Abortion Pill Information; A Complete Guide

Abortion Pill Information – There are many reasons a woman might choose to have an abortion, and each one is valid. Perhaps she is not ready to be a parent or has medical reasons for wanting to end the pregnancy. Whatever the reason, it is her decision to make. 

Abortion pills are usually costly, but some resources are available like this abortion pill information to help you pay for the abortion pills. 

Do not consider yourself alone if you’re considering an abortion. Millions of women have chosen this option, and they have gone on to lead happy and healthy lives. Here’s the abortion pill information complete guide to abortion pills. This article will cover each aspect related to abortion pills. 

Abortion Pill Information: Abortion Pills in Simple Terms

Patients can take the abortion pill up to 70 days (10 weeks) of pregnancy. [1] The earlier in pregnancy you take it, the more likely it is to work. The abortion pill is very effective. 

There are two types of abortion pills: mifepristone and misoprostol. Both work together to induce an abortion. Although misoprostol-alone can be used to cause an abortion, the efficacy of this method is lower than the (mifepristone+ misoprostol) combination method. [2] 

Abortion pills are safe and effective. They are one of the most common methods of abortion. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved. Let’s first look at abortion pills and how they work. 

How Does Mifepristone Work?

Mifepristone is taken first, followed by misoprostol 24-48 hours later. Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, a hormone that is essential for the maintenance of early pregnancy. [3] Progesterone is responsible for preparing the uterus lining for the implantation of a fertilized egg and maintaining pregnancy. Mifepristone causes the shedding of the uterine lining and the expulsion of the embryo or fetus.

How Does Misoprostol Work?

Misoprostol stimulates contractions of the uterus. When the uterus produces strong contractions, it expels the embryonic tissues outside. [4] In this way, pregnancy is ended. Both mifepristone and misoprostol are usually taken at the same time, but patients can also take misoprostol alone if mifepristone is not available. 

Prevalence of Abortions Around the Globe; Scientific Data

There are approximately 73 million induced abortions performed around the world each year, according to the World Health Organization. [5] Abortion incidence varies widely by region, with the highest rates in developing countries and the lowest in developed countries. In some areas of the world, such as Europe and North America, abortion is legal and accessible; in others, it is not.

About 97% of abortions are performed in underdeveloped countries, where abortion laws are generally more restrictive than in developed countries. [6] 

Approximately 25% of all abortions worldwide are unsafe, meaning they are performed by unskilled individuals or in unsanitary conditions. This figure rises to nearly 50% in Africa and almost 30% in Latin America. [7] 

In third-world nations, abortion is one of the top causes of mortality for women of reproductive age. One woman reportedly dies every eight minutes in Africa due to complications from a wrong abortion.

Consequences of unsafe abortion are a leading cause of maternal morbidity and disability, with an estimated 5 million women worldwide experiencing such complications each year.

Difference Between Abortion Pills and Emergency Contraception

There are a few critical differences between abortion pills and emergency contraceptives. 

• First, abortion pills are typically taken after a pregnancy has already been confirmed. In contrast, emergency contraceptives are taken before or up to five days after unprotected sex in order to prevent pregnancy. 
• Second, abortion pills terminate a pregnancy that has already begun, while emergency contraceptives work by preventing ovulation or fertilization from occurring in the first place. 
• Finally, abortion pills tend to be more expensive than emergency contraceptives.

Efficacy of Abortion Pills

The abortion pill is typically effective up to 95-98% of the time in early pregnancy.[8] 

The success rate decreases slightly with each passing week; by week 9, the abortion pill is only 60-70% effective.

Remember that while mifepristone and misoprostol are both safe and effective when used as directed, they are not 100% effective at ending a pregnancy. In rare cases (less than 1%), the pregnancy may continue despite taking these medications. 

Safety of Abortion Medication

Different types of abortion pills are available, and the safety of each one depends on the individual woman’s health and pregnancy. In general, however, the abortion pill is considered safe. Some known side effects of mifepristone include:

• Bleeding
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Headache

It is essential to speak with a medical professional before taking any medication for an abortion to ensure that it is safe for you to do so.

Serious Health Complications 

You should be aware of the potential risks and complications of abortion pills. These include: [9] 

• Profuse Bleeding: You may experience heavy bleeding and cramping after taking the abortion pill. Although bleeding and cramping are normal and there is nothing to be concerned about. However, if you are bleeding heavily or for more than a week, you should see a doctor.
• Infection: There is a small risk of infection after taking the abortion pill. This can usually be treated with antibiotics.
• Incomplete abortion: In some cases, the abortion pill does not altogether terminate the pregnancy. This can lead to further complications and may require surgical intervention to complete the abortion.
• Hemorrhage is another common complication and can result in severe blood loss and shock. 
• Organ damage can also occur, particularly to the uterus or intestines, while perforation of the uterus is also a serious but rare complication. 
• Maternal death can occur as a result of unsafe abortion; this is most likely to happen when the procedure is performed by someone who is not adequately trained or when unsanitary conditions are present.
• Emotional disturbances: Some women experience serious emotional disturbances after taking the abortion pill, such as sadness, guilt, or anxiety. If these feelings persist or become overwhelming, please see a doctor or counselor who can help you through this difficult time.

Are Abortion Pills Ordered Online Safe?

There are a lot of different opinions on whether or not abortion pills ordered online are safe. Some people believe that they are, while others think that they could be dangerous. The truth is, there is no easy answer to this question.

Pros:

• It is possible to order abortion pills online from a variety of websites. 
• These websites typically provide information about the medication and how to use it safely. 
• In addition, many of these websites offer 24/7 customer support if you have any questions or concerns.

Cons:

• There is no way to guarantee that the abortion pill you receive will be the same as the one used in a medical setting. 
• There is also a risk that the pill could be counterfeit or contain dangerous ingredients. 

If you do choose to order an abortion pill online, be sure to do your research and only purchase from a reputable source.

Recovery After a Medication Abortion

After a medication abortion, it is normal to have some bleeding and cramping for a few days. You may also have spotting for up to 4 weeks. 

• Be sure to rest and take it easy during this time. 
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Avoid strenuous activities for a week or two.
• Choose pads over tampons.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication for cramps. 
• Eat healthy snacks, get cozy, and talk to a friend or a family member about your emotions. 
• Visit your doctor after seven days post-abortion for a follow-up examination. 
• If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, or fever, be sure to call your provider right away.

Abortion Pills Price

The cost of the abortion pill will vary depending on the clinic or hospital you visit. It can range from $300 to $800. The price will also depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy. If you are early in your pregnancy, the cost will be lower.

Can Abortion Funds Pay for a Medication Abortion?

Yes, many abortion funds can help pay for a medication abortion. Some insurance plans may also cover the cost of medication abortion. If you are considering a medication abortion, check with your local abortion fund to see if they can help with the cost.

Note: Medicaid covers abortion costs only when the pregnancy is caused by rape or incest or if the women’s life is in danger. 

(Written by Dr. Ebad Khan)

References

1. Raymond, E. G., Shannon, C., Weaver, M. A., & Winikoff, B. (2013). First-trimester medical abortion with mifepristone 200 mg and misoprostol: a systematic review. Contraception, 87(1), 26–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2012.06.011.
2. Ngoc, N., Shochet, T., Raghavan, S., Blum, J., Nga, N., Minh, N., Phan, V. Q., & Winikoff, B. (2011). Mifepristone and misoprostol compared with misoprostol alone for second-trimester abortion: a randomized controlled trial. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 118(3), 601–608. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0b013e318227214e.
3. DeHart, R. M., & Morehead, M. S. (2001). Mifepristone. The Annals of pharmacotherapy, 35(6), 707–719. https://doi.org/10.1345/aph.10397.
4. Krugh, M., & Maani, C. V. (2022). Misoprostol. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. From https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30969695/.
5. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Abortionis. World Health Organization. Retrieved October 22, 2022, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/abortion.
6. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Worldwide, an estimated 25 million unsafe abortions occur each year. World Health Organization. Retrieved October 22, 2022, from https://www.who.int/news/item/28-09-2017-worldwide-an-estimated-25-million-unsafe-abortions-occur-each-year.
7. Haddad, L. B., & Nour, N. M. (2009). Unsafe abortion: unnecessary maternal mortality. Reviews in obstetrics & gynecology, 2(2), 122–126. From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2709326/.
8. Gatter, M., Cleland, K., & Nucatola, D. L. (2015). Efficacy and safety of medical abortion using mifepristone and buccal misoprostol through 63 days. Contraception, 91(4), 269–273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2015.01.005.
9. Kruse, B., Poppema, S., Creinin, M. D., & Paul, M. (2000). Management of side effects and complications in medical abortion. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 183(2 Suppl), S65–S75. https://doi.org/10.1067/mob.2000.107946.
10. Planned Parenthood. How much does the abortion pill cost? 2022 Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. October 22, 2022. Retrieved from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/the-abortion-pill/how-much-does-abortion-pill-cost.