Abortion Pill
Abortion Pill Information Indiana
Choices Life Resource Center provides information about the abortion pill and abortion procedures so you can understand how they work and what the risks may be. We also offer free pregnancy and sexual health services to support you if you are facing an unexpected pregnancy. Ultrasounds are often a required step before any abortion procedure, and we provide this service at no cost. Same-day appointments may be available.
Abortion access in Indiana is very limited. State law only permits abortion in rare circumstances, such as when the mother’s life or serious health is at risk, in cases of lethal fetal anomaly, or in pregnancies caused by rape or incest (up to 10 weeks). Indiana law also prohibits abortion through telemedicine and does not allow the abortion pill to be mailed.
If you are considering your options, we encourage you to schedule a confidential appointment with our medical team. We will provide fact-based, compassionate information so you can make an informed decision. Please note that we do not provide abortion services or the abortion pill, and we never profit from your choice.
ABORTION PILL INFORMATION
Medication abortion (also called the abortion pill, Mifeprex™) is FDA approved for up to 70 days (10 weeks pregnant) after the start of your last menstrual period.
- The “pill” is actually a protocol that involves taking two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, which are taken in two separate doses on different days.
- It is not available through a pharmacy, but is only available by an authorized provider.
- The FDA strongly cautions against the use of mifepristone obtained over the Internet.3
- Because of complications, the FDA keeps close track.4
- The abortion pill is not the same as the emergency contraception.
- For women who change their minds after taking just the mifepristone, it may be possible to rescue the pregnancy. For more information, see: The Abortion Pill Reversal.
How it works – The first medication, mifepristone, blocks progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that is necessary for the pregnancy to survive. Without progesterone, the embryo eventually dies over the next several days. The second medication, misoprostol, causes bleeding and cramping, expelling the embryo and uterine contents.
Side effects – Cramping and bleeding are expected. Bleeding lasts an average of 9 to 16 days. Other possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, weakness, dizziness and headache.
Complications – In 1% of women, bleeding is so heavy a surgical procedure called a D&C is required to stop the bleeding. Life-threatening infection has occurred in a small number of women who used the abortion pill protocol. Before taking any medication, you should discuss the risks with your doctor and know what to do if complications arise.
Follow-up – It is important to follow-up with your doctor 1 to 2 weeks after taking this medication regime to see if an abortion has occurred and to assess for complications.
REFRENCES
MEDICAL ABORTION
Information taken from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2016). “Mifeprex Medication Guide.” U.S. Department of Health. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
2. Viability is generally considered about 24 weeks from a woman’s LMP. See https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/overview-abortion-laws
3. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
4. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
We provide you the information you need to make an informed decision.
