Medication Abortion

Medication Abortion (First Trimester – Up to 10 Weeks LMP)

The abortion pill goes by many names, including medication abortion, early medication abortion, RU-486, Mifeprex (Mifepristone) and Mifeprostol. Women who had their last period within the past 10 weeks (70 days) can take the abortion pill to end a pregnancy through abortion.

Nearly 1 in 4 abortions in the U.S. are now done by early medication abortion,1 and doctors in some states can give an abortion pill from a distance in what is called  a telemedicine abortion.

The abortion pill is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in women up to the 70th day after her last menstrual period.2 Some abortion doctors give the pill to a woman who is past the FDA’s approved 70-day-limit, and even some doctors who have been arrested and charged with giving the pill to non-pregnant women.3

In order to make sure you’re safe during this process, always ask for a doctor or other qualified medical professional (registered nurse or sonographer) to do an ultrasound to make sure you’re pregnant and within the 10 weeks the FDA requires.

Since a medication abortion will not end a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy4, your life could be in danger if you do not confirm that you are pregnant with an ultrasound.5

You can find the free ultrasound services near you by clicking here or texting HELPLINE to 313131. You can also live chatsend us a message, or call Option Line 24/7 at 1-800-712-4357.

If you choose to use a medication abortion to end your pregnancy, you will need to make three separate visits to the doctor’s office:

  1. On the first visit, you will be given three pills (Mifepristone) to begin the process of ending your pregnancy by causing the death of your embryo.
    • Note: If you change your mind after the first visit, please contact us and we will connect you with a network of doctors who can reverse the effects of Mifepristone in some cases.
  2. Two days later, if your embryo has not been expelled from your body, you will be given a second drug, Misoprostol, which induces labor, to complete the abortion.
  3. One to two weeks later, you would make a third visit to check whether your pregnancy has been ended by the abortion.

https://optionline.org/options/abortion-overview/medication-abortion/