If pregnant, you have three options: adoption, parenting, and abortion.
Abortion—one of your three options—is the termination of a pregnancy through medication (the abortion pill), or surgery. Both are considered serious medical procedures, so it’s important to understand all the risks involved.
The abortion pill is the common name for medication or medical abortion. It works by utilizing two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the absorption of progesterone to the womb to terminate the pregnancy. Without the hormone progesterone, the pregnancy will not be able to survive and progress.
The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract, leading to cramping and bleeding. This series of cramping and bleeding will cause the woman’s body to expel the pregnancy through the vagina.
Women are eligible for the abortion pill if they have been pregnant for seventy days or less. The only way to accurately verify this date is to have an ultrasound scan. We provide these for no cost at our center.
Women over 70 days or 10 weeks of pregnancy are not eligible for the abortion pill. After 10 weeks, a surgical abortion may be an option.
The abortion pill isn’t an option if…
Before taking the abortion pill, it is important to understand the possible risks and side effects. According to the Mayo Clinic, they are:
Prior to any abortion procedure, including the abortion pill, Ohio law requires an ultrasound scan. In addition, for your safety, it is recommended that you receive STD testing and treatment if necessary before moving forward with any abortion procedure.
An ultrasound tells you how far along you are, the location of the pregnancy, and if it’s viable and progressing. It tells you which procedures you’re eligible for and if you need any additional medical attention in the case of an ectopic pregnancy.
Having an STD during an abortion can raise the risk of spreading bacteria deeper into the reproductive system, potentially causing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Getting tested and treated will protect your future reproductive health. We offer limited STD testing and treatment for no cost.
Even if you had a positive pregnancy test, confirm you have a viable, progressing pregnancy with an ultrasound at Ivy Women’s Center. Our caring staff will talk through every option and answer any questions. We’re here for you. Contact us today.
