How to Prepare for an Abortion Pill
If you are pregnant and considering abortion, you may already be aware of the abortion pill as one option. However, before proceeding with a medical abortion, there are several important factors to verify. Want answers now? Speak with a nurse privately and at no cost by calling (907) 283-9062.
Medical Abortion Checklist
1. Be Certain YOu Are Actually Pregnant
Although it might seem obvious, in stressful situations, it’s common to act before confirming your pregnancy. Always verify your pregnancy with a lab-quality test and an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill.
You should never take the abortion pill unless you are pregnant, and you should always take the medication under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
2. Know the Status and Stage of Fetal Development
Did you know that 10%-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage?1 While a positive pregnancy test indicates pregnancy, an ultrasound is essential to confirm the viability of the fetus, ensuring that the pregnancy has not miscarried and is not ectopic.2
It also provides crucial information about the fetus's age and development. The FDA has approved the abortion pill for use through 70 days gestation,3 making an ultrasound necessary to ensure you are within this timeframe.
3. Make Sure THis is YOur Abortion Decision
Pregnancy is a huge commitment that affects both you and those around you. It is important to make your own decision regarding whether to continue the pregnancy.
Know that it is your choice to make. No one – not your partner, friends, or family – can coerce or threaten you into having an abortion. You have legal protections against being forced to abort against your will.
If you're feeling coerced or threatened into having an abortion, you have advocates. In fact, ABC Life Choices offers professional, safe, and confidential support and is here to answer all your questions with complete privacy. We're here to accurately answer all your questions about the abortion pill and your options.
4. Know The Risks of the Abortion Pill
Undergoing an abortion involves physical, emotional, and spiritual considerations, along with inherent risks.
It is vital to screen for and treat any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) before the procedure, as untreated infections can lead to further complications, especially during a surgical abortion where the cervix is opened. For example, untreated chlamydia may result in Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), potentially leading to complications such as ectopic pregnancy or infertility.4
Because abortion is irreversible, it is essential to be confident in your decision before moving forward and to be prepared for any potential emotional or spiritual challenges afterward.
Abortion Consultation Services
If you have any questions or you're ready to talk about the abortion pill and your options in a safe, professional, and confidential space, ABC Life Choices is here for you. We offer a variety of free services, including pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and options consulting.
To get started, schedule a consultation, or send us a text at (360) 328-7049 and get a licensed nurse to guide you through the process.
Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9704-ultrasound-in-pregnancy
3.https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594