Abortion Pill FAQs

What is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is a two-medication process used to end an early pregnancy. It most commonly involves mifepristone followed by misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to continue the pregnancy. Misoprostol then causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.

While the abortion pill is sometimes presented as a simple or private option, it is still a medical process that can involve significant bleeding, cramping, and other physical symptoms. Experiences can vary from person to person, which is why it can be helpful to understand what the process involves before making a decision.

If you have questions about the abortion pill, how far along you may be, or what options are available to you, you can take the time to get clear information before moving forward.

Source:
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation

How Does a Medical Abortion Work?

A medical abortion uses two medications taken in sequence. The first, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for pregnancy to continue. The second, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.

This process usually takes place at home and is approved for use in early pregnancy, through 10 weeks gestation. Physical effects can include bleeding, cramping, nausea, diarrhea, and other symptoms that can vary from person to person.

Because every experience is different, it can be helpful to understand how the medications work, what to expect physically, and when medical follow-up may be needed before moving forward.

Source:
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation

Is the Abortion Pill Legal in Idaho?

Generally, no. Idaho law prohibits most abortions, including medication abortion, with limited exceptions provided under state law.

Idaho law includes medications such as mifepristone and misoprostol within its definition of chemical abortion when they are used with the intent to cause an abortion.

Real Choices Clinic does not provide or refer for abortions. We do offer free pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasound, and confidential support to help you better understand your pregnancy and the resources available to you.

Source:
https://law.justia.com/codes/idaho/title-18/chapter-6/section-18-617/

When Can I Take the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill, using mifepristone and misoprostol, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use through 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy.

Pregnancy is typically dated from the first day of your last menstrual period, not from the date of conception. Because ovulation and conception usually occur about two weeks after a period begins, pregnancy dating can sometimes feel further along than expected.

Knowing how far along you are is an important part of understanding what to expect. A limited obstetric ultrasound may help confirm gestational age and provide additional information about your pregnancy.

If you are unsure how far along you may be, getting clear information before making a decision can help you better understand your next steps.

Source:
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation

Is the Abortion Pill Safe?

The abortion pill is often described as safe, but it is still a medical process with risks and possible complications that are important to understand.

Possible complications can include heavy or prolonged bleeding, infection, and an incomplete abortion that may require additional medical treatment or a surgical procedure. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also reports that rare but serious adverse events have occurred in connection with mifepristone use.

Risk can be affected by factors such as how far along the pregnancy is, certain health conditions, whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus, and access to appropriate follow-up care if complications occur.

If you are considering the abortion pill, knowing how far along you are and learning more about your pregnancy can help you make a more informed decision about your next step.

Source:
https://www.fda.gov/media/185245/download

Why Do I Need an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion?

An ultrasound can provide important information about your pregnancy before an abortion. It may help estimate how far along the pregnancy is and confirm whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus.

One important reason is to help identify a possible ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. The abortion pill cannot treat an ectopic pregnancy. If an ectopic pregnancy goes undetected, it can become a serious medical emergency.

Knowing the location and estimated gestational age of a pregnancy can provide helpful medical information and may affect what follow-up care is recommended.

Source:
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/020687s020lbl.pdf

Can You Take the Abortion Pill While on Birth Control?

Yes. Being on birth control does not always prevent pregnancy, and birth control does not usually stop the abortion pill from working.

If you became pregnant while using birth control, it can help to first confirm the pregnancy and find out how far along you are. A medical professional may also ask about missed pills, other medicines you take, or whether an IUD or implant is still in the right place.

Before taking the abortion pill, it is important to understand your pregnancy and your health. This can help you know what to expect and what your next steps may be.

Source:
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/020687s020lbl.pdf

Does the Abortion Pill Affect Future Pregnancies?

Available medical evidence indicates that a medication abortion does not usually affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant in the future.

As with any medical process, complications can occur. If a serious complication such as infection is not treated appropriately, it could affect reproductive health. This is one reason timely medical evaluation and follow-up care can be important if concerning symptoms develop.

If you have questions about how an abortion could affect your health or future pregnancies, talking with a qualified medical professional can help you understand your individual situation.

Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551