Your body is a precious gift. After all, it’s the only one you have! Taking care of yourself and protecting your health are ways of honoring your body. When it comes to your reproductive health, protect your body by making informed and well-considered choices.
New research from the Guttmacher Institute shows that 63% of known abortions in 2023 were medication abortions (aka “the abortion pill”), a 10% increase since 2020. Medical abortion consists of a two-medication regimen, mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a pregnancy-sustaining hormone. Misoprostol then induces uterine contractions and expels the pregnancy tissue from the body.
In the United States, the total count of medical abortions is now higher than those offered within the formal healthcare system. This number does not include self-managed abortions that take place outside the formal healthcare system or those mailed to people in states with abortion bans. The true number is likely even higher.
Since 2021, in-person visits are no longer required by the FDA to access abortion pills, thus opening up access in recent years to mail-order medication abortion. Many abortion providers now offer telehealth consultations and/or abortion by mail.
Given the increased accessibility of mail-order and/or self-managed abortions, accurate information and education on medication abortion becomes more necessary than ever. It’s also important for all women of reproductive age to be able to identify unsafe practices regarding accessing abortion pills online.
Considering Abortion? Necessary First Steps
If you recently found out you’re pregnant and are considering abortion, there are a few things you need to know, including:
- How far along are you? (gestational age)
- Do you have an STI/STD?
- Do you know your options and available resources?
- Are there any risks to me having an abortion?
Why do these matter? Let’s go one at a time.
Gestational Age: This means how long you’ve been pregnant, measured from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) until now. How far along you are determines what abortion procedures are available to you. Medical abortion is not FDA-approved past 10 weeks gestation. The best way to accurately confirm gestational age is via ultrasound. While you may estimate it based on your LMP, if your periods are irregular or if you had some spotting or bleeding after conceiving, an ultrasound will provide a more accurate measurement. At Clearway, we offer free ultrasounds to determine gestational age.
Sexual Health: If you have an STI or STD, it’s important to get treated as soon as possible. Untreated sexually transmitted infections can lead to long-term damage of the reproductive system. Having an abortion with an untreated STI can also increase your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the female reproductive system. At Clearway, we offer free testing and treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia, two of the most common bacterial STIs.
Options/Resources: Abortion is only one of your options. Ask yourself, what is it in my life that’s making me lean towards an abortion? It might be a general sense of not feeling ready to become a parent or add to your family. Or, maybe you can identify specific aspects of your life that you wish were different. These could include your relationships, mental health, housing, employment, education, etc. A 2023 study reported that 60% of women who chose abortion said they would have preferred to give birth if they had more financial security or emotional support. If you’re facing similar challenges, you deserve better than abortion. At Clearway, our patient advocates will sit with you and help you evaluate your felt needs. They will then provide you with a customized list of local resources and support in the community. You’re not alone! Get started today by checking out our Pregnancy Resources page.
Risks: While all abortions have some possible risks and side effects, it’s also important to get your personal health evaluated to learn any risks specific to you. Schedule a telehealth consultation to speak with a nurse and learn more about possible abortion risks. Additionally, it’s wise to assess your mental health before making an abortion decision. Research suggests that women who have had abortions may be at an increased risk for various mental health challenges. Data has also shown that risk factors, such as pre-existing mental illness, can put women at greater risk of increased mental health problems post-abortion (1). If you have previously experienced abortion and are suffering from grief or emotional pain related to your abortion, join one of our after-abortion care programs to begin your healing process.
Abortion Shopping Online? What You Need to Know
Not every abortion provider you find online is legitimate! This may not come as a surprise–scams are everywhere. However, in this particular area, your very health is at stake. The FDA has determined that only certain providers are approved to prescribe mifepristone due to the risks of “serious and sometimes fatal infections or bleeding.” For your health and safety, NEVER purchase abortion pills online from an unknown source. You can’t guarantee what’s actually in the medication you receive, and it also leaves you without a prescriber that you can go see in person if something goes wrong.
Abortion prescribers are required to inform patients of the risk of serious events such as:
- Severe bacterial infections and sepsis, with or without fever that may result in death.
- Severe hemorrhage requiring surgical intervention or transfusion
- Prolonged heavy bleeding that may indicate incomplete abortion or other complications
- Ruptured ectopic pregnancy
- Rupture of the uterus
- Allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Women should expect bleeding for 9 to 16 days, with heavy bleeding for an average of 2 days.
- 8% of women report bleeding for more than 30 days.
- After 8 weeks gestation, when expelled from the uterus, the fetus may be visible, which can cause emotional trauma.
Taking medication abortion is more than just “forcing a period.” You may experience labor-type symptoms and should plan to take it easy for at least the next couple days after your abortion.
85% of patients report 1 or more adverse reactions, the most common of which are:
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Fever/chills
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain/cramps
- Anxiety, fainting and palpitations have also been reported
Lastly, it’s essential to have access to emergency care in the event of severe bleeding, hemorrhaging, or some other significant complication. While self-managing an abortion at home may feel more private and convenient, make sure you tell at least one person that you are taking mifepristone and misoprostol. It’s best if that person is also with you when you take the medication. In case you experience some complication that inhibits your ability to communicate, they can tell your healthcare provider what medication you took.
You’re Not Alone
Your health and safety are of utmost importance.
At Clearway, we offer free pre-abortion telehealth consultations to ensure you can make an informed and empowered decision. We offer free ultrasounds to verify your pregnancy and gestational age as well as STI testing and treatment. We also offer advocate support to help you access any resources you might need for your pregnancy and beyond.
Schedule your appointment today!
Reviewed By Deana G., BSN RN
Please Note: The information in this article is not meant to replace the advice of a healthcare provider. Schedule a visit with your provider to learn more.
