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 are the Different Types of Abortion?

This woman is thinking about the types of abortion

Do you think abortion is the best solution for your unplanned pregnancy? If so, learn about the two types, medical (aka medication, the abortion pill, RU-486) and surgical. How far along a pregnancy is (gestational age) determines the abortion method performed.

Get Pregnancy Confirmation Before Scheduling An Abortion

No-Cost Pregnancy Testing

Even if you’ve taken an at-home pregnancy test, it is good to confirm the results with a lab-quality test. At Ivy Women’s Center, we offer this pregnancy testing free of charge.

At-home tests are reliable, but some are more sensitive than others. It’s possible to have taken it at the wrong time or incorrectly. Get results you can trust from Ivy Women’s Center.

No-Cost Ultrasound

Even a lab-quality pregnancy test cannot give you all the information you need before proceeding. An ultrasound confirms how far along your pregnancy is, which determines whether you will have a medical or surgical abortion. Ultrasound is the only way to get all the information you need.

You not only learn the gestational age, you learn the location of the pregnancy and if it’s viable or if you’ve had a miscarriage. Up to 25% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. In this case, an abortion would no longer be necessary.

Types of Abortion

Medical

The abortion pill method is a medical abortion using two drugs to terminate a pregnancy. In Ohio, abortion providers perform a medical abortion up to 10 weeks and 0 days from the first day of your last menstrual period.

The first drug in the abortion pill method blocks a hormone called progesterone, which is necessary for pregnancy growth. The second drug causes a woman’s body to contract to expel the pregnancy from her body.

Side Effects and Risks of Medical Abortion

An incomplete abortion requiring further drugs or surgery
Heavy and prolonged bleeding
Intense cramping
Infection

Surgical

Abortion providers perform surgical abortions in-clinic. The number of days or weeks you’ve been pregnant determines the type of surgical procedure you receive.

Surgical abortion ranges from Vacuum or Suction Aspiration, which uses suction to pull the pregnancy out, to surgeries requiring scraping tools and forceps.

Side Effects and Risks of Surgical Abortion

Damage to the uterus or cervix
Excessive bleeding
Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
Scarring on the inside of the uterus
Not removing all the tissue requires another procedure

Determine If Abortion Is Right For You

Abortion is a major medical and emotional decision. Get more information on the procedures, side effects, and potential risks. Our Client Advocates can talk with you during a no-cost consultation.

You deserve to be prepared. Schedule an appointment with us today.