The abortion pill, also called medical or medication abortion, is an FDA-approved method for ending early pregnancies only.
If you are past the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, if your pregnancy is located outside the uterus, or if you are taking certain medications, you are not eligible for the abortion pill.
Where Is Your Pregnancy Located?
Sometimes, a developing embryo implants somewhere outside of the uterus. Most often the implantation occurs in the Fallopian tubes. This is called a tubal or ectopic pregnancy, and it is not viable. Developing ectopic pregnancies pose a significant health risk to you and can be very dangerous if not detected and removed.
The abortion pill will not terminate an ectopic pregnancy. Instead, medical attention is needed immediately and surgery may be necessary to remove the tubal or ectopic pregnancy.
Vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain are some of the first symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy. If you suspect you may have an ectopic pregnancy, contact your doctor for care immediately.
How Far Along Are You?
The abortion pill is designed to end early pregnancies. If you are beyond 10 weeks, your pregnancy is too far advanced for the abortion pill to terminate the pregnancy.
Taking it outside of the approved window of time can lead to complications like infection and incomplete abortion, and a surgical abortion may be required to complete the abortion.
Other Reasons You May Not be Eligible for the Abortion Pill
The Mayo Clinic outlines these additional reasons you may not be eligible for the abortion pill:
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD).
- Have certain medical conditions, including bleeding disorders, certain heart or blood vessel diseases, severe liver, kidney or lung disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.
- Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medications.
- Can’t make follow-up visits to your doctor or don’t have access to emergency care.
- Have an allergy to the medications used.
Before You Take the Abortion Pill
So, how do you determine if you are eligible for the abortion pill?
You need to get an ultrasound.
An ultrasound will reveal exactly how far along you are, where the pregnancy is located, and if your pregnancy is viable and developing.
Before you decide to take the abortion pill, make sure you get an ultrasound so you can make a fully-informed choice.
We offer ultrasounds free of charge at Women’s Care Center. Our nurse will review the results with you and answer any questions you have about your pregnancy. Contact us to schedule your ultrasound today.