Abortion Information

Abortion is a serious medical procedure, so you owe it to yourself to get complete information. If you’re considering an abortion, here is what you need to know:

• Are you really pregnant?
• Is your pregnancy normal? Or are you at risk for a natural miscarriage? Or do you have a tubal pregnancy requiring immediate medical attention?
• How far along are you?

Our nurse or a trained advocate can help you understand your pregnancy decisions. She is trained to explain:

• Types of abortion procedures
• Medical health risks
• Other possible risks (such as mental, emotional or spiritual outcomes)
• Questions to ask the abortion provider
• You will have accurate and current facts and the support you need to make the best decision. We are always here if you have any more questions or need additional support.

Morning After Pill (“Plan B”)

Before taking the Morning After Pill, you need to understand what it is, what it could mean to your health and how it works. Stop by. Call. Send a text. Let’s talk about your options.

Plan B is believed to act as an emergency contraceptive principally by preventing ovulation or fertilization. In addition, it may inhibit implantation. It is not effective once the process of implantation has begun. (Not sure what this means? Let’s talk. Our nurse can explain the process, and there’s never a cost to visit our office.)

• Emergency contraception is not effective if a woman is already pregnant (implantation has occurred).
• Plan B does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
• The most common side effects in the Plan B clinical trial were nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, and menstrual changes.
• The manufacturer warns that Plan B is not recommended for routine use as a contraceptive.
• The manufacturer also recommends a pregnancy test to confirm whether a woman is already pregnant from a previous sexual encounter. Walk in to see us for a no-cost, no-obligation confirmation of pregnancy.

Source: Manufacturer’s Prescribing Information for Plan B (Levonorgestrel) tablets, 0.75 mg. Mfg. by Gedeon Richter, Ltd., Budapest, Hungary for Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Subsidiary of Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Pomona, NY 10970. Revised Feb 2004. BR-038 / 21000382503

The Abortion Pill (Chemical Abortion)

Before taking the Abortion Pill, you should understand what it is, what it could mean to your health, side effects, and how it works. Call, text or make an appointment today. Our nurse will be happy to talk with you, confirm if you’re pregnant and advise you on your options.

The abortion pill is actually a combination of two drugs — mifepristone and misoprostol — that cause an early abortion. According to the manufacturer, it should not be used if it has been more than 7 weeks since your last period but is FDA-approved up to 10 weeks. It is NOT the same as the “morning-after pill”. It should not be taken if you are earlier than 4 weeks pregnant and your pregnancy hasn’t been confirmed. Our nurse can help you understand all the details so that you are ready to make a pregnancy decision.

• Side effects can include heavy bleeding, headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramping, contractions, infection, and blood clots.
• If this method fails, a surgical abortion will be required.
• If you have a high fever or large blood clots, contact 911 immediately. If you have an ectopic pregnancy and take the abortion pill, it can be fatal. It’s important to first rule this out during an ultrasound. We can provide this at no cost.
• Some women are also not eligible for the abortion pill if they have certain health conditions or allergies to ingredients in either drug.

Sources: Kaiser Family Foundation, “Issue Update: Mifepristone: An Early Abortion Option,” July 2001. Mifeprex® Medication Guide, Danco Laboratories, LLC, revised 7/19/05.