{"id":265096,"date":"2022-09-13T16:55:16","date_gmt":"2022-09-13T20:55:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/?post_type=article&p=265096"},"modified":"2022-09-15T15:14:18","modified_gmt":"2022-09-15T19:14:18","slug":"what-is-a-medical-abortion-and-how-to-access-one","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/265096\/what-is-a-medical-abortion-and-how-to-access-one\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a medical abortion and how to access one"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Access to abortion care varies depending on where you live. Medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, is a safe and effective option for those looking to end a pregnancy earlier than 10 weeks. The FDA approved the abortion pill in 2000 and by 2020, medical abortions accounted for over half of U.S. abortions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What exactly is the abortion pill and how does it work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The \u201cabortion pill\u201d is a bit of a misnomer as it isn\u2019t a single pill. The most common \u201cabortion pill\u201d is a combination of Oral mifepristone (Mifeprex) and oral misoprostol (Cytotec). The former is used to prevent the embryo from growing, and the latter is used to release the embryo from your body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those who get the abortion pill from a provider will likely take Mifeprex in their provider\u2019s office and the Cytotec later at home. You may be asked to return to your provider\u2019s office after about a week so they can confirm the abortion is complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I purchase the abortion pill online?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes. Some opt to purchase abortion pills from legitimate sources online and take them at home. While this is a safe option for most people, it\u2019s a good idea to take a couple steps to make sure you\u2019re safe: preselect a provider that you can contact if you experience side effects and plan to have someone you trust nearby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, the combination of Oral mifepristone (Mifeprex) and oral misoprostol (Cytotec) is not<\/em> the right abortion method if you\u2019re experiencing an ectopic pregnancy. If you haven\u2019t had an ultrasound, there is a chance that you could be experiencing an ectopic pregnancy without knowing it. It\u2019s always a good idea to check with your provider if possible before taking any medication. Medical abortion is only <\/em>an option for those who are less than 10 weeks pregnant. If you\u2019re not sure how far along you are, you’ll also need to check with a provider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it\u2019s not possible to check in with a provider, serious side effects to look out for are severe stomach pain, fainting or lightheadedness, or sudden shoulder pain. If you notice these symptoms, go to a hospital right away \u2014 they will be able to treat you even if abortion is not legal in your state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are normal side effects?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While side effects can vary from person to person, everyone will experience cramping and bleeding. Some more serious side effects, like nausea, vomiting, chills, headache, and diarrhea are also possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where can I access a medical abortion?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Through your provider or online from sites like https:\/\/www.abortionfinder.org<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much does it cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The abortion pill can cost several hundred dollars, or much less, depending on where you get it and if your insurance covers it. There are abortion funds that can help you cover the cost \u2014 learn more here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are there risks?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There may be legal risks to purchasing and taking the abortion pill, depending on where you live. You can find more information about legal risks here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, as with any medication, there are medical risks and side effects associated with the abortion pill (including those cited above). That said, it is a safe, effective, and FDA approved method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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