The abortion pill is also known as a medical abortion. There are two main types of abortions: medical abortions and surgical abortions. A medical abortion may be commonly called “the abortion pill” but it involves taking two types of abortion pills. These pills will terminate a pregnancy and are not the same as what is commonly known as the “morning-after pill” or Postinor, which is designed to prevent pregnancy.
Who is eligible for the abortion pill?
In countries where abortion is legal, women who are under 10 weeks into their pregnancy are eligible to take the abortion pill. After 10 weeks, women who wish to terminate their pregnancy may opt for a surgical abortion. Women with pre-existing medical conditions may not be eligible to take the abortion pill. Women who cannot receive the abortion pill include:
- women who are not willing to have an aspiration (surgical abortion) if the pill is not effective.
- women with an ectopic pregnancy or mass on their ovaries
- women on long-term corticosteroids
- women with certain genetic diseases
- women who are not able to understand the procedure or how to follow the directions
- women who will not have access to emergent medical treatment and facilities
- women who have a molar pregnancy, in which the placenta develops abnormally
- women who have heart, kidney, or liver problems
- women with severe adrenal gland problems
- women who currently have an IUD (though you can take the pill upon its removal)
- women with bleeding disorders, or those who are taking anti-clotting medications.
How Effective are abortion pills?
The abortion pill is very effective. When misoprostol and mifepristone are used together, they have about a 98 effectiveness rate. The age of the pregnancy, the medication doses and administration, and whether or not a woman has been pregnant before may impact the effectiveness. The effectiveness rate decreases for each additional week of pregnancy. While this effectiveness rate is high, it’s possible for a medical abortion to fail to terminate a pregnancy. In these cases, a woman would need to then undergo a surgical abortion. Also see: Can I Take Postinor 2 Twice In A Week?
Does Abortion Pills Damage the Womb?
Medical abortions are not 100 percent effective. Failed medical abortions require women to also undergo surgical abortions, and can result in infections. Bleeding and cramping may last longer than with a surgical abortion. They cannot also end a tubal or ectopic pregnancy. Abortion pills may cause the uterus to tear (uterine rupture) during pregnancy. The risk of uterine rupture increases as your pregnancy advances and if you have had surgery on the uterus, such as a Cesarean delivery. Rupture (tearing) of the uterus can result in severe bleeding, hysterectomy, and/or maternal or fetal death. SEE: Can Postinor 2 Fail to Prevent Pregnancy?
