The Abortion Pill
also known as Medical Abortion, Medication Abortion, Mifepristone, Mifeprex, RU-486 or Non-Surgical Abortion.
The Abortion Pill is an option up to 8 weeks LMP (since your Last Menstrual Period). It is a actually 2 medications taken days apart that cause the body to expel the pregnancy.
During your appointment at the clinic, you receive the first prescription medication, Mifepristone, in pill form, and take it orally. Then, at home 24 to 72 hours later, you take the second medication, Misoprostol, bucally as directed, allowing it to dissolve between the teeth and cheek of your mouth. You get to decide the time and place where you will take the second medication. For the 2 to 6 hours after taking Misoprostol, your uterus contracts and bleeds to expel the pregnancy tissue. Side effects of this second medication include cramping, bleeding, diarrhea and nausea. Additional medications are available to help with pain.
A follow-up appointment is required to make sure the abortion is complete. Occasionally more than one follow-up appointment is necessary. To use this method, you must be staying within 2 hours of a hospital.
Some women prefer The Abortion Pill because they feel process is more natural and private, and they can decide when and where they go through the experience such as staying home for the weekend.
For further information, see
