Like any procedure or medication regimen, anyone considering an online or at-home abortion should know the risks associated with this process and speak to a trusted provider or pregnancy center to understand how it can impact your health.
How Does an At-Home Abortion Work?
This type of abortion is also known as a medical or chemical abortion and uses a medication regimen of two drugs to terminate a pregnancy. Those drugs are:
- Mifepristone: this medication blocks an essential hormone called progesterone. When this occurs, the embryo is detached, and the uterine walls thin.
- Misoprostol: After taking mifepristone, this drug induces contractions to push out the embryo and pregnancy tissue.
Risks Associated With Medical Abortion Are:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
What Should I Know Before Having an Abortion?
Women should have a firm understanding of their physical and mental health. Having a recent physical, giving an in-depth health history, and discussing any medications you may currently be on are important in safeguarding your health and wellness before having an abortion.
Additionally, some do not qualify for medical abortions due to:
- How far they may be in pregnancy.
- Having an IUD
- Having a suspected pregnancy outside of the uterus. (Receiving an ultrasound is important to determine whether a pregnancy is occurring within the uterus).
- Having certain medical conditions. These include bleeding disorders; certain heart or blood vessel diseases; severe liver, kidney, or lung disease; or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.
- Taking blood thinner or certain steroid medicines. (There are over 200 medications that are not medically recommended to take with mifepristone).
- Not being able to make follow-up visits to a provider or having access to emergency care.
- Having an allergy to the medicine used.
Additionally, the Mayo Clinic states, “Making the decision to have an abortion might not be easy. Consider seeking support from your partner, a family member, or a friend as you think about your options. Talk with your health care provider to get answers to your questions, help you weigh alternatives, and consider the impact the procedure may have on your future.”
Please seek a thorough discussion with your doctor or a pregnancy center to help protect your safety.
Where Can I Go To Understand All My Options?
To further understand all your options, or receive answers to your questions, contact us today. We are here to be a source of knowledge for you and help you find your way forward.
All services and appointments are free and confidential. We offer free pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and options counseling. We invite you to visit us at your earliest convenience and allow us to serve you.