A medical abortion, also known as the “abortion pill,” is the process of terminating a pregnancy with drugs.
While this procedure only uses drugs, it’s still considered a serious medical procedure. Here are some facts you may not know about a medical abortion.
1: The abortion pill is not a single pill
The abortion pill involves taking mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, while misoprostol induces contractions to expel the pregnancy.
2: Abortion is banned in Texas
Texas law prohibits the act of performing an abortion or prescribing abortion-inducing drugs except to preserve the life of the mother. This will not affect care for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. A woman who may obtain or has previously obtained an abortion cannot be prosecuted.
3: If you have an IUD, you should not get a medical abortion
Having an IUD makes you ineligible for a medical abortion, and women should have their IUD removed before seeking one.
4: Medical abortion is only FDA-approved through ten weeks of gestation
How far along you are (gestation) determines your eligibility for a medical abortion. Getting an ultrasound is key to figuring out the gestational age of your pregnancy.
5: You may require an Rhlg shot after an abortion
If your blood type is negative, like A- or B-, you may need an Rhlg shot after an abortion to prevent problems with future pregnancies.
6: Medical abortion may be more painful than expected
Some women report feeling unprepared for the pain of the medical abortion process. Studies suggest that women are sometimes surprised by the severity of pain that they experience.
Get Support In Texas
These are a few facts you might not know about abortion, but there’s so much more to know, including the side effects, risks, and mental health implications.
It’s important to obtain essential pregnancy services and counseling before deciding on the abortion pill to ensure you have all the necessary information about your options.
Texas Abortion Pill Info can assist you in finding free pregnancy resources and information available in your area. Find pregnancy help near you.