How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill (also known as medication abortion) actually consists of two pills: 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. The embryo stops growing without a steady supply of progesterone.
Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later at home. This medication makes the uterus cramp and expel the fetus, 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 Minnesota?
Currently, abortion is legal in Minnesota all throughout pregnancy[2]. Although Minnesota law doesn’t require it, we also recommend receiving an ultrasound beforehand.
Can I Get Abortion Pills 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?
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[3]. 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 St. Cloud and Waite Park, MN
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 Resource Center + Medical Clinic! We offer free pregnancy resources, so you can make an empowered decision for your unplanned pregnancy:
- Free pregnancy tests
- Free ultrasounds
- A safe, non-judgemental place to explore your pregnancy options and share what’s on your mind
Call us at (320) 253-1962, text us at (320) 434-1772, or schedule your appointment online today.
Please be aware that Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- FDA. (2023, September 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
- CHAPTER 4--H.F.No. 1. Office of the Revisor of Statutes. (2023, January 31). Retrieved from https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/2023/0/Session+Law/Chapter/4/
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, March 23). 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
Is At-Home Abortion Safe?
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you’ve likely heard the term “at-home abortion”. You may be wondering how it works, what your options are, and if it’s the right choice for you.
It’s crucial to get all the facts, so you can make a fully informed decision. In this blog, we’ll explore at-home abortions—including how they work and if they’re safe, legal, and right for you. Keep reading to learn more!
How Does an At-Home Abortion Work?
An at-home abortion is exactly what it sounds like—an abortion done at home. Some women attempt at-home abortions by ingesting a mixture of herbs (more on that in a moment). Others take the abortion pill (also known as medication abortion).
Although it’s called the abortion pill (singular), there are actually two pills in the abortion pill regimen: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is taken first, usually in a clinic. This pill cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to continue the pregnancy. The embryo stops growing without a steady supply of progesterone.
Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later at home. It causes the uterus to cramp and expel the embryo, which ends the pregnancy.
Are At-Home Abortions Legal?
Currently, abortion is legal in Minnesota until viability. However, 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].
Before an at-home abortion, consider receiving a free ultrasound at Pregnancy Resource Center +Medical Clinic to determine how far along you are. If your ultrasound determines that you’re too far along for the abortion pill, we will help you explore all of your pregnancy options, so you can make the best choice for your health and future!
Are At-Home Abortions Safe?
At-home abortions are not without risk. After taking the abortion pill, you could experience severe side effects, such as:
- Hemorrhaging. It’s normal to bleed for a while after taking the abortion pill. However, if you soak through two full-size sanitary pads per hour, for two or more hours, you could be hemorrhaging[2].
- Anaphylactic Shock. You could go into anaphylactic shock if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in misoprostol[3].
- Incomplete abortion. Incomplete abortions occur when some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after misoprostol has been taken. You may need emergency surgery to remove the remaining tissue and prevent an infection[4].
- Infection. If you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever for more than 24 hours after taking the second medication, an infection may have developed. You may need antibiotics or even surgery to treat your condition[4].
Herbal abortions are also incredibly dangerous. You may have seen videos on social media talking about how easy and convenient they are. However, there isn’t enough scientific evidence available to suggest that they actually work. Additionally, medical professionals warn that they can cause permanent infertility, significant sickness, organ failure, and even death[5].
Abortion Information in St. Cloud and Waite Park, MN
We get it—an unplanned pregnancy can leave you feeling desperate. Many of us at Pregnancy Resource Center +Medical Clinic have been there ourselves. It’s our mission to help you protect your health and make a safe, informed decision! We provide abortion information, free pregnancy services, and a nonjudgmental space to explore your options and process your emotions.
Call us at (320) 253-1962 or schedule your appointment online today! All services are free and confidential.
Please be aware that Pregnancy Resource Center +Medical Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- FDA. (2023, September 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
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2016, May 16). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html
- Shin, Hyun Joo, et al. “Anaphylactic Shock to Vaginal Misoprostol: A Rare Adverse Reaction to a Frequently Used Drug.” PubMed Central (PMC), 9 Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137020
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
- Wancour, B. (2022, July 19). Medicine’s Ryan Marino discussed the dangers of “herbal abortions.” Case Western Reserve University. https://thedaily.case.edu/medicines-ryan-marino-discussed-the-dangers-of-herbal-abortions/
When you subscribe to the blog, we will send you an e-mail when there are new updates on the site so you wouldn't miss them.