How to Prepare for an Abortion Pill

If you’re pregnant and considering abortion, you may already know the abortion pill is an option. Before moving forward with a medical abortion, there are a few important things to understand so you can make the choice that feels right for you.

Need answers now? Chat with a Nurse free of charge by texting (802) 883-3636.

Medical Abortion Checklist

1. Be Certain YOu Are Actually Pregnant

This may feel obvious, but when emotions are high, it’s easy to take quick action before confirming what’s truly going on. A home pregnancy test can be helpful, but it doesn’t always provide a complete picture.

A lab-quality pregnancy test and an ultrasound are the most reliable ways to confirm pregnancy. You should never take the abortion pill without confirming that you are pregnant, and it should always be taken under the guidance of a medical professional.

2. Know the Status and Stage of Fetal Development

About 10–20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage.¹ While a positive pregnancy test shows that pregnancy hormones are present, an ultrasound is essential to confirm that the pregnancy is viable—that it has not miscarried and is not ectopic.²

Ultrasound imaging also determines how far along you are in your pregnancy. Because the FDA approves the abortion pill only through 70 days of gestation,³ this step is important to ensure you are still within the recommended timeframe.

3. Make Sure THis is YOur Decision

Pregnancy decisions affect your body, your well-being, and your future. You may be hearing conflicting opinions or feeling pressure from people around you.

But ultimately, this is your decision. No one—whether a partner, friend, or family member—has the right to force or threaten you into choosing abortion.

If you’re feeling pressured, The Women’s Center provides a supportive, confidential place to talk with a Nurse Advocate who will listen without judgment. We’re here to give you space, clarity, and accurate information so you can make the choice that feels right for you.

4. Know The Risks

A Chemical or Medical Abortion (Up to a 3 day process) runs a series of risks.

Highest chance of complications of any abortion method
Incomplete abortion (which means some tissue is left in the uterus after the abortion, risking serious complications and surgery up to 13% of the time)
Abdominal pain
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Weakness, dizziness, and headache
Fever and chills
Severe or prolonged bleeding
Infection of the uterus and sepsis
Uterine rupture (tearing open), requiring another surgery and possible removal of the uterus
Death

Abortion Consultation Services

If you have questions—or if you’re ready to talk through the abortion pill and your options in a safe, professional, and confidential setting—The Women’s Center is here for you.

We offer a range of services free of charge, including:

To get started or to talk with a Nurse Advocate, text (802) 883-3636. We’re here to guide you through every step with compassion and support.

NOTE: If you've already taken the abortion pill and you're feeling regret, abortion pill reversal is a real viable option for continuing your pregnancy. You can reach out to their hotline at 1-877-558-0333.

Sources:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes

2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9704-ultrasound-in-pregnancy

3.https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation

4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594