The answer, very simply, is “yes.” It is possible to reverse the effects of the first drug taken in a chemical abortion (commonly called “the abortion pill”). However, there are some factors a woman and her doctor need to take into consideration. Choosing any type of abortion is a serious medical decision. Whenever you take pills that make a significant change to your body, there are possible consequences.
What is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill method is a two-step process that uses drugs to terminate a pregnancy that is less than 10 weeks gestated. The first pill, Mifepristone (Mifeprex®) is administered in a doctor’s office or abortion clinic.
This drug blocks the hormone progesterone, the “pregnancy hormone.” Progesterone helps the fertilized egg implant in the uterus. Mifepristone causes the lining of the uterus to thin so the fetus can no longer stay implanted.
After taking this drug, a woman is given the correct dosage of the second drug, Misoprostol, to take at home. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract, expelling the fetus. Generally, a woman takes Misoprostol hours or even days after the first drug.
How Does Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) Work?
After taking the first drug, if a woman has changed her mind, she can possibly reverse its effects. The abortion pill reversal (APR) process involves flooding the pregnant woman’s system with progesterone, either with pills or injections.
Timing is everything. Studies suggest that progesterone should be given within 24 hours after a woman has taken the first pill, Mifepristone. APR will not work after the second drug, Misoprostol, has been taken.
Is Abortion Pill Reversal Safe?
Progesterone is a natural hormone and has been used to support pregnancies for decades. Through abortion pill reversal, medical professionals estimate they have been able to save 64 – 68% of pregnancies. Of course, that also means approximately 35% still lose their babies. Doctors do agree that neither Mifepristone nor progesterone is associated with birth defects.
How Do I Get the Abortion Pill Reversal?
Because there are risks with any abortion, it’s vital to be under a doctor’s supervision. Clinics and doctors should always inform a patient that a procedure they are about to perform is permanent. In some states, abortion clinics are required to inform their patients that there is an abortion pill reversal option. However, many other clinics do not mention APR.
If you or someone you know has taken the first drug for a chemical abortion, but has changed their minds, they need to contact a physician immediately. There is a 24-hour, nurse-staffed hotline you can call, The Abortion Pill Reversal Hotline, at 1-877-558-0333. You can also visit them online at www.abortionpillreversal.com.
Contact BsideU for Life for more information
If you are feeling overwhelmed about an unplanned pregnancy and would like to talk with someone about your options, BsideU for Life is available. Many of the women at BsideU for life have been in the same situation. We understand.
All our services are free and confidential, so you have nothing to lose by coming to us. We have two locations. Call us at 502-589-9400 or fill out our form online, and we will contact you as soon as possible.