Abortion Pill

Mosaic Virginia provides information on the abortion pill. We offer free pregnancy and information on abortion to help when facing an unplanned pregnancy.

When you become pregnant without expecting it, it’s normal to want to learn more about all your options. To schedule a free and confidential appointment, please call (703) 729-1123.

When Can You Take the Abortion Pill?

The Abortion Pill, used to end an early pregnancy, is given in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, counting from the first day of your last menstrual period. However, you’ll first need to make sure you’re pregnant by taking a pregnancy test followed by a confirmation ultrasound to accurately date your pregnancy. The ultrasound determines the gestational age of the embryo.

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

The Abortion Pill is a non-surgical medical abortion that consists of two medications. Mifepristone is taken first, followed by either misoprostol or methotrexate a few days later. Mifepristone blocks the effects of progesterone which is needed for the fetus to grow. Misoprostol or methotrexate causes cramping in the uterus that expels the fetus.

Generally, the first pill, mifepristone, also known as the Abortion Pill, is a synthetic steroid. Some women experience light nausea from the hormonal impact of the drug. In contrast, the second pill, misoprostol, causes strong abdominal cramping to expel the embryo. Depending on your body and how advanced your pregnancy is, these cramps may be moderate to intense and can last for hours or more than a day.

Typically, most women have heavy bleeding for at least several hours. At some point, the bleeding will lessen and become more like a normal period. Vaginal bleeding on average lasts for 9-16 days and up to 8% of women may experience some bleeding for 30 days or more. You may also pass small or large clots, and see tissue, in addition to blood. This is an expected part of passing the pregnancy.  

The Side Effects

The side effects are painful cramping and bleeding. In some cases, women also experience nausea, fever, dizziness, and pelvic pain. Be aware, these are not all the possible side effects. In addition, many women feel varied emotional effects, such as grief, depression, and mood swings.

The Abortion Pill Vs. The Morning After Pill

Though they sound similar, the Abortion Pill is very different from the Morning After pill. The Morning After pill is available from drugstores and pharmacies without a prescription, and it is only effective before you become pregnant. This is why the Morning After pill is also referred to as “emergency contraception.” In contrast, the Abortion Pill is only available with a prescription from an abortion provider and can only be taken under medical supervision.

In summary, the Morning After Pill is used to try to prevent pregnancy from occurring and the Abortion Pill is used to terminate an existing pregnancy.

Can You Reverse The Abortion Pill?

If you’ve recently taken the Abortion Pill and you have regrets about your decision, it may not be too late to reverse it.

Recent studies show some success with reversing the effects of the pill by using the treatment of progesterone; however, this treatment is most effective if taken within 24 to 72 hours after the first abortion pill. Click here to read more about Abortion Pill Reversal.