Medical abortion, known as “the abortion pill,” is a method for terminating a pregnancy up to ten weeks or 70 days of pregnancy.
Here are some facts you might not know about the procedure.
You can also visit Pathways Clinic to confirm your pregnancy and talk in a confidential setting about your options. We’re here to support you.
4 Facts You Might Not Know
#1. Medical abortion was first approved in 2000.
In 2000, the FDA approved medical abortion. However, it was originally only approved for up to seven weeks of pregnancy. It’s since been extended to ten weeks.
However, cases in the past few years have raised questions about whether the FDA should have extended the approved timeframe to ten weeks or left it at seven with more safety precautions.
#2. It’s possible to see the fetus.
While medical websites often leave this out in their procedure descriptions, it is possible to see the fetus during a medical abortion. There are stories on social media and Reddit that share personal experiences.
#3. Blood clots up to the size of a lemon are considered normal.
Medical abortion triggers the uterus to contract followed by vaginal bleeding to expel the pregnancy. The bleeding can include large blood clots up to the size of a lemon. Any larger than a lemon, and women should visit their local emergency rooms or call their doctors.
#4. Medical abortion can’t treat ectopic pregnancies.
Ectopic pregnancies are non-viable pregnancies that implant and grow outside the uterus. Because they’re not inside the uterus, medical abortion pills cannot treat this condition.
Women should always receive ultrasounds before taking the abortion pill to protect them from having untreated ectopic pregnancies, which occur in 1 in 50 or 2% of pregnancies.
There’s More to Know
We shared facts about the abortion pill that might not be known, but there are more facts that should be considered, including the risks, side effects, the procedure, and the healing process. You can read more about abortion on our abortion page.
Schedule a free-of-charge appointment to talk in person today. We can verify your pregnancy with an ultrasound and help safeguard your health. You deserve to make an informed and confident choice.