What is a medical abortion?

A clinical abortion (or medication abortion) is a procedure that uses prescription pills to get rid of getting pregnant in early stages. The most typical regimen involves taking two pills – mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, the hormone required to support a pregnancy. Misoprostol causes cramping and bleeding to empty your uterus.

A medical abortion can be a nonsurgical way to terminate a pregnancy inside the first trimester. If you’re after dark first trimester, your provider may discuss procedure options with you.

Why is a medical abortion performed?

Using a medical abortion is a highly personal decision based on your own personal circumstances. Someone might want to have a very medical abortion because they’re concerned about passing along a congenital or inherited disease. Some may desire to end an unwanted pregnancy. Providers sometimes utilize same pills to deal with a miscarriage that hasn’t expelled yet, termed as a missed abortion. Your provider might label this completing a miscarriage. A clinical abortion can be an alternative if carrying being pregnant may be life-threatening.

Everyone’s scenario is different. Calling a doctor who understands your medical history and healthcare needs might help when you weigh your options.

When can someone get a medical abortion?

The government Drug Administration (FDA) has approved using mifepristone and misoprostol for medical abortion as safe and effective around 10 weeks of gestation, but there’s evidence that it’s safe and efficient beyond 10 weeks of gestation. FDA regulations allow certified medical professionals and pharmacies to distribute the medications for medical abortion in healthcare settings by mail. Access by mail allows for people receiving care via telehealth for their medications.

Laws governing abortion vary by state. State laws decide if it’s legal for an individual to obtain a clinical abortion because state. In states where medical abortions are legal, state guidelines governs:

Which providers can prescribe or administer the drugs (some states require providers to get physicians only).

The type of visit (some states require one or more in-person visits to receive the medications or prohibit the application of telemedicine for abortion purposes).

What goes on throughout the visit (some states have to have a pregnancy ultrasound).

Who shouldn’t have a medical abortion?

Just like any procedure, it’s vital that you discuss your medical history together with your healthcare provider to make certain it’s safe. A medical abortion isn’t a safe option in case you:

Are too far along with your pregnancy.

Are allergic to the medications used.

Have a very pregnancy away from your uterus (ectopic pregnancy).

Use long-term corticosteroids.

Offer an intrauterine device (IUD). (A clinical abortion can be an option when you have it removed.)

Have a blood clotting disorder, significant anemia or chronic adrenal failure.

Don’t have access to emergency care.

How common are medical abortions?

Over 50 % of all abortions performed in the us are medical abortions. This means that most people who enjoy to terminate getting pregnant accomplish that noisy . stages.

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