You may have many questions and fears after seeing a positive sign come up on your pregnancy test. If you are thinking of abortion you could wonder what the difference is between medical abortion, the abortion pill, and surgical abortion.
In this blog, we share exactly what a medical abortion is, how it works, and the risks to know about if you’re considering this type of abortion.
Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)
Often called the abortion pill, medical abortion is an abortion procedure with sometimes serious health risks. There are two drugs used in the process: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is first taken at a doctor’s office or abortion clinic. Mifepristone works to block the progesterone hormone produced in a woman’s body during pregnancy, which prevents the embryo from implanting or growing.
Misoprostol is taken about 24 hours later, normally at home. It causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina.
Is Medical Abortion Legal in Alabama?
At the time of this writing, the following restrictions for medical abortion apply in the state of Alabama:
- Telemedicine used to administer medication abortion is prohibited.
- State-directed counseling is required to the patient and a wait period of 48 hours before the procedure is provided.
- A parent of a minor must consent before an abortion is provided.
- A woman must receive an ultrasound before an abortion & the provider must offer the patient the option to view the image.
Know About the Risks
According to the Mayo Clinic, the potential risks of medical abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Is Abortion an Option for You?
It’s vital to know more about your pregnancy before making an abortion decision. You will need to confirm your pregnancy with pregnancy testing AND an ultrasound. This will determine how far along you are so you can understand what pregnancy options are available. An ultrasound will also reveal if you have a viable, healthy pregnancy.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment today to learn what’s next for you.