What is the Abortion Pill?
What is a “Medical” Abortion?
Medical abortions utilize medicine, rather than a surgical procedure, to complete abortion and can only be safely completed within the first 9 weeks of pregnancy. This is why you often hear the term “abortion pill.”
An ultrasound is used to determine the date of conception, so they are required before beginning any abortion procedure. Understanding the possible risks, side effects and alternatives is the best way to prepare emotionally and psychologically for an abortion.
The Abortion Pill
The abortion pill terminates a pregnancy within the first nine weeks. This abortion is a two-step method that takes 48 hours to complete.
The first drug, mifepristone (Mifeprex) is given to a pregnant woman at the abortion clinic. This drug blocks progesterone, causing a hormonal adjustment and the lining of the uterus to thin. A thinner lining in the uterus prevents the embryo from implantation and growth.
The second drug, misoprostol (Cytotec) is taken at home within 48 hours after the first one. The primary side effect of this drug is intense cramping and bleeding as the uterus empties its inner lining and expels the pregnancy.
Plan B
The Plan B drug is often referred to as the “morning after pill.” It’s designed to decrease your likelihood of pregnancy after the first day of unprotected sex. This drug prevents or delays ovulation.
However, it is important to note that ovulation prevention can only occur prior to conception. Depending on where you are in your monthly cycle, conception can occur anywhere from minutes up to 5 days after unprotected sex. As a result, Plan B should not be used as a method of abortion. It is made up of different drugs not intended to end pregnancy but could have other damaging consequences to your body.
Plan C
Currently, Plan C is illegal in the United States. “Plan C” is the process of ordering abortion pills over the internet. Many advocates for this concept believe that abortion pills should be readily available in drug stores.
There is a danger with this approach to abortion, however, because without a pregnancy test and subsequent ultrasound, you won’t know whether this form of abortion is successful. The drugs must also be taken in the proper dosage as prescribed by a doctor and should come from a reputable, tested source.
Assure Women’s Center
Your best option is to visit Assure Women’s Center for testing, ultrasound, and consultation to determine what your next step should be. We offer our pregnancy services for free to provide the answers you need to make an informed decision.
Call or text (402) 397-0600. We are here for you, willing and able to assist.
