Abortion Pill Eligibility: Who Can Take It?

The abortion pill is a combination of two different drugs that work together to terminate and expel your pregnancy through your uterus and out through your vagina. It is not an option for every woman, so it’s essential to learn all you can to protect your health. This article covers the important details, including who is eligible. If you’re looking for a safe space to talk, we’re here.

How does the abortion pill work?

The first drug in the abortion pill regimen, mifepristone, is a progesterone blocker. Progesterone is a necessary hormone during pregnancy, and without it, your pregnancy will detach from the uterine lining, ultimately causing it to end.

Misoprostol, the second drug, causes your uterus to contract. This expels the terminated pregnancy.

How will I feel after taking the abortion pill?

The abortion drugs inevitably cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. Some women have reported (opens in a new tab) that the pain was unexpectedly severe, and they didn’t feel prepared for it.

You might also experience the following side effects (opens in a new tab):

• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Headache

Is the abortion pill risky?

The abortion drugs do come with risks to your health. The main risk is an incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus instead of being expelled. This can lead to a potentially life-threatening infection.

Other risks (opens in a new tab) include:

• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system upset

How do I know if I’m eligible?

These drugs are only approved by the FDA if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under. This means you aren’t eligible if your pregnancy is further along.

You also aren’t eligible (opens in a new tab) for the abortion drugs if any of the following situations apply to you:

• Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place
• Have a suspected pregnancy outside of the uterus, which is known as an ectopic pregnancy
• Have certain medical conditions, including anemia; some bleeding disorders; chronic adrenal failure; certain heart or blood vessel diseases; severe liver, kidney or lung disease; or an uncontrolled seizure disorder
• Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines
• Can’t reach a healthcare professional by phone or online, or don’t have access to emergency care
• Have an allergy to the medicine used in a medical abortion

The number one way to determine if you’re eligible for the abortion pill is to get an ultrasound. This simple scan will give you the details about your pregnancy you need to know, including your pregnancy’s gestational age, location, and viability (which means that you haven’t miscarried).

Get an ultrasound first

Before seeking the abortion pill, contact The Well Clinic for a free, limited ultrasound and protect your health. We can also provide a safe space to ask questions and receive medically accurate information about your options. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.

The Well Clinic does not perform or refer for abortions. We provide accurate information about every option so you can make an informed decision.

All abortion information in this post was accurate at the time of writing.