This form of abortion is more convenient, accessible and is becoming increasingly popular during the pandemic.
Life activists like YOU should know the changing face of abortion. That is, the abortion pill.
THE ABORTION PILL
AKA: Chemical abortion, medical abortion, self- managed abortion, do-it-yourself abortion, RU486, mifepristone/misoprosto
When: Prior to 10 weeks of pregnancy
Where: After a clinic visit, doctors prescribe a series of medications to take at home.
Price: Around $500
How: The first medication breaks down the lining
THE MORNING-AFTER PILL
AKA: Plan “B”, emergency contraception (NOT the Abortion Pill)
When: Within 72 hours of unprotected sex
Where: Over-the-counter pharmacy or online
Price: $12-$50
How: Can prevent ovulation and/or fertilization of an egg
THE STORY
Meredith Hall, Director of Clinic Services
About 40 percent of abortions in the U.S. are now through the abortion pill. Our clients ask about it nearly every day. It seems so simple in theory: Pop a pill and make it all go away. The truth is much more complex.
We educate clients that this chemical abortion actually requires a series of pills and clinic visits before 10 weeks of pregnancy. After 10 weeks, a surgical abortion is required. Clients often grimace and shake their heads at the idea of an invasive surgical procedure, but the physical and emotional risks of the abortion pill should not be discounted.
The abortion industry calls it the “do-it-yourself” or “self-managed” abortion. It’s 95-98% effective and is considered the “safer” choice by abortion providers. However, it brings risk of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy that can only be diagnosed by a physician through sonography and labs. It can also bring hemorrhage, infection, and incomplete abortions requiring surgical intervention (Mayo Clinic). That’s why the FDA recommends medical supervision and Texas requires three clinic visits for abortion pill prescriptions. Even so, many websites are selling the medication online.
There is hope. Abortion Pill Reversal treatment is becoming more available in the area. That’s where Rachel* found hope after calling Thrive at the height of the coronavirus pandemic this spring. She welcomed prayer, but she was still determined to abort since her boyfriend revealed he is married. Staff continued to pray. She called back after having taken the first abortion pill.
“I immediately regretted my decision,” Rachel said, describing a traumatizing experience in the abortion clinic where women were “herded through like cattle.”
That day, she called the Abortion Pill Reversal hotline, which led her to a local clinic to start the reversal medication. She later emailed her Thrive nurse to report healthy sonograms.