Learning you are unexpectedly pregnant can be stressful and emotional. You may feel that you have no choice but abortion, especially if you are experiencing pressure from your partner, family, friends, and even healthcare providers. We know this is a difficult time and a difficult decision for you. A crucial aspect of making a sound decision is having a clear understanding of your options. At Open Arms Real Choices Clinic in Hayden, Idaho, we can provide the information and care you need to make an informed and educated decision about your pregnancy.
Many young women often fail to explore their options before deciding on an abortion. Currently, the most common method is taking the abortion pill. Many women do not realize that there is an antidote to the abortion pill. If you or someone you know has taken the abortion pill and regrets it, there may be a chance to save the baby if you act quickly enough.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
To understand how effective the abortion pill antidote is, it is essential to know how the abortion pill works.
Most chemical abortions are performed using a two-pill regimen. While the first pill is often taken at a medical facility, the second one will be taken home. Adverse effects of the abortion pill regimen include cramping, chills, nausea, heavy bleeding, and dizziness.
The first pill is called mifepristone. This drug prevents progesterone from binding with progesterone receptors in the placenta, ovaries, and uterus. Progesterone is a hormone a woman produces during pregnancy that is crucial in providing a baby with nutrients. When the progesterone cannot bind with the receptors, the baby will die from a lack of nourishment and oxygen.
The second pill, misoprostol, is taken 24 to 72 hours after the first pill is taken. Misoprostol induces uterine contractions and causes the body to expel the baby, at which time the chemical abortion is complete. However, it is relatively common for complications to arise which require further medical attention.
The Abortion Antidote
Many women experience regret after choosing to terminate a pregnancy, although this is not widely discussed. In the past, when most abortions were performed surgically, there was nothing a woman could do once the procedure was completed; the pregnancy was already over. However, with the abortion pill, the situation is different. If a woman initiates the abortion reversal protocol within 72 hours of taking the first pill, there is a chance that the abortion can be reversed.
The reversal protocol must be initiated before the second pill is taken because once the uterus begins to contract to expel the baby, the abortion cannot be reversed. This reversal treatment involves giving the mother enough progesterone to combat the effects of mifepristone. If the mother gets enough progesterone, her body will resume its natural functions, enabling the baby to receive the necessary nutrients and remain attached to the placenta.
Many healthcare providers consider bioidentical progesterone (chemically indistinguishable from natural progesterone) a safe antidote to the abortion pill, although it is not yet FDA-approved. The American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG) approves progesterone-based reversal protocol, as progesterone is a hormone naturally produced by the human body. If the reversal is successful, neither the mother nor the baby will suffer adverse effects.
However, due to the recent nature of the protocol, studies surrounding abortion reversal are limited. One of the most frequently cited studies followed 754 women who wanted to reverse their abortions. This study found that when the abortion pill reversal protocol was followed, it had a success rate of 64-68%. However, some doctors indicate that if the reversal protocol is initiated within 24 hours of taking the first abortion pill, the success rate is higher. The fastest way to engage in abortion pill reversal is to call the 24/7 helpline at 1-877-558-0333 or visit them at AbortionPillReversal.com.
Monitoring
Once the antidote has been administered, your care providers typically want to schedule an ultrasound as soon as possible. The ultrasound allows them to confirm the fetus’s viability by detecting its heartbeat.
They will also determine how far along the pregnancy is and ensure that it is located in the uterus and is not an ectopic pregnancy. As a preventative measure, many healthcare providers will continue progesterone treatments for the first trimester to ensure the baby can receive the nutrients it needs.
Alternatives to Abortion in Coeur d’Alene
Resources are available if you are looking for help during your unplanned pregnancy. At Open Arms Real Choices Clinic, our compassionate team members are ready to help you find the solutions you need. Whether you want to learn the skills you need to care for your child or would like help navigating adoption, you won’t be alone on your journey.
No matter what you’re leaning toward, it’s important to take the time to make the right decision. The choice you make will be one you’ll have to live with for the rest of your life, and you’ll be responsible for the consequences. If you need support or assistance, please reach out to Open Arms Real Choices Clinic today and start focusing on a hopeful future.