Medication Abortion: Everything You Need to Know
Medication abortion is a non-invasive and effective method of ending a pregnancy in its early stages. It involves taking a combination of two medications that work together to terminate the pregnancy. In recent years, medication abortion has become increasingly popular, as it provides a safe and private option for those seeking to end a pregnancy. In 2020, more than half of all abortions in the US were medication abortions. That being said, there is still a lot of misinformation about medication abortion, especially in our current political landscape, leading to confusion and controversy. Today, I'm going to talk about everything you need to know about medication abortion, including how it works, its benefits and risks, its legal status, and what to expect during and after the procedure.
How Does Medication Abortion Work?
Medication abortion consists of two pills, Mifepristone and Misoprostol. Mifepristone is taken first and works by blocking progesterone, a hormone that's necessary to maintain a pregnancy. This breaks down the uterine lining, stopping the growth of the embryo. After 24 to 48 hours, Misoprostol is taken, which causes the uterus to contract and release pregnancy tissue.
What Are The Benefits Of Medication Abortion?
There are several benefits to choosing medication abortion over other methods. Firstly, it is non-invasive, meaning it doesn't require any surgical procedures or anesthesia. Additionally, it can be done at home, allowing for more privacy and comfort. It is also a relatively quick procedure, with a completion rate of around 95% within the first two weeks.
What Are The Side Effects Of Medication Abortion?
While medication abortion is safe, there are some side effects involved. The most common include cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Recovery looks different for everybody, but most people report feeling back to normal by just the next day. In rare cases, the procedure may not be successful, which may require follow-up care or surgery. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the signs of a severe allergic reaction, which can include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and rash or hives. Keep in mind that there's just a 0.4% risk of any major complications, though. Medication abortion is even said to be safer than Tylenol.
What Can You Expect During and After The Procedure?
After taking the medication, you will likely experience cramping and bleeding, which can last for several hours. It may feel like a heavy period. This is the body's natural way of expelling the pregnancy tissue. After the procedure, taking care of yourself and monitoring your symptoms is important. You may experience bleeding for up to two weeks after taking the medication, as well as cramping and other side effects. It's recommended, but absolutely not required, to schedule a follow-up with your healthcare provider two weeks after the procedure to confirm that everything went smoothly and the process was successful.
Is Medication Abortion Legal?
In post-Roe America, medication abortion is still legal, albeit with restrictions that differ from state to state. Even if abortion is banned or heavily restricted in your state, medication abortion is probably still a viable option for you. Visit this link for more information on abortion pill access specific to your state: https://www.plancpills.org/find-pills
Additionally, visit the links below to access and learn more about online medication abortion care:
Conclusion
Medication abortion is extremely safe and effective, it's just a simple fact. Remember, abortion is a human right and still legal in most states. This is your choice, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with getting an abortion. It's normal, so don't let these wrinkly, sexist farts in Congress make you think otherwise.