Abortion Services - Abortion pill
(also called Mifeprex or RU-486)
Allegheny Reproductive Health Center offers the abortion pill to those who qualify. The abortion pill, also called medical abortion, is a very safe procedure. Because it is a non-invasive procedure, the risks are less than for an aspiration abortion. You will take by mouth a pill that will stop pregnancy from growing. Then vaginal suppositories inserted by you at home will help to expel your pregnancy.
In order to qualify for the abortion pill, you must be very early in your pregnancy. The abortion pill may be an option if you are no more than 63 days from your last normal period. In addition, you must be able to commit to two or more visits to the clinic and be in good health. Because there is a slightly greater chance of failure with this method than with regular abortion and the medication used can cause serious birth defects, you must be willing to have an abortion if the abortion pill fails.
The abortion pill that has been available in Europe and other countries for nearly 20 years is now available in the United States. This pill, called Mifeprex or RU-486, can now be used by women who want to end a pregnancy that is still in the earliest stages of development.
In order to receive Mifeprex, you:
- must be less than 63 days from the first day of your last menstrual period
(which is the same as being less than seven weeks from the day you became pregnant) - must receive a speech from a physician at least 24 hours in advance
- must agree to have an abortion if the non-surgical abortion fails
- must be able to receive phone calls from us
- must agree to return to us for a repeat ultrasound afterwards
- must be at least 18 years old
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Mifeprex
Q: How does Mifeprex work?
A: Mifeprex is designed to induce the vaginal bleeding and uterine cramping necessary to produce an abortion. It works by blocking a hormone needed for your pregnancy to continue. That means that the lining of your uterus begins to release after you have taken the pill. Then, at home 6-24 hours later, you will insert another type of medication deep into your vagina to help expel the pregnancy.
Q: How effective is Mifeprex?
A: Mifeprex has been 98% effective at our clinic, but the national rate is 92-95%.
Q: How can I get Mifeprex?
A: You can get Mifeprex only through a clinic or certain doctors' offices. Because it can be used only during the early stages of pregnancy, you must come in for your appointment before you are 63 days from the day your last period began.
Q: What are the advantages of Mifeprex?
A: Because Mifeprex comes in pill form and is taken by mouth, you can usually avoid the abortion procedure. Also, because it works very early in your pregnancy, Mifeprex allows you to take early action to end your pregnancy.
Q: What are the side effects of Mifeprex?
A: Bleeding and cramping are a normal part of the process. The bleeding can be heavier than a normal period and usually lasts from 9-16 days. Rarely, women may experience severe bleeding and then would need to go to an emergency room immediately. We will tell you how to handle any pain, nausea, headache, vomiting, or diarrhea that could also occur.
Q: How safe is Mifeprex?
A: Mifeprex has been approved by the FDA which has tested it for both safety and effectiveness. In the past decade and a half, more than one million women in Europe and the US have safely used Mifeprex to end their pregnancies. It is now used in more than eighteen countries.
Q: Who should not take Mifeprex?
A: Some women should not take Mifeprex. You should not use it if your last menstrual period was more than 63 days ago. Mifeprex also cannot safely be used if you have a tubal pregnancy, you have an IUD still in place (it must first be removed), you have problems with your adrenal glands, you have been treated with certain steroid medications over a long period of time, you have bleeding problems or are taking blood thinning medications, you have had a reaction to mifepristone, misoprostol or similar drugs.
Q: What qualifications must a doctor have to obtain Mifeprex?
A: The doctor must be able to date early pregnancies accurately and to diagnose tubal pregnancies. They must also be able to provide you with an abortion or any other treatment that you might need as a result of taking Mifeprex. Doctors must ensure that you have access to emergency care, they must give you the Medication Guide, and they must report any problems you have to the manufacturer.
Q: What is the Medication Guide and why did the FDA develop it?
A: The FDA determined that a Medication Guide was necessary for you to be able to use Mifeprex effectively and safely. It is important that you be fully informed about how the medication works and its risks, as well as the need for a follow-up. It is only with your coming to the follow-up visit that we will know if the Mifeprex works.
Q: Will Mifeprex prevent me from getting pregnant in the future?
A: No, it will not. In fact, you can become pregnant immediately after your pregnancy ends. If you do not wish to become pregnant, you must start using an effective method of birth control. We can help you to select a method that will suit you.
| Comparison of Two Types of First Trimester Abortion | |
|---|---|
| What are the Advantages? | Abortion Pill | Aspiration Abortion |
| It may seem more natural, like a miscarriage | It's quick, over in minutes |
| No shots, anesthesia, instruments, or vacuum aspirator machine , unless it fails | It's highly successful |
| Can be in your own home | Less bleeding, Less cramping |
| Support person of your choice | Medical support present |
| Counselor available before, during, after | |
Support person of your choice |
|
| Can be done further into the pregnancy than the pill | |
| What are the Disadvantages? | Abortion Pill | Aspiration Abortion |
| It takes up to 24 hours | Doctor must insert instruments |
| Bleeding can be very heavy | Less private |
| Cramping can be severe | Machine is often noisy |
| Requires two or more visits here | Cannot end a tubal pregnancy |
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