If pregnancy wasn't part of your plan, you may be considering a medical abortion. As you explore your options, there are a few things you'll want to know, so you can make a fully informed decision! Today, we'll discuss what you need to know about medical abortion. What is a Medical Abortion? A medical abortion involves taking medications to e...
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
Although it’s referred to as a pill (singular), the abortion pill actually consists of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is taken first, usually in a clinic. This medication cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing.
Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later at home. This medication causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo, which ends the pregnancy.
How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill?
You can’t take the abortion pill beyond 10 weeks of pregnancy (or 70 days since the first day of your last menstrual period)[1]. This is because it becomes less effective the farther along you are. If you take the abortion pill later on in your pregnancy, you could experience serious complications and may need emergency surgery to complete the procedure.
Is Abortion Legal in Texas? Do I Need an Ultrasound Before Taking the Abortion Pill?
Effective August 24, 2022, abortion became illegal in Texas. However, exceptions can be made for medical emergencies. Your doctor must provide a written document that certifies if an abortion is necessary to save your life[2]. You are also required to receive an ultrasound beforehand.
Do I Need a Prescription for the Abortion Pill? Can I Get the Abortion Pill Over the Counter?
Certain pharmacies are now authorized to dispense the abortion pill. However, you can’t purchase it in the same way you would Tylenol or allergy relief medications. The FDA requires a prescription from a qualified physician in order to take the abortion pill[1].
Can I Order the Abortion Pill Online?
It’s both illegal and unsafe to order the abortion pill online! Under Senate Bill 4[3], it’s illegal for manufacturers to ship Mifeprex (the brand name version of mifepristone) into Texas. This means that you can’t order the abortion pill online and have it shipped to your home.
Additionally, the FDA advises against ordering the abortion pill online. Many online abortion pill providers are located overseas, so the pills they provide may not meet FDA standards[4]. These pills could be counterfeit, expired, or even tampered with! It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid ordering the abortion pill online.
Abortion Pill Information in Fort Worth, TX
When those two lines first appear, it can be easy to panic. Don’t let fear make the final decision for you! Get the care and support you deserve at Pregnancy Help Center of Forth Worth! We offer free pregnancy resources, so you can make an empowered decision for your unplanned pregnancy!
Give us a call at 817-560-2226 or schedule your appointment online today!
Please be aware that Pregnancy Help Center of Forth Worth does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, January 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
- S.B. No. 8. Texas Legislature Online. (2021, September 1). Retrieved from https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/87R/billtext/pdf/SB00008F.pdf
- S.B. No. 4. Texas Legislature Online. (2021, August 31). Retrieved from https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/872/billtext/pdf/SB00004F.pdf
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, January 24). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
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