Like any major medical decision, you deserve to understand and weigh the risks involved. The abortion pill comes with both physical and emotional risks to your health.
The Abortion Pill Explained
The abortion pill, also known as medical abortion, consists of taking different drugs that terminate an existing pregnancy. The FDA only approves this form of abortion for women through 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Mifepristone is taken first, which blocks the hormone progesterone and causes the uterus lining to thin. Mifepristone prevents the embryo from staying attached to the uterine wall, as well as further growth of the embryo.
Misoprostol is taken next, about 48 hours after taking mifepristone, and causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo through the vagina.
The Physical Risks of the Abortion Pill
According to the Mayo Clinic, you can potentially experience the following risks of medical abortion:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion.
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work.
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
- Infection.
- Fever.
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.
The Emotional Risks of the Abortion Pill
Emotional risks are just as important to understand before an abortion decision, as emotions can affect your physical health and your everyday life.
The National Library of Medicine shares, “…abortion is consistently associated with elevated rates of mental illness compared to women without a history of abortion.” This study concludes that “some women have significant mental health issues caused, triggered, aggravated, or complicated by their abortion experience.”
The Cleveland Clinic shares the common experience of emotions after abortion, including:
- Stress
- Sadness
- Guilt
It’s important to talk to a trusted physician or medical professional to understand how abortion can impact your emotional health.
Be Better Informed Today
At Oasis Medical Center, we’re here to offer you the facts about abortion and all your pregnancy options. After confirming your pregnancy details with us, our compassionate team is here to educate you more about the possible risks of abortion.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment today to learn more. You deserve answers before making such a major pregnancy decision. You are not alone.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
