What is the abortion pill?
The abortion pill, also called a medication or chemical abortion, is a method used to end an early pregnancy. If you are considering abortion, it’s important to understand how it works, possible side effects, restrictions, and what to expect during the process and recovery.
Before making a decision, it’s also important to confirm how far along you are and whether you are eligible for the abortion pill.
An ultrasound can confirm whether your pregnancy is intrauterine (located in the uterus) and help detect a possible ectopic pregnancy, which requires medical treatment. Ultrasound can also determine if the pregnancy is viable.
While we do not provide or refer for abortion services, Options for Women offers free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and consultations so you can receive accurate medical information and explore your options.
We serve women and families at our locations in Lakeland, North Lakeland, and Bartow.
Schedule your free appointment today to learn more.
Parent Consent Not Required • Free and Confidential
• Same-Day or Next Appointments Available
• Hablamos Español
What is the abortion pill?
The abortion pill, also called a medication or chemical abortion, is a method used to end an early pregnancy. If you are considering abortion, it’s important to understand how it works, possible side effects, restrictions, and what to expect during the process and recovery.
Before making a decision, it’s also important to confirm how far along you are and whether you are eligible for the abortion pill.
An ultrasound can confirm whether your pregnancy is intrauterine (located in the uterus) and help detect a possible ectopic pregnancy, which requires medical treatment. Ultrasound can also determine if the pregnancy is viable.
While we do not provide or refer for abortion services, Options for Women offers free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and consultations so you can receive accurate medical information and explore your options.
We serve women and families at our locations in Lakeland, North Lakeland, and Bartow.
Schedule your free appointment today to learn more.
Parent Consent Not Required • Free and Confidential • Same-Day or Next Appointments Available • Hablamos Español
Am I Eligible for the Abortion Pill?
Women with certain medical conditions, who have allergies to drugs used in the abortion pill regime, who have an ectopic pregnancy, or who are more than ten weeks pregnant are not eligible for the abortion pill.
The abortion pill is ineffective in the case of an ectopic pregnancy, which is a pregnancy that occurs within the fallopian tube or somewhere else in a woman’s body other than the uterus.
An ectopic pregnancy, if left untreated, can cause the fallopian tube to rupture, resulting in lethal bleeding and hemorrhaging. Abortions are not used to treat ectopic pregnancies. A separate surgical procedure is necessary to treat an ectopic pregnancy.
Like any drug, weight, hormones, allergies, health conditions, diseases, and the type of pregnancy can cause side effects to vary.
Note: If you are Rh-negative, be sure to tell your healthcare provider so you can get the necessary treatment after an abortion.
Be Aware of These Common Side Effects
Undergoing a medication abortion is a serious decision that can affect you mentally and physically. The FDA states that women who take the abortion pill commonly experience the following physical side effects in addition to vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Back Pain
- Fatigue
To be fully informed, it is essential to consider less common but more serious complications following a medication abortion.
- Incomplete abortion which may require a follow up surgical abortion
- Prolonged/Heavy bleeding
- Infection
The Mayo Clinic states, “Having a medical abortion is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences.” If you’ve had an abortion and are experiencing symptoms of depression or severe anxiety, please consult a mental health professional.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or are looking for someone to talk to, we offer free after abortion care counseling and are here to offer you the support you need. There is also a list of counseling centers we have on our patient resources page you can refer to.
Can the Abortion Pill be Reversed?
If you have taken the first abortion pill (mifepristone) and change your mind, the abortion pill reversal (APR) may be able to reverse its effects by providing an influx of progesterone, but time is of the essence. It is best to start the reversal treatment within the first 24-72 hours of taking the abortion pill.* Initial studies of APR have shown it has a 64-68% success rate.
*Disclaimer: APR has been shown to increase the chances of allowing the pregnancy to continue. However, the outcome of your particular reversal attempt cannot be guaranteed.
How do I reverse it?
Call the 24/7 Abortion Pill Reversal Hotline or visit www.abortionpillreversal.com to speak with an on-call healthcare professional who can connect you with a doctor or medical provider in your area to start treatment.
An ultrasound will be done as soon as possible to confirm fetal heart rate, placement, and dating of the pregnancy. The doctor or another medical provider will prescribe progesterone, given as a pill to be taken orally or vaginally or possibly by intramuscular injection. The treatment will usually continue through the first trimester of pregnancy.
Can I Purchase the Abortion Pill Online in Florida?
Florida’s Heartbeat Protection Act, which took effect in May 2023, requires medications used in a medical abortion be dispensed in person by a physician and cannot be provided through telehealth or mailed to patients.
Before taking abortion medications, it is important to confirm the details of your pregnancy to ensure you have a viable pregnancy with no underlying conditions. If you purchase an abortion pill online without confirming the status of your pregnancy, you are taking a risk of performing an abortion while having an ectopic pregnancy, an STI, a pregnancy further along than expected, or other pregnancy complications.
If you are searching for information about abortion laws in Florida or considering the abortion pill, scheduling a consultation can help you understand your pregnancy viability and your options. Each state has its own abortion laws, so make sure you are checking with the state you’re in before scheduling an abortion procedure. This also varies for anyone that is under the age of 18 and whether the states require parental consent or not.
Options for Women offers free pre-termination evaluations which provides a confirmation of pregnancy and ultrasound exam to reveal if your pregnancy is viable. Our clinic does not refer to or provide abortions. viability
What to Know Before Buying The Abortion Pills
Before you take the abortion pill, it is important to confirm the following:
Viability of the pregnancy (able to continue on its own or if you are at risk for a natural miscarriage)
The location of the pregnancy (and if it’s intrauterine or ectopic)
Your estimated due date or how far along you are
Confirm your Rh factor
Remove IUD if needed
Side effects, what to expect, and drugs used in the abortion pill regime (to avoid potential allergic reactions or complications)
Common side effects and risks include cramping, contractions, heavy bleeding that can last up to sixteen to thirty days, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, infection, blood clots, dizziness, and abdominal pain.
If the abortion pills do not terminate the pregnancy, a procedure may be necessary. Other complications can occur, such as an overgrowth of the uterine lining, muscle pain or stiffness, and more. Contact 911 if you have complications from the abortion pill.
Why Choose Options for Women
We believe women deserve to know their options in order to make informed decisions. Options for Women offers free services, including pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STD Testing, wellness exam referrals, information about abortion and abortion pills, and community resources. Contact us today to schedule your free pre-termination consultation, or to talk to a nurse, get your questions answered today through our 24/7 nurse chat.
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