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Medical Abortion. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion
13.  As advertised by abortion providers in 2024. 
14.  Danco Laboratories, LLC. (2022). MEDICATION GUIDE: Mifeprex. Danco Laboratories, LLC. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020687s014lbl.pdf 
15. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, November 7). Dilation and curettage (D&C). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac-20384910