The abortion pill – Approved by the FDA through 10 weeks of pregnancy but availability is often extended beyond that limit.

The abortion pill goes by many names, including medication abortion, early medical abortion, RU-486, Mifeprex (mifepristone) and misoprostol, and chemical abortion. When used beyond the first trimester, laminaria (small rods) may be used to dilate the cervix and sometimes digoxin is injected into the baby during the abortion process.

Note: Mifepristone is approved by the FDA for use up to 10 weeks after your last menstrual

  period, but abortion providers may choose to offer the procedure later than that. Misoprostol has not been approved for use in pregnancy.

The abortion pill regiment typically requires taking two drugs; the most drugs used in pregnancy are mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone lowers progesterone to unsafe levels in pregnancy. Progesterone is a hormone that plays an important role in sustaining a pregnancy and in a baby's development. In a chemical abortion, milepristone is followed by misoprostol, which is meant to cause uterine contractions with symptoms of severe cramping and bleeding. When and how these medications are administered may vary based on the laws in your area, and the procedures of the clinic you choose. Women who choose the abortion pill are often responsible for self-managing some (or all) of the procedure, so it’s important to gather as much information as possible as you make a decision about your pregnancy.

In order to make sure you’re safe, here are a few things you can do ahead of time:

1. Make sure that you are pregnant. Have you had a pregnancy test yet? If so, have you had an ultrasound? Some women seek abortion unnecessarily before confirming they are pregnant.

2. Did your ultrasound confirm that your pregnancy is growing inside your uterus? The abortion pill will not typically end an ectopic pregnancy, and your life could be in danger if you do not receive immediate treatment for an ectopic pregnancy.

If you’re not sure whether you are pregnant, we offer free pregnancy testing.

3. Know how far along you are. Always ask for a doctor or other qualified medical professional (registered nurse or sonographer) for an ultrasound to make sure you’re pregnant and within the 10 weeks the FDA requires.

Not sure where to get an ultrasound? Call us today. We can help.

4. Learn about the procedure. Ask the abortion provider what their procedure is for chemical abortion.

Our center can offer education about abortion.

5. Know your options. Making an abortion decision is not easy, and you do have alternatives. Educating yourself on all options is empowering.

Whenever you need us, we can help.

6. Stay Safe. Seek medical attention after an abortion if you have any of these symptoms:

· Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours 

· Severe abdominal or back pain

· Fever lasting more than 24 hours

· Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

7. If you’ve already taken the abortion pill, contact us for support resources.

8. If you have recently taken the abortion pill and are having regret, it may be possible to undo the effects of abortion drugs. Learn more here. 

A surgical procedure removes the fetus from the uterus through the vagina. The procedure is typically done using suction or an instrument called a curet. Different processes are used depending on the gestational age of your pregnancy. If you are unsure how far along you are, contact us for a free ultrasound to confirm your dates.

The type of surgical abortion you have will depend on how far along you are. Suction abortion (also called vacuum aspiration) is the most common while Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) is another kind of in-clinic abortion procedure often used for pregnancies late in the second trimester.

Here are some steps to a typical surgical abortion:

Depending on how far along you are, dilators (rods) might be used to open the cervix prior to the abortion.

You will be on the exam table in the same position used for a pelvic exam, with your feet on stirrups while lying on your back.

The abortion provider will insert a speculum into the vagina.

The vagina and cervix will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.

A numbing medicine (local anesthetic) will often be injected in the cervix.

Sometimes other medicines for pain or sedation will be given by mouth or through a vein. The abortion provider will grasp the cervix with an instrument to hold the uterus in place. Your cervix will then be opened (dilated) with a small instrument.

A tube (cannula) will be inserted into the cervical canal, and suction will be used to remove the baby and pregnancy tissue from the uterus. During this process, the uterus will contract which will cause cramping. Some women also may have nausea or sweating or feel faint.

Sometimes a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure is needed after a vacuum aspiration if all of the tissue has not been removed. D&C uses a sharp surgical instrument to clear tissue from the uterus.

In order to make sure you’re safe, here are a few things you can do ahead of time:

1. Make sure that you are pregnant. Have you had a pregnancy test yet? If so, have you ultrasound? Some women seek abortion unnecessarily before finding out that they are 

pregnant.

2. Know how far along you are. Always ask for a doctor or other qualified medical professional (registered nurse or sonographer) to provide an ultrasound to confirm your dates.

Not sure where to get an ultrasound? Call us today. We can help.

3. Learn about the procedure. Ask the abortion provider what procedure will be used for your abortion. You can ask as many questions as needed to understand the process.

Our center can offer education about abortion. Please contact us today for an appointment.

4. Know your options. Making an abortion decision is not easy, and you do have alternatives. Educating yourself on all options is empowering.

5. Stay Safe. Seek medical attention after an abortion if you have any of these symptoms:

· Heavy bleeding - soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours

· Signs of infection such as headache, muscle aches, dizziness, or a general feeling of illness. Severe infection is possible without fever.

· Severe pain in the abdomen Hot flushes or a fever

· Vomiting lasting more than 4 to 6 hours 

· Sudden abdominal swelling or rapid heart rate

· Vaginal discharge that has increased in amount or smells bad 

· Pain, swelling, or redness in the genital area

· Bleeding lasting longer than 2 weeks 

· New, unexplained symptoms

· No menstrual period within 6 weeks 

· Signs and symptoms of depression.

Whenever you need us, we can help.

If you are thinking about your pregnancy decision, you are not alone. There are many options available to you. At our center, we are here to talk with you about any choices you would like to discuss including abortion, adoption, or parenting. As with any medical procedure, it is important to understand what the abortion entails, side effects, possible risks, complications, and alternatives. If you are ready to talk to someone about your situation, contact us and we can provide you with confidential help.

Also called - Aftera, Fallback Solo, Econtra EZ, Opcicon, My Way, Next Choice One Dose, Plan B One Step, Ella, Preventeza, React and Take Action

EEmergency contraception, commonly called the morning-after pill or day-after pill, is a high dosage of synthetic hormone. The way emergency contraception works varies based on when it is used within your cycle. Its use can end a pregnancy prior to or shortly after implantation.

Emergency contraception is not always effective in preventing pregnancy.

The morning-after pill is not a form of regular birth control, and the manufacturers advise that it is not intended to be taken on a regular basis. It does not offer lasting protection for any subsequent sexual encounters.

Women most commonly seek emergency contraceptives when they fear pregnancy, such as when:

A contraceptive method was desired but not used.

A contraceptive failure—a condom broke, diaphragm or cervical cap breakage, or a barrier contraceptive slippage.

Birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections are started late or dislodged. Failed withdrawal.

Expulsion of an IUD or implant.

Sexual assault; forced sexual intercourse.

Hormonal emergency contraception works to thin the lining of the uterus and sometimes prevent ovulation. During the time of your cycle when you can conceive, it often fails to act as a contraceptive & acts instead as an abortifacient.

High doses of synthetic hormones may carry health risks. If you have any existing health conditions, be sure to discuss these with your doctor before you buy or take emergency contraception. Side effects of hormonal emergency contraception, which typically last a few days, can include headache, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, breast tenderness, changes in menstrual bleeding, and abdominal pain.

If you have noticed any unexpected side effects, such as heavy bleeding, seek medical

attention right away.

If you weigh more than 155 lbs, certain types of emergency contraception may not lower your chances of getting pregnant.

A Copper IUD (ParaGard T 380A) is a T-shaped intrauterine device also used as emergency contraception. When inserted after ovulation, a copper IUD is used to prevent implantation of the developing embryo.

Contact us today to talk to someone about your concerns.

Emergency contraception does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

These products are not the same as RU-486, which is the abortion pill.

If you’ve already taken emergency contraception, do not be alarmed if your period is late or not a normal period for you. Because the lining of the uterus has been temporarily thinned by this drug, sometimes a period is missed or is different. Also, some women may have spotting or bleeding before their next period. Contact us today if you need a free pregnancy test.

After using emergency contraception there is still a chance that a pregnancy could occur. If you have not had a period within three weeks of using emergency contraception, contact us. We are here to help you regardless of your situation.

Your choices are entirely in your control. We’re glad you started here. Call or chat with us now if you’d like to talk more!

Whenever you need us, we can help.

References

American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Embryocidal potential of modern contraceptives. Professional Ethics Committee of AAPLOG, 7, 1-29. https://aaplog.org/wp- content/uploads/2020/01/FINAL-CO-7-Embryocidal-Potential-of-Modern-Contraception-1.20.20.pdf

American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). How pregnancy occurs. https://americanpregnancy.org/getting- pregnant/how-pregnancy-occurs/

Cleveland Clinic. (2022, July 1). Morning-after pill. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23386-morning- after-pill

Drugs.com. (2023, April 10). Emergency contraception: What you need to know. https://www.drugs.com/article/emergency-contraceptive-pill.html

Drugs.com. (2022, November 14). Morning after side effects. https://www.drugs.com/sfx/morning-after-side- effects.html

Drugs.com. (2022, August 22). Paraguard prescribing information. https://www.drugs.com/pro/paragard.html

Mayo Clinic. (2022, June 3). Morning-after pill. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after- pill/about/pac-20394730

Option Line. (n.d.). Emergency contraception. https://optionline.org/emergency-contraception

U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2022, December 23). Plan b one-step (1.5 mg levonorgestrel)

information. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/plan-b-one-step- 15-mg-levonorgestrel-information

Watts, E. (2023, April 14). Birth control with up to 92% lower hormone doses could still be effective. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/birth-control-with-up-to-92-lower-hormone-doses-could-still-be- effective

Whalen, K. & Rose, R. (2012). Ulipristal (ella) for emergency contraception. American Family Physician, 86(4), 365-

369. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2012/0815/p365.html

Workowski, K. A., Bachmann, L. H., Chan, P. A., Johnston, C. M., Muzny, C. A., Park, I., Reno, H., Zenilman, J. M., & Bolan, G. A. (2021). Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR): Recommendations and Reports, 70(4), 1-187. http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1

Life After Abortion

Every person’s experience with abortion and the grief that might accompany it is unique. Some people feel emotions immediately, and others may not for months or years later. Still, others may feel nothing at all. We are here to help you regardless of your situation.

After an abortion, some people feel relief, shame, regret, denial, numbness, anger, anxiety, sadness, or depression. Some people feel one or two of these emotions, and some people feel many of these emotions. Your feelings are unique to you, and you are entitled to your emotions surrounding your abortion. You do not have to hide them or be afraid to share.

Whenever you need us, we can help. Contact us today if you need assistance processing these feelings about your abortion.

Family, Friends, and Others Affected by Abortion

Family members, boyfriends, spouses, and friends who have been affected by another person’s abortion choice may feel many of the emotions mentioned here. They may also feel helplessness, regret, and blame. Your feelings surrounding another person’s abortion are important and valid.

No matter how you are processing your abortion or the abortion of someone else, many find it helpful to talk about their experience and feelings in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. For anyone affected by abortion, there is help, healing, and hope available without shame and judgment. You are not alone. No matter where you are in your after-abortion journey, it is never too late or too soon to discuss your decision with someone who understands and is willing to listen.

Help, Healing, and Hope

We are here to provide support and care after your abortion experience. Everything is confidential, and no one will be notified that you have contacted us. We can even assist you in finding support outside of your local area if that is more comfortable for you. Your privacy is important to us. As always, all our services are free of charge.

If you choose to discuss your abortion, you will meet confidentially with someone who is trained to support women and men who have been affected by abortion and offer help and compassion. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable. You will receive love and support from people who have been in your situation and understand what you are going through.

We are here because we understand the factors that contributed to your abortion choice. We care about your happiness, health, and well-being.

Giving a voice to your abortion experience can change how you view the decision that you made and give you courage to live in your freedom. Contact us today. We are here to help you.

3/10/26, 12:17 PM Abortion Recovery | Life Choices Care Center - Greenfield, IN

References

Abortion Changes You. (n.d.). Explore emotions. https://yourabortionexperience.org/en/healing-pathways/explore- emotions

American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2019). Abortion and mental health. Practice Bulletin: Evidence Directing Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 7, 1-10. https://aaplog.org/wp- content/uploads/2019/12/FINAL-Abortion-Mental-Health-PB7.pdf

Drake, K. (2022, July 25). Coping with grief and depression after an abortion. Psych

Central. https://psychcentral.com/depression/understanding-abortion-grief-and-the-recovery-process

Louise, K., Due, C., Oxlad, M., & Middleton, P. (2020). Men’s grief following pregnancy loss and neonatal loss: A systematic review and emerging theoretical model. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 20(11). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-019-2677-9

Mayo Clinic. (2022, December 13). Complicated grief. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/complicated- grief/symptoms-causes/syc-20360374

Option Line. (n.d.). After abortion support. https://optionline.org/after-abortion-support

Reardon, D. C. & Craver, C. (2021). Effects of pregnancy loss on subsequent postpartum mental health: A prospective longitudinal cohort study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 2179. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18042179

Support After Abortion. (n.d.). Research. https://supportafterabortion.com/resources/research/

References

Abortion Pill Reversal. (n.d.). https://abortionpillreversal.com/

American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (n.d.). AAPLOG statement on dismemberment abortion bans. https://aaplog.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/AAPLOG- Statement-on-DE-bans.pdf

American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (n.d.). AAPLOG statement on the necessity for informed consent before elective procedures on the pregnant woman. https://aaplog.org/aaplog-statement-on-the-necessity-for-informed-consent-before-elective- procedures-on-the-pregnant-woman/

American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (n.d.). AAPLOG statement on the necessity for ultrasound before elective procedures on the pregnant woman. https://aaplog.org/aaplog-statement-on-the-necessity-for-ultrasound-before-elective- procedures-on-the-pregnant-woman/

American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020, February). Medication abortion. AAPLOG Practice Guideline, 8, 1-17. https://aaplog.org/wp- content/uploads/2023/01/PG-8-Medication-Abortion.pdf

American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2022, November). The reversal of the effects of mifepristone by progesterone. AAPLOG Practice Guideline, 6, 1-5. https://aaplog.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PG-6-Reversal-of-the-Effects-of- Mifepristone-by-Progesterone.pdf

American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Fetal development: How to calculate gestational age.

https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/while-pregnant/fetal-development/

American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). I need help with an unplanned pregnancy.

https://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/getting-help/

American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). What is hcg?. https://americanpregnancy.org/getting- pregnant/hcg-levels/

Chasen, S. T., Kalish, R. B., Gupta, M., Kaufman, J. E., Rashbaum, W. K., & Chervenak, F. A. (2004). Dilation and evacuation at ≥20 weeks: Comparison of operative techniques. American

Cleveland Clinic. (2022, September 28). Ultrasound in pregnancy.

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

Healthwise Staff. (2021, November 22). Dilation and evacuation (D&E). C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital: University of Michigan Health. https://www.mottchildren.org/health-library/tw2462

Healthwise Staff. (2021, November 22). Vacuum aspiration for abortion. University of Michigan Health. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tw1078

Mayo Clinic. (2021, October 19). Dilation and curettage (D&C). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac- 20384910#std120864-sec

Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). Ectopic pregnancy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088

Mayo Clinic. (2022, July 29). Medical abortion. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests- procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687

Mayo Clinic. (2021, December 03). Symptoms of pregnancy: What happens first. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of- pregnancy/art-20043853

Option Line. (n.d.). Abortion safety checklist. https://optionline.org/options/abortion- overview/abortion-safety-checklist/

Option Line. (n.d.). Considering abortion. https://optionline.org/options/abortion-overview/

Option Line. (n.d.). Medication abortion. https://optionline.org/options/abortion- overview/medication-abortion/

Option Line. (n.d.). Surgical abortions. https://optionline.org/options/abortion- overview/surgical-abortions/

Option Line. (n.d.). What are my pregnancy options?. https://optionline.org/options

Option Line. (n.d.). When should I take a pregnancy test?.

https://optionline.org/pregnant/pregnancy-tests

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023, April 24). Depression.

https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/depression

 Tufa, T. H., Prager, S., Lavelanet, A. F., & Kim, C. (2020). Drugs used to induce fetal demise prior to abortion: A systematic review. Contracept X, 2, 100046. Doi: 10.1016/j.conx.2020.100046

100046

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

Villines, Z. (2023, February 21). Signs of womb damage after abortion. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/signs-of-womb-damage-after-abortion#is-it- possible