What is a medical abortion?

A clinical abortion (or medication abortion) is a procedure that uses prescription pills to absolve getting pregnant during the early stages. The most frequent regimen involves taking two pills – mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, the hormone necessary to support a pregnancy. Misoprostol causes cramping and bleeding to empty your uterus.

A clinical abortion is really a nonsurgical way to terminate getting pregnant in the first trimester. If you’re beyond the first trimester, your provider may discuss procedure options along.

Do not know medical abortion performed?

Using a medical abortion is a highly personal decision based on your own personal circumstances. Someone might choose to have a medical abortion because they’re worried about passing along a congenital or inherited disease. Some might wish to end an unwanted pregnancy. Providers sometimes use the same pills to take care of a miscarriage that hasn’t expelled yet, termed as a missed abortion. Your provider might know this as completing a miscarriage. A medical abortion are often an option if carrying the pregnancy could possibly be life-threatening.

Everyone’s scenario is different. Contacting a medical professional who understands your history and healthcare needs can help as you weigh the options.

When can someone get yourself a medical abortion?

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the application of mifepristone and misoprostol for medical abortion as safe and effective up to 10 weeks of gestation, but there’s evidence that it’s safe and efficient beyond 10 weeks of gestation. FDA regulations allow certified medical experts and pharmacies to distribute the medications for medical abortion in healthcare settings through mail. Access by mail will allow for people receiving care via telehealth to receive their medications.

Laws governing abortion vary by state. State laws determine whether it’s legal for a person to get a clinical abortion in that state. In states where medical abortions are legal, state guiidelines governs:

Which providers can prescribe or administer the medicine (some states require providers to be physicians only).

The kind of visit (some states require one or more in-person visits to have the medications or prohibit the usage of telemedicine for abortion purposes).

How are you affected during the visit (some states require a pregnancy ultrasound).

Who shouldn’t get a medical abortion?

As with every procedure, it’s vital that you discuss your history with your physician to ensure it’s safe. A clinical abortion isn’t a good option in the event you:

Are far too far along within your pregnancy.

Are allergic to the medications used.

Have a very pregnancy beyond your uterus (ectopic pregnancy).

Use long-term corticosteroids.

Offer an intrauterine device (IUD). (A clinical abortion is surely an option for those who have it removed.)

Possess a blood clotting disorder, significant anemia or chronic adrenal failure.

Don’t gain access to emergency care.

How common are medical abortions?

Over 1 / 2 of all abortions performed in the United States are medical abortions. Because of this most people who choose to terminate a pregnancy do this during the early stages.

To learn more see our new web portal: take a look at