Abortion Pill Southern Maryland

Care Net Pregnancy Center of Southern Maryland provides information on the abortion pill and abortion pill costs in Maryland. We offer free pregnancy and sexual health services in Lexington Park.

CALL

TEXT

Abortion Pill Information

Medication abortion also called the abortion pill, can be taken up to 70 days (10 weeks pregnant). The pill (two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol) is taken in two doses, one typically at a doctor’s office and the other at home. 1

The FDA strongly cautions people against buying drugs from certain Internet pharmacies and specifically warns people not to buy Mifeprex, or the generic version (mifepristone) on the Internet because it bypasses safeguards.2,3

Medical abortion isn’t an option if you:4

  • Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place.
  • Have a concern that the pregnancy is outside of the uterus. This is called ectopic pregnancy and can be life-threatening.
  • Learn about the risk factors and signs of an ectopic pregnancy.5
  • Are further along in your pregnancy than 10 weeks. The FDA has only approved the abortion pill for up to 10 weeks from the LMP. Taking the abortion pill later in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of complications, such as an incomplete abortion or severe bleeding.6
  • Have certain medical problems including: bleeding disorders, severe liver or kidney disease, known cardiac disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.
  • Take certain medications including blood thinners or steroids.
  • Are allergic to the medicines used.

The gestational age of the pregnancy determines the types of abortion procedures typically used. 

The abortion pill can be reversed if action is taken after the first dose. More information is available at abortionpillreversal.com.

REFERENCES

1. MEDICAL ABORTION
Information taken from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2016). “Mifeprex Medication Guide.” U.S. Department of Health. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
2. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/how-buy-medicines-safely-online-pharmacy
3. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
4. Mayo Clinic. (2022, July 29). Medical abortion: Before Using. Mayo Clinic – Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
Physician’s Desk Reference. (2022). Korlym (mifepristone) Contraindications dose, indications, adverse effects, interactions… from PDR.net. https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Korlym-mifepristone-2928#11
Physician’s Desk Reference Guide. (2022). Cytotec (misoprostol) dose, indications, adverse effects, interactions… from PDR.net. https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Cytotec-misoprostol-1044.430#11 
5. Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). Ectopic pregnancy – Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088 
6. Mentula MJ, Niinimäki M, Suhonen S, Hemminki E, Gissler M, Heikinheimo O. Immediate adverse events after second trimester medical termination of pregnancy: results of a nationwide registry study. Hum Reprod. 2011 Apr;26(4):927-32. doi: 10.1093/humrep/der016. Epub 2011 Feb 11. PMID: 21317416.

CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION – NO COST TO YOU

MEDICAL ABORTION

Medication abortion (also called the abortion pill) can be taken up to 70 days (10 weeks pregnant) after the start of your last menstrual period.

Abortion Pill Facts:

  • The abortion pill is formally called RU-486 and was approved by the FDA in 2000; it is also called a medical or chemical termination.
  • The abortion pill is actually a regimen of two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, taken in two separate doses.
  • The abortion pill is approved up to 10 weeks gestation, but some abortion providers may prescribed this regimen at later gestations of pregnancy.
  • It is not an option for people with certain medical conditions.
  • The abortion pill is not the same as the emergency contraceptive, The Morning After Pill or Plan B One Step.
  • Abortion pill reversals possible if prompt action is taken after the first dose and less successfully after the second dose. 

Action – The first medication, Mifeprex (mifepristone), blocks progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that is necessary for the pregnancy to survive. Without progesterone, the embryo dies. The second medication, Cytotec (misoprostol), causes cramping and cervical dilation which leads to expulsion of the embryo and uterine contents.

Side effects – Cramping and bleeding are expected. Bleeding may be like a heavy period. Bleeding can last 9 to 16 days and possibly up to 30 days. Other possible side effects include excessive bleeding, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, weakness, dizziness and headache.

Complications – Possible complications include heavy bleeding requiring surgery to stop the bleeding, and serious infection. Before taking any medication, you should discuss the risks with your doctor and know what do to if complications arise.

Follow-up – It is important to follow-up with your doctor after taking this medication regimen to see if an abortion has been completed and to monitor for complications.

SURGICAL ABORTION
In general, surgical abortions are performed by dilating the cervix and passing instruments through the cervix and into the uterus to suction, grasp, pull, and remove the pregnancy. The exact procedure is determined by the fetus’ stage of growth. The different types of procedures are as follows: 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Aspiration/Suction 23,24 – Up to 13 weeks estimated gestational age. 
Most early surgical terminations are performed using this method. Local anesthesia is typically offered to reduce pain. The abortion involves dilating the cervix, passing a tube inside the uterus, and attaching it to suction device which pulls out the embryo and pregnancy contents. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Dilation and Evacuation 25,26 (D&E) – 13 weeks estimated gestational age and up. 
Most second trimester terminations are performed using this method. Local anesthesia, oral, or intravenous pain medications and sedation are commonly used. Besides the need to dilate the cervix much wider, the main difference between this procedure and a first trimester abortion is the use of forceps to grasp fetal parts and remove the fetus in pieces. D&E is associated with a much higher risk of complications compared to a first trimester surgical abortion.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                D&E After Viability 27-29 – 21 weeks estimated gestational age and up. 
This procedure typically takes 2–3 days and is associated with increased risk to the life and health of the mother. General anesthesia is usually recommended, if available. Drugs may be injected into the fetus or the amniotic fluid to stop the fetus’ heart before starting the procedure. The cervix is dilated wide, the amniotic sac is broken, and forceps are used to dismember the fetus. The “Intact D&E” pulls the fetus out legs first, then compresses the skull in order to remove the fetus in one piece.
[/db_pb_accordion]
Confidential Consultation
At your appointment, you will receive a lab-quality pregnancy test initially. If the test is positive, you will be offered an ultrasound. A free ultrasound can confirm a viable pregnancy and estimate how far along you are. If you are contemplating abortion, an ultrasound will provide crucial information to help you understand your options better. Speak with a nurse today.

Contact Form Client
How May We Help You? *
How May We Contact You? *
May we call or text you back? *

Learn more about abortion procedures and abortion costs in Maryland.

Kara Turing

Kara Turing

Registered Nurse: RN, BSN

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by one of our registered nurses: Kara Turing

It’s your right. Know your options.

FREE & CONFIDENTIAL APPOINTMENT