The Abortion Pill

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

Although it’s referred to as a pill (singular), the abortion pill actually consists of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone is taken first, usually in a clinic. This medication cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing.

Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later at home. This medication causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo, which ends the pregnancy.

How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill?

You can’t take the abortion pill beyond 10 weeks of pregnancy (or 70 days since the first day of your last menstrual period)[1]. This is because it becomes less effective the farther along you are. If you take the abortion pill later on in your pregnancy, you could experience serious complications and may need emergency surgery to complete the procedure.

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Is Abortion Legal in North Carolina? Do I Need an Ultrasound Before Taking the Abortion Pill?

As of March 2023, abortion is legal in North Carolina for up to 12 weeks gestation, although exceptions can be made for cases of life endangerment, severely compromised physical health, rape, or incest[2]. You are also required to receive an ultrasound prior to abortion in North Carolina.

Do I Need a Prescription for the Abortion Pill? Can I Get the Abortion Pill Over the Counter?

Certain pharmacies are now authorized to dispense the abortion pill. However, you can’t purchase it over the counter like you would Tylenol or allergy relief medications. The FDA requires a prescription from a qualified physician in order to take the abortion pill[1].

Can I Order the Abortion Pill Online?

The FDA advises against ordering the abortion pill online. Many online abortion pill providers are located overseas, so the pills they provide may not meet FDA standards[1]. These pills could be counterfeit, expired, or even tampered with! It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid ordering the abortion pill online.

Abortion Pill Information in Asheboro, NC

When those two lines first appear, it can be easy to panic. Don’t let fear make the final decision for you! Get the care and support you deserve at Your Choices Randolph! We offer free pregnancy resources, so you can make an empowered decision for your unplanned pregnancy:

Free pregnancy tests
Free ultrasounds
A safe, non-judgemental place to explore your pregnancy options and share what’s on your mind

Give us a call at 336-736-8878, send a text to 336-948-1173 , or make an appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge!

Please be aware that Your Choices Randolph does not provide or refer for abortion services.

Make An Appointment

SOURCES:

Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, January 24). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
North Carolina Pro-Life Laws. Americans United for Life. (2022, November 10). Retrieved from https://aul.org/law-and-policy/state-spotlight/north-carolina/
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, September 3). Slide Show: Fetal Ultrasound. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/multimedia/fetal-ultrasound/sls-20076294?s=3#

Other Abortion Pill Information

The Abortion Pill – What is a Medical Abortion?

Sep 30, 2020 | Abortion Pill

You’ve found out you’re pregnant, and you are feeling overwhelmed. Now it’s really important to get accurate information. One of the options you may have heard about is the abortion pill, which is also known as a medical abortion. Two types of abortion exist –...