RU-486 medication abortion, also just known as the abortion pill, is an early abortion method that utilizes two different medications (Mifepristone and Misoprostol) to end a pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone which is needed for the pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract to expel the embryo and other uterine contents.
RU-486 is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in women with pregnancies up to 70 days (10 weeks) from the start of their last menstrual period. Before any procedure to terminate a pregnancy, you should be given an examination by a physician to determine whether you are a candidate for RU-486. Then, you should be given an ultrasound to determine the location of your pregnancy and that you are within the gestational dating that RU-486 can be prescribed.
It is important to consider that opting to terminate a pregnancy with medications such as RU-486 will have significant risks involved in the process. For instance, there are health risks associated with this kind of pregnancy termination, such as mild-to-severe abdominal pain, hemorrhaging, cramping, vomiting and nausea, diarrhea, dizziness or significant headaches, chills, fever, and even death. This medication carries a REMS, commonly called a “black box warning”, indicating the need for additional precaution in its use.
Additionally, patients should remember to follow up with their physician at least a week to two weeks after taking the Misoprostol pill to ensure that all the contents of their uterus have been expelled. If there is anything that remains inside the uterus, a follow-up surgical abortion may be needed. This can potentially cause severe health risks, so following up after consuming the pill is so important.
It is essential for you to know how far along your pregnancy is before scheduling an abortion for an unplanned pregnancy. Procedures available to you change based on how far along you are in your pregnancy. An ultrasound, available at no cost at Compassion (based on the assessment of our medical team), will help to determine pregnancy gestational age and help our team to explain what type of abortion procedures may be available to you.
Compassion’s staff understands the need for a confidential, honest consultation and solid information when you are making an important decision such as what to do with an unexpected pregnancy. To learn more and discuss your concerns about medication abortion, or to determine the viability of your pregnancy, schedule a free and confidential appointment.
Compassion Pregnancy Center: Free & Confidential Pregnancy Services & Women’s Health Center
Since 1994, Compassion Pregnancy Center has served every client with dignity and respect. We have provided a safe place for both men and women for pregnancy and abortion education, personal assistance, access to quality information, and much more. We serve clients regardless of their race, age, religion, marital status, location of residence, or sexual orientation.
Here at Compassion Pregnancy Center, we offer real answers for your real questions. Contact us now for free and confidential services in a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere. Our medical center specializes in assisting those with unplanned pregnancies by offering pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, as well as providing quality education and mentoring.
You deserve respect, options information, and truth so that you can make your informed choice. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, need updated information on pills to abort, have concerning abortion questions, or other early pregnancy education, call us at (586) 783-9620, or text us at (313) 583-9770.
