How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

Although it’s referred to as a pill (singular), the abortion pill actually consists of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone is taken first, usually in a clinic. This medication cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing. 

Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later at home. This medication causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo, which ends the pregnancy.

How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill? 

You can’t take the abortion pill beyond 10 weeks of pregnancy (or 70 days since the first day of your last menstrual period)[1]. This is because it becomes less effective the farther along you are. If you take the abortion pill later on in your pregnancy, you could experience serious complications and may need emergency surgery to complete the procedure. 

Is Abortion Legal in Tennessee? Do I Need an Ultrasound Before Taking the Abortion Pill?

Abortion is illegal in Tennessee from the time of fertilization. If you are considering an abortion, we strongly recommend receiving an ultrasound beforehand to verify that the pregnancy is in the uterus.

Please be aware that Choices Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortion services. 

Click here to learn more about the importance of ultrasounds in your pregnancy decision. 

Can I Order the Abortion Pill Online?

The FDA advises against ordering the abortion pill online. Many online abortion pill providers are located overseas, so the pills they provide may not meet FDA standards[2]. These pills could be counterfeit, expired, or even tampered with! It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid ordering the abortion pill online. 

Abortion Pill Information in Oak Ridge, TN

When those two lines first appear, it can be easy to panic. Don’t let fear make the final decision for you! Get the care and support you deserve at Choices Resource Center! We offer free pregnancy resources, so you can make an empowered decision for your unplanned pregnancy!

Give us a call at (865) 483-0099 to schedule your appointment. All services are confidential and free of charge!

Sources

  1. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, January 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
  2. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, January 24). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information

Other Abortion Pill Information

What You Need to Know About Methotrexate Abortion

In the stress of an unplanned pregnancy, you may have immediately begun searching for ways to end the pregnancy. Perhaps you came across the possibility of using Methotrexate for abortion. Today we will explore Methotrexate and its considerations.

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Can You Order the Abortion Pill by Mail in Tennessee?

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may have turned to the internet for a solution. All of the information can feel overwhelming. But, as with any medication or procedure, there are many things to consider before you take abortion pills. So, keep reading to learn more!

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Abortion Pill Frequently Asked Questions

The shock of an unplanned pregnancy can make you feel unsure about your decision. As you decide, you’ll want to have all the facts about your options and the information about your pregnancy. Keep reading to learn about the abortion pill and what you need to know beforehand!

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