How to Prepare for an Abortion Pill
If you’re pregnant and thinking about abortion, you’ve probably heard about the abortion pill.
Before moving forward with a medical abortion, there are a few important things to confirm.
Need answers now? You can text a nurse for free at (318) 202-2243.
Medical Abortion Checklist
It’s important to know that medical abortion goes by several names. You may see it referred to as medication abortion, the abortion pill, chemical abortion, Plan C, missed-period pills, or self-managed abortion. These terms generally describe the same two-step medication process (mifepristone followed by misoprostol).
Note: This is different from Plan B or the morning-after pill (emergency contraception), which is used to help prevent pregnancy and does not end an existing pregnancy. Brand names you might see include Mifeprex (mifepristone) and Cytotec (misoprostol).
1. Be Certain YOu Are Actually Pregnant
It may sound obvious, but in the stress of the moment, it’s easy to skip steps. Before taking the abortion pill, make sure your pregnancy is confirmed through a lab-grade pregnancy test and an ultrasound.
The abortion pill should never be taken unless you are truly pregnant, and it should always be used under the care of a medical professional.
2. Know the Status and Stage of Fetal Development
Roughly 10–20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage.¹ A positive test doesn’t always mean the pregnancy is viable. An ultrasound may confirm that the pregnancy hasn’t miscarried and isn’t ectopic (developing outside the uterus).²
Ultrasounds also help determine the age of the pregnancy. The abortion pill is FDA-approved only through 70 days (10 weeks) of gestation,³ so knowing where you are on the timeline is essential.
3. Make Sure THis is YOur Decision
Pregnancy impacts not only you but also those around you, and you may be hearing many conflicting opinions.
At the end of the day, the choice is yours. No partner, friend, or family member can pressure or force you into abortion. The law protects you from being coerced into ending your pregnancy against your will.
If you’re feeling pressured or unsafe, know that you have advocates. Life Choices provides a safe, confidential space to ask questions, explore your options, and get clear answers about the abortion pill.
4. Know The Risks
Abortion, like any medical procedure, carries both physical and emotional risks.
If you have an untreated STI, it can spread during the abortion process. For example, untreated chlamydia can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which may increase the risk of infertility or ectopic pregnancy in the future.⁴
It’s also important to know that abortion is generally irreversible. Once the process begins, it typically cannot be undone. Some women report emotional or spiritual struggles afterward, especially if the decision felt rushed or uncertain.
However, if you have taken the first abortion pill (mifepristone) only and have not yet taken the second medication, there may be a chance to reverse its effects through a treatment called Abortion Pill Reversal (APR). If this is your situation, call the Abortion Pill Rescue Network hotline at 877-558-0333 right away to speak with a nurse about your options.
Abortion Consultation Services
If you’re thinking about the abortion pill or just need space to process your options, Life Choices is here for you.
We offer free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and options consultations in a professional and confidential environment.
To get started, schedule a consultation or text us anytime at (318) 202-2243 to connect with a nurse who can guide you step by step.
Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9704-ultrasound-in-pregnancy
3.https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594