Are you considering an abortion pill and want to learn more?

Ending a pregnancy with an abortion pill is not a simple procedure. While you can take the medication at home, it forces a miscarriage and can be painful.  It may not even be necessary if the pregnancy is not developing.

Whatever you do, don’t buy abortion pills online or try home remedies for abortion as these are not FDA approved and can be dangerous.  Before you spend the money on an abortion pill appointment at an abortion clinic, find out if you actually have a developing pregnancy and are not too far along for an abortion pill procedure. 

Here are some recent questions others are asking

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

The abortion pill (also known as medication abortion) actually consists of two pills: mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone is taken first. It cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing and eventually dies. Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later. 

These pills are taken with the intention of ending a pregnancy. This is different from a miscarriage that happens spontaneously.

How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period[1]. If you take the abortion pill later on in your pregnancy, the risk of serious complications increases. You may need emergency surgery to stop heavy bleeding or complete the procedure if it fails or is incomplete.

Is Abortion Legal in Kentucky?

Abortion is illegal in Kentucky, except in the case of life endangerment to the mother[2]

Can I Get Abortion Pills Over the Counter?

No, a prescription from a provider or physician who is registered to prescribe the abortion pills is necessary. However, the FDA does permit pharmacies to become certified to dispense the abortion pill with a proper prescription[1]

How long does it take to recover after the abortion pill?

Abortion recovery times vary from woman to woman. Women who have first trimester abortions and those who do not have any complications say they feel normal within a few days. The bleeding usually stops within six weeks.

However, recovery for late-term abortions may take longer. Longer still, if complications develop, and hospitalization or surgery is necessary. However, hospitalization is not the norm, and most women will recover within a few weeks.

Can I change my mind after taking the first abortion pill?

Yes. There have been successful reversals when treatment was started within 72 hours of taking the first abortion pill. To take the abortion reversal pill, you can go to Abortion Pill Rescue.

Can I get an abortion pill over the counter (OTC)?

No. You cannot get the abortion pill over the counter. A physician must prescribe it. Additionally, the FDA warns against purchasing online abortion-inducing drugs because this puts the woman at risk of taking a drug that the FDA has not approved.

Can I Order the Abortion Pill Online?

It is currently illegal to ship abortion pills to someone in Kentucky, so caution is advised on receiving abortion pills through the mail. 

The FDA advises against ordering the abortion pill online. Many online abortion pill providers are located overseas, so the pills they provide may not meet FDA standards[3]. These pills could be counterfeit, expired, or even tampered with. It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid ordering the abortion pill online.

Abortion Pill Information in Northern Kentucky

When your pregnancy test comes back positive, it can be easy to panic. Don’t let fear make the final decision for you. Get the care and support you deserve at Care Net Pregnancy Services of Northern Kentucky. We offer free pregnancy resources, so you can make an empowered decision for your unplanned pregnancy:  

  • Free pregnancy tests
  • Free ultrasounds
  • A safe, non-judgemental place to explore your pregnancy options and share what’s on your mind

Give us a call at (859) 282-9878 or schedule your free appointment today. All services are confidential and free of charge.

Please be aware that Care Net Pregnancy Services of Northern Kentucky does not provide or refer for abortion services. 

Sources

1. FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex   

 

2. Commonwealth of Kentucky Office of the Attorney General. (2022, June 24). Human Life Protection Act. Attorney General Daniel Cameron. Retrieved from https://www.ag.ky.gov/Press%20Release%20Attachments/Human%20Life%20Protection%20Act%20Advisory.pdf   

 

3. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, March 23). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information 

 

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DISCLAIMER: Care Net Pregnancy Services of Northern Kentucky does not offer or refer for pregnancy terminations or birth control. Information is provided as an educational service and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.