MEDICAL ABORTION

A medical (non-surgical) abortion uses two medicines to end a pregnancy.   The first one (mifepristone) weakens the attachment of the pregnancy to the uterus.  A second medication (misoprostol), inserted into the vagina the next day, makes the uterus cramp and causes bleeding to expel the pregnancy.   With a medical abortion, some women have stronger cramping and heavier bleeding than with a normal menstrual period. 

Bleeding and spotting can last as long as 9 to 16 days, and may continue till the first menstrual period.  A return visit is needed to ensure the abortion is complete.    A small number of women (less than 2%) will need additional medication or vacuum aspiration to resolve the bleeding or because the medical abortion did not end the pregnancy. 

Step 1:  A clinician or patient advocate will explain the process to you and answer all your questions.     After reviewing your medical history, laboratory and ultrasound findings; the physician will do a pelvic examination and approve administration of the medication.  The first medication is taken in our clinic.  You may have some bleeding after this first medication, but very few women will have a complete abortion before taking the second medication.

Step 2:  Your clinician will tell you how and when to take the misoprostol (the 2nd medication).  Within a few hours, you will probably start to have strong cramps and bleeding, more than with your period. You may pass some blood clots.  A prescription for pain medication is provided and we recommend you take this 30-60 minutes prior to using your second medication.

A heating pad or hot water bottle improves circulation and  usually provides relief.  Some women have experienced mild nausea, diarrhea, fever, chills or feeling tired.  These symptoms usually last a short time and stop on their own.  Soaking a maxipad every 30 minutes for several hours is not unusual, however you should check in with us if this lasts more than two hours.  In addition to the clinic phone number, we provide a 24 hour number so you can always contact us. 

Step 3:  It is very important to come back in about 2-3 weeks to make sure that the abortion is complete.   A pregnancy test (which may still be positive due to hormonal levels) will be done as well as an ultrasound.  If pregnancy material is still present, surgical abortion (uterine evacuation) is strongly advised because the medicine can cause birth defects.
 

Features of Medical Abortion:

High success rate (about 98%). 
Can be utilized earlier in pregnancy (the first 60 days). 
Avoids invasive procedure. 
Avoids risk of anesthetic. 
Requires at least two visits. 
Abortion occurs within 24 hours of second medication, for most women. 
Oral pain medication can be used. 
Some of the process happens at home, which is more private. 
May seem 'more natural', like an early term miscarriage.

Fees:

$500.00 if blood type positive;    $550.00 if blood type negative.

Fees are all inclusive and include medications, lab, ultrasound, examination, antibiotics and 2-3 week check up.  A pap smear, if due, and birth control pills (or prescription) are available for low cost, if indicated or desired.
 
 
 

To learn more about the "PILL":

Call Us:     The Center for Choice      (251) 476-2404