What is the abortion pill?
Medication abortion — also called the abortion pill — is a safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy.
Where can I get the abortion pill?
You can get the abortion pill here by visting our website https://www.abortionsclinic.co.za/. Our caring doctors and nurses are experts at providing safe abortion and providing non-judgmental support throughout the process. Even if your local Planned Parenthood does not provide the abortion pill, you can call for more information about where to get it in your area.
When looking for a place to get an abortion, beware of “crisis pregnancy centers.” These fake clinics seem like medical centers that offer abortions or other pregnancy options, but they’re actually run by people who want to scare or shame people out of getting an abortion.
Depending on where you live, there may be age restrictions or waiting periods to get an abortion. You can ask about these when you call your doctor or health center.
How much does the abortion pill cost?
The abortion pill can cost up to around $1000, but is often less. The cost of a medication abortion varies and depends on where you get it and whether or not you have health insurance that will cover some or all of the cost.
Your abortion may be free or low cost with health insurance, but some insurance plans don’t cover abortions. You can call your insurance provider directly to find out their policies.
Some government health insurance plans in certain states (like Medicaid) cover abortion, but others do not. And some plans only cover abortion in certain cases. Your local Planned Parenthood health center can give you more information about coverage in your state, or other funds that can help you pay for your abortion. The professionals at Planned Parenthood work to give you the services you need, whether or not you have insurance. Many charge less for services depending on your income. If you’re worried about cost, call your local Planned Parenthood health center to see if they can get you health care that you can afford.
How does the abortion pill work?
“Abortion pill” is the common name for using two different medicines to end a pregnancy: mifepristone and misoprostol.
First, you take a pill called mifepristone. Pregnancy needs a hormone called progesterone to grow normally. Mifepristone blocks your body’s own progesterone, stopping the pregnancy from growing.
Then you take the second medicine, misoprostol, either right away or up to 48 hours later. This medicine causes cramping and bleeding to empty your uterus. It’s kind of like having a really heavy, crampy period, and the process is very similar to an early miscarriage. If you don’t have any bleeding within 24 hours after taking the second medicine, call your nurse or doctor.
Your doctor or nurse will give you both medicines at the health center. When and where you’ll take them depends on state laws and your health center's policies. Your doctor or nurse will give you detailed directions about where, when, and how to take the medicines. You may also get some antibiotics to prevent infection.
How effective is the abortion pill?
The abortion pill is very effective. The effectiveness depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy when you take the medicine.
For people who are 8 weeks pregnant or less, it works about 94-98 out of 100 times.
For people who are 8-9 weeks pregnant, it works about 94-96 out of 100 times.
For people who are 9-10 weeks pregnant, it works about 91-93 out of 100 times. If you're given an extra dose of medicine, it works about 99 out of 100 times.
For people who are 10-11 weeks pregnant, it works about 87 out of 100 times. If you're given an extra dose of medicine, it works about 98 out of 100 times.
The abortion pill usually works, but if it doesn’t, you can take more medicine or have an in-clinic abortion to complete the abortion.
When can I take the abortion pill?
You usually can get a medication abortion up to 77 days (11 weeks) after the first day of your last period. If it has been 78 days or more since the first day of your last period, you can have an in-clinic abortion to end your pregnancy.
Why do people choose the abortion pill?
Which kind of abortion you choose all depends on your personal preference and situation. With medication abortion, some people like that you don’t need to have a procedure in a doctor’s office. You can have your medication abortion at home or in another comfortable place that you choose. You get to decide who you want to be with during your abortion, or you can go it alone. Because medication abortion is similar to a miscarriage, many people feel like it’s more “natural” and less invasive.
Your doctor, nurse, or health center staff can help you decide which kind of abortion is best for you.
How does the abortion pill work?
The abortion pill causes cramping and bleeding that can last several hours or more. You can be at home, or wherever is comfortable for you. Plan on taking it easy for the day.
What do I need to do before I take the abortion pill?
Before you take the abortion pill, you’ll meet with your nurse, doctor, or health center staff to talk about whether abortion is the right decision for you, and what your abortion options are. You’ll get an exam and lab tests, and you may get an ultrasound to figure out how far into your pregnancy you are.
Your nurse or doctor will let you know if there’s anything else you need to do to prepare for your abortion. They’ll give you written instructions on how to take your pills. You will have access to a caring professional through the process — you’ll get a number you can call 24/7 if you have any questions or concerns.
You’ll have a lot of bleeding and cramping after you take the second medicine, so plan ahead to make the process more comfortable. You can be at home, or wherever is comfortable for you to rest. You may also want to have someone you trust with you (or nearby) that you can call for support if you need anything.
Stock up on maxi pads, food, books, movies, or whatever you like to help pass the time, and a heating pad for cramps. Make sure you have some pain medicine — but don’t take aspirin because it can make you bleed more.
What happens during a medication abortion?
The abortion pill process has several steps and includes two different medicines.
First, you take a pill called mifepristone. This medicine stops the pregnancy from growing. Some people feel nauseous or start bleeding after taking mifepristone, but it’s not common. Your doctor or nurse may also give you antibiotics to take to prevent infection.
The second medicine is called misoprostol. You’ll either take the misoprostol right away, or up to 48 hours after you take the first pill — your doctor or nurse will let you know how and when to take it. This medicine causes cramping and bleeding to empty your uterus.
For most people, the cramping and bleeding usually starts 1-4 hours after taking the misoprostol. It’s normal to see large blood clots (up to the size of a lemon) or clumps of tissue when this is happening. It’s kind of like having a really heavy, crampy period, and the process is very similar to an early miscarriage. (If you don’t have any bleeding within 24 hours after taking the second medicine, misoprostol, call your nurse or doctor.)
The cramping and bleeding can last for several hours. Most people finish passing the pregnancy tissue in 4-5 hours, but it may take longer. The cramping and bleeding slows down after the pregnancy tissue comes out. You may have cramping on and off for 1 or 2 more days.
You can take pain medicine like ibuprofen about 30 minutes before you take the second medicine, misoprostol, to help with cramps. You can also take anti-nausea medicine if your doctor or nurse gives it to you. Don’t take aspirin, because it can make you bleed more.
It’s normal to have some bleeding and spotting for several weeks after your abortion. You can use pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup — whatever's the most comfortable for you.
But your nurse or doctor may recommend you use pads for the first few days after the abortion so you can track how much you're bleeding.
The last step is a follow up with your nurse or doctor. You may go back into the health center for an ultrasound or blood test. Or you’ll get a pregnancy test to take at home, followed by a phone call with your nurse or doctor. These tests will make sure the abortion worked and that you’re healthy.
In the unlikely case that the abortion doesn't work and you're still pregnant, your doctor or nurse will discuss your options with you. You may need another dose of medication or to have an in-clinic procedure to complete the abortion.
How does a medication abortion feel?
For most people, medication abortion feels like having an early miscarriage. You might have:
- Lots of cramping and aches in your belly
- Very heavy bleeding with large clots (If you don’t have any bleeding within 24 hours after taking the second medicine, misoprostol, call your nurse or doctor.)
- An upset stomach and vomiting (Your doctor or nurse may give you medicine to help with nausea.)
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Mild fever (99-100° F) or chills on the day you take the misoprostol (If you have a fever after the day you take the misoprostol pills, call your doctor or health center right away.)
To help ease pain and make you more comfortable, you can:
- Take pain medication like ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). Don’t take aspirin because it can make your bleeding worse.
- Put a heating pad or hot water bottle on your belly.
- Take a shower.
- Sit on the toilet.
- Have someone rub your back.
The process
After you’ve been examined to confirm your pregnancy, and offered counseling, there are three options, depending on your personal choice and medical history.
A medical process (available from 4 to 9 weeks), where you are given a set of abortion tablets to take orally in the clinic, and a second set to take later at home. There is usually no need to return.
An early surgical method – a nurse uses a suction method to remove the pregnancy. The procedure takes five to 10 minutes and is available from 4 to 12 weeks. You go home the same day.
From 12 to 20 weeks, a surgical abortion is offered, where a doctor removes the pregnancy vaginally. The method used depends on how advanced your pregnancy is. Later abortions (after week 18) are done under general anaesthetic; for earlier ones you can request “conscious sedation” so you feel sleepy and relaxed. You go home the same day, but should be accompanied.
The Timeline
In the first trimester of pregnancy (until week 13), abortion is available on request, no reasons required, to any woman of any age. Parental consent is not required for under 18s, but they are advised to discuss it with a trusted adult, though they can decide not to.
In the second trimester (weeks 13 to 20), abortion is available only if your physical or mental health is at risk, the baby will have severe physical or mental abnormalities, the pregnancy is the result of incest or rape, or you are of the opinion that your social or economic position is enough reason to end the pregnancy. There’s no means test and this is a common enough situation – not being able to manage a child now.
In the third trimester (after week 20), abortion is available if your life or the life of the foetus is in danger, or there are likely to be severe birth defects.
The morning-after pill
This is not the same as an abortion pill. Instead of terminating a pregnancy, it prevents it by interfering hormonally with ovulation or fertilisation of the egg or sometimes with implantation. It must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, and is available over the counter at Clicks pharmacies. “It’s best to take it the next morning after unprotected sex – the sooner you take it, the more effective.
Where can I get the abortion pill?
You can get the abortion pill at many Planned Parenthood health centers. Our caring doctors and nurses are experts at providing safe abortion and providing non-judgmental support throughout the process. Even if your local Planned Parenthood does not provide the abortion pill, you can call for more information about where to get it in your area.
When looking for a place to get an abortion, beware of “crisis pregnancy centers.” These fake clinics seem like medical centers that offer abortions or other pregnancy options, but they’re actually run by people who want to scare or shame people out of getting an abortion.
Depending on where you live, there may be age restrictions or waiting periods to get an abortion. You can ask about these when you call your doctor or health center.
How much does the abortion pill cost?
The abortion pill can cost up to around $1000, but is often less. The cost of a medication abortion varies and depends on where you get it and whether or not you have health insurance that will cover some or all of the cost.
Your abortion may be free or low cost with health insurance, but some insurance plans don’t cover abortions. You can call your insurance provider directly to find out their policies.
Some government health insurance plans in certain states (like Medicaid) cover abortion, but others do not. And some plans only cover abortion in certain cases. Your local Planned Parenthood health center can give you more information about coverage in your state, or other funds that can help you pay for your abortion. The professionals at Planned Parenthood work to give you the services you need, whether or not you have insurance. Many charge less for services depending on your income. If you’re worried about cost, call your local Planned Parenthood health center to see if they can get you health care that you can afford.
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