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What is a medical abortion?

A medical abortion (or medication abortion) is often a procedure that uses prescription pills to finish getting pregnant in early stages. The most common regimen involves taking two pills – mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, the hormone needed to support a pregnancy. Misoprostol causes cramping and bleeding to empty your uterus.

A medical abortion is often a nonsurgical method to terminate a pregnancy from the first trimester. If you’re beyond the first trimester, your provider may discuss procedure options along with you.

Why is a medical abortion performed?

Creating a medical abortion can be a highly personal decision based on your individual circumstances. Someone might choose to use a medical abortion because they’re concerned about passing along a congenital or inherited disease. Some might want to end an unwanted pregnancy. Providers sometimes utilize same pills to deal with a miscarriage that hasn’t expelled yet, known as a missed abortion. Your provider might label this completing a miscarriage. A clinical abortion are often an option if carrying her pregnancy could be life-threatening.

Everyone’s situation is different. Getting in touch with a healthcare provider who understands your track record and healthcare needs may help as you weigh your options.

When can someone get a medical abortion?

The federal government Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of mifepristone and misoprostol for medical abortion as safe and effective around 10 weeks of gestation, but there’s evidence that it’s safe and effective beyond 10 weeks of gestation. FDA regulations allow certified experts and pharmacies to distribute the medications for medical abortion in healthcare settings through mail. Access by mail enables people receiving care via telehealth to receive their medications.

Laws governing abortion vary by state. State laws decide if it’s legal for a person to obtain a clinical abortion for the reason that state. In states where medical abortions are legal, state guidelines governs:

Which providers can prescribe or administer the drugs (some states require providers to get physicians only).

The visit (some states require more than one in-person appointments with obtain the medications or prohibit the application of telemedicine for abortion purposes).

How are you affected throughout the visit (some states have to have a pregnancy ultrasound).

Who must not get yourself a medical abortion?

As with every procedure, it’s important to discuss your medical history together with your medical professional to make sure it’s safe. A medical abortion isn’t a good option should you:

Are so far along inside your pregnancy.

Are allergic to the medications used.

Possess a pregnancy outside your uterus (ectopic pregnancy).

Use long-term corticosteroids.

Come with an intrauterine device (IUD). (A medical abortion is surely an option when you have it removed.)

Use a blood clotting disorder, significant anemia or chronic adrenal failure.

Don’t have access to emergency care.

How common are medical abortions?

Over half all abortions performed in the us are medical abortions. Because of this most people who enjoy to terminate getting pregnant do so in the early stages.

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