What Is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill, also known as medication abortion, consists of two different abortion pills that terminate the pregnancy. Only women up to 10 weeks of pregnancy are eligible for the abortion pill. An ultrasound is the only way to accurately confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy and that the pregnancy is viable. It is also required in the state of Ohio prior to any abortion procedure, including the abortion pill. The first abortion pill, Mifepristone, blocks the progesterone hormone and causes the lining of the uterus to thin, and stops the embryo from staying implanted or growing. The second abortion pill, Misoprostol, makes the uterus contract and releases the embryo through the vagina. Many women think this process is as easy as taking a pill, and it’s over. Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple.

How do I know if I am pregnant?

If you have had unprotected sex or experienced a failure of birth control and are having symptoms such as a late or missed period, tender or swollen breasts, fatigue, food cravings, aversions or nausea, you may be pregnant. Your first step in confirming your pregnancy is to receive a lab-quality pregnancy test followed up by an obstetrical ultrasound. We offer these tests and more free of charge at Ivy Women’s Center.

When should I take a pregnancy test?

When you become pregnant, your body will begin to produce the pregnancy hormone, known as hCG. It may take up to a week after a missed period for your body to produce enough of this hormone to be detected by a home pregnancy test. The best time to take a pregnancy test and obtain the most accurate results is 1-2 weeks after a missed period.

Why is it important to be tested for an STD while pregnant?

Left untreated, an STD can carry serious health risks, especially through a pregnancy. Regardless of the decisions you make about your pregnancy, it’s important to be tested and treated if an infection is present. This testing and treatment will help to prevent conditions such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and other serious complications to your long term reproductive health. Testing is quick and convenient, taking place during the same appointment as your consultation.

Is abortion legal in Ohio?

Yes. Abortion is legal in Ohio with the following restrictions, which are in place for the protection and safety of women: Women must receive state-mandated counseling at least 24 hours prior to having an abortion procedure. FDA protocols must be followed when providing a medical abortion Parental consent is required for minors prior to an abortion Women must receive an ultrasound prior to an abortion Abortions after 22 weeks of gestation are only available when the woman’s life is in danger.

Can I order the abortion pill online in Ohio?

Ohio state law and the FDA protocols require a doctor’s prescription for the abortion pill. This law is in place to protect women from potentially harmful pills ordered online and to make sure the abortion pill is taken within the correct window of time during the pregnancy (prior to 10 weeks).

Is it important to have an ultrasound?

Once a positive result is received on your lab-quality pregnancy test, the next step is to have a limited ultrasound. An ultrasound is not only required if you are considering an abortion, but it will also reveal important information about the pregnancy that is crucial to your health and safety. It will also help determine what type of abortion procedure is available to you.

What Is a Medical Abortion? | Ivy Women's Center

A medical abortion, also known as “the abortion pill”, is a medical procedure a woman undergoes to terminate her pregnancy. The abortion pill is FDA-approved for women whose pregnancy is less than 10 weeks.

How Does a Medical Abortion Work?

Medical abortion uses the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol to end a pregnancy. Mifepristone is first taken to block the progesterone a woman’s body produces. This ends the pregnancy by causing the embryo or fetus to detach from the nutrient-giving uterine wall.

Within 48 hours of taking the first drug, the second, misoprostol, is taken. This drug signals the uterus to contract (or squeeze), which forces the pregnancy out of the woman’s body.

What Are the Risks of Medical Abortion?

As with any medical procedure, It is important to be aware of potential risks associated with a medical abortion. Understanding these risks will not only help a woman considering abortion to make an informed decision, but it will also help in knowing what are typical signs and symptoms and which ones require emergency care.

Common side effects of the drugs used in medical abortion include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Chills
Diarrhea
Headache

Risks of medical abortion include:

Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
Heavy and prolonged bleeding
Infection
Fever
Digestive system discomfort

If a woman experiences the following signs and symptoms of complications after an abortion, she may need medical intervention:

Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
Severe abdominal or back pain
Fever lasting more than 24 hours
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

Who Is Eligible for a Medical Abortion?

Not everyone is a candidate for medical abortion. For this reason, providing the medical provider with a complete medical history and obtaining an ultrasound to confirm, date, and locate the pregnancy is crucial in prioritizing a woman’s health. In addition to not being FDA-approved for pregnancies past 10 weeks, as previously mentioned, abortion is also unsafe in the following circumstances:

Ectopic pregnancy (when a pregnancy is located outside of the uterus)
Blood clotting disorder or significant anemia
Chronic adrenal failure
Long-term corticosteroid usage
Intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place
Allergy to the drugs used in the procedure
No access to emergency or follow-up care

Learn more about medical abortion and your other options through a no-cost options consultation with Ivy Women’s Center. Schedule your appointment today.

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FAQs About Medical Abortion in Mentor, Ohio

Q: Should I get an ultrasound before a medical abortion in Ohio?

A: Yes. An ultrasound is the only way to confirm how far along you are and whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus. This matters because the abortion pill is only FDA-approved through 10 weeks and cannot treat an ectopic pregnancy. At Ivy Women’s Center in Mentor, we provide free pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds so you have the information you need to make informed decisions.

Q: How early can I take the abortion pill in Ohio?

A: The abortion pill should only be prescribed once a pregnancy is confirmed in the uterus. Most providers in Ohio require both a pregnancy test and an ultrasound before discussing abortion options. Medical abortion is FDA-approved up to 10 weeks, but timing should always be confirmed by a healthcare professional. Ivy Women’s Center can provide free testing and limited obstetric ultrasounds at our center in Mentor.

Q: What are the signs I should seek medical attention after taking the abortion pill?

A: Bleeding and cramping are common after taking the abortion pill. But if you experience very heavy bleeding (soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours), severe abdominal pain, a fever lasting more than 24 hours, or foul-smelling discharge, seek emergency care or contact a healthcare provider in Northeast Ohio right away.

Q: Where can I learn more about my options near Mentor, Ohio?

A: If you’re considering abortion, Ivy Women’s Center in Mentor offers free pregnancy confirmation and abortion consultations. These visits give you a clear understanding of what’s happening in your body and provide space to talk through your next steps here in Lake County.