What is a medical abortion

What Is a Medical Abortion?


Sifting through your pregnancy options can create many questions and confusion. And it’s understandable if you need more information; you deserve accurate details on all options, including abortion. 

Medical abortion is one pregnancy option, but it’s crucial to understand the potential risks and side effects. Abortion is a big decision, and you deserve to be informed. 

Life Light Pregnancy Help Center offers the facts on all pregnancy options and provides free, confidential services. Our peer counselors are ready to help you find answers. 

What Should I Know About Abortion Drugs?

Medical abortion is FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation and uses two drugs to end a pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, and misoprostol causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy and related tissue from the body. 

All women who have a medical abortion experience some degree of abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. Other side effects are possible, including:

  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea (with or without vomiting)
  • Fever
  • Chills

Your chances of developing a medical abortion-related risk are rare, but it is possible. Risks include:

  • Fever
  • Infection
  • Digestive system discomfort
  • Heavy, prolonged bleeding
  • Incomplete abortion (which may require surgical treatment)
  • An ongoing pregnancy (if the drugs don’t work)

What Pregnancy Options Could I Consider?

Before making a pregnancy decision, including abortion, you should confirm key details and protect your health with an ultrasound. Life Light Pregnancy Help Center provides referrals for ultrasounds on a visiting mobile unit. 

With an ultrasound, you’ll confirm whether your pregnancy is progressing, how far along you are (your gestational age), and your pregnancy’s location. An ultrasound can also determine whether you had a miscarriage or are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy

If you’re considering abortion, you should also speak with a medical provider about the risks and side effects of abortion. They can discuss your eligibility and give you a physical exam. 

The peer counselors at Life Light Pregnancy Help Center can also discuss your options, including parenting and adoption. They’ll answer your questions and provide non-judgmental information. 

We’re Here For You

Life Light Pregnancy Help Center provides free and confidential services in a loving environment. We care about your well-being and recognize that an unexpected pregnancy is a challenging situation. 

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. 

Life Light does not refer for or provide abortions, abortion services, or the abortion pill.

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