Medication Abortion

Medication abortion, also known as the abortion pill, is offered between 5-9 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period. It requires at least two visits to the clinic. This method uses a combination of two medications. Mifepristone, which ends the pregnancy, is taken at the first visit. Misoprostol is used at home to expel the pregnancy. With medication abortion the bleeding and cramping can be quite heavy for several hours. You must return to the clinic the following week to be sure the medications worked and that you are no longer pregnant.

What happens during the medication abortion visit?

• We review your pregnancy options and confirm that you have decided to end the pregnancy.
• Your medical history is reviewed, the procedure is explained, and your informed consent is obtained.
• Your Rh blood type is determined and a dating ultrasound is done.
• You will take the mifepristone by mouth, which ends the pregnancy by blocking the pregnancy hormones.
• You will take the misoprostol tablets home to use at a later time, causing the uterus to contract and empty. You are also given a prescription for pain medication as the cramping can be intense for several hours.
• We are available 24 hours a day after you’ve started the medication abortion for any questions or concerns which arise.
• You must return to the clinic for a follow-up visit to be sure the medications worked and that you are no longer pregnant. There is a 3%-5% chance that you will need an aspiration procedure to complete the abortion.
• Birth control methods will be available to you before you leave.
• You may have light bleeding and cramping off and on for several weeks after a medication abortion.

Compare medication abortion with aspiration abortion.

For more information or to make an appointment, call us at 207-626-3243.