Can you reverse the effects of the abortion pill?
If you’re pregnant and considering the abortion pill, you may be feeling the weight of this decision — wondering, “Is the abortion pill right for me?” or “What if I change my mind and it’s too late?”
As you determine what to do with your unplanned pregnancy, know that it’s normal to have questions and concerns. The staff at First Coast Women’s Services is here to help you learn about the abortion pill process in order to make a truly informed and confident choice for your future.
Can you reverse the effects of the abortion pill?
Perhaps you’re considering the abortion pill and worrying about the finality of the choice, or maybe you’ve started the abortion pill procedure and have changed your mind about wanting to terminate your pregnancy. Thankfully, you may be able to reverse the effects of the abortion pill.
Abortion pill reversal is a process of counteracting the effects of the abortion pill in order to continue developing a healthy pregnancy. Before we get into the process of abortion pill reversal, it’s important to understand how the abortion pill works to end a pregnancy.
How does the abortion pill work?
The abortion pill, also sometimes referred to as a chemical or medical abortion, is used to terminate a pregnancy in the first 10 weeks of gestation.
The abortion pill is actually a process made up of two pills — mifepristone and misoprostol. The first step, mifepristone, blocks the production of the pregnancy hormone called progesterone. Progesterone is necessary for the pregnancy to grow and develop into a healthy fetus. Without it, the pregnancy will end.
Once the pregnancy has ended — typically between 24 to 48 hours later — misoprostol is administered. Misoprostol causes the body to bleed and contract, eventually expelling the terminated pregnancy tissue.
How does abortion pill reversal work?
In order to reverse the effects of the abortion pill, you will need to begin the process of an abortion pill reversal within 24 hours of taking the first medication, mifepristone. The process involves an introduction of a large amount of progesterone, that pregnancy nurturing hormone we mentioned above, in order to counteract the effects of mifepristone.
Are there any risks related to abortion pill reversal?
No — Progesterone is safe for women and has been used in pregnancy care for decades, and studies show that the abortion pill reversal process is not related to any birth defects or birth-related issues.
What steps should I take before deciding if the abortion pill is right for me?
Knowing how to move forward with an unplanned pregnancy is never easy. If you’re considering abortion, it’s important to take time to learn about your unique pregnancy health conditions, understand the side effects and risks you may face, and gather as much information as possible related to the resources and help available to you.
Visit First Coast Women’s Services for the following informative and no-cost pregnancy healthcare services:
- Free pregnancy testing
- An ultrasound scan to learn about your pregnancy and determine whether you are eligible for the abortion pill
- Options counseling with a client advocate who will guide you through the process each step of the way