Medical Abortion

A medical abortion, abortion pill, or medical termination of pregnancy is an alternative, less invasive option to surgical abortions for pregnancies up to and including 10 weeks gestational age. The medical abortion process is completed in the comfort and privacy of your home and involves using the medications mifepristone and misoprostol, together known as mifegymiso, to end a pregnancy:

- Mifepristone is an anti-hormone. It acts by blocking the effects of progesterone, a hormone that is needed for pregnancy to continue.

- Misoprostol is a prostaglandin and causes contractions of the uterus and relaxation of the cervix which helps push out the contents of the uterus.

Prior to taking the medicines, you will talk with your medical professional who will perform a physical examination and may conduct an ultrasound.

Medical abortion termination is a two step process:

The First Step (Day 1)

 Mifepristone (1 tablet/green pack) will be administered orally at the Clinic as directed by your doctor.

The Second Step (Day 2)

Misoprostol tablets (4 tablets/orange pack) is administered 24-48 hours after the First Step - it is up to you when you take the misoprostol tablets as long as it is within this time period. It is important to administer the pills in a comfortable environment that enables you to rest as needed, as well to have a support person with you at the time.

4 Misoprostol tablets from the orange pack are taken at the same time. You will administer misoprostol tablets by holding the tablets in your mouth, between the cheek and gum, for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, any residual medication can be swallowed with a glass of water.

After taking the 4 pills, you are expected to have vaginal bleeding, cramps, and to pass blood clots and some pregnancy tissue. In most cases, this occurs within 4 hours; however, it may occur anywhere between 30 minutes and 48 hours after taking the misoprostol tablets. It is recommended to rest for 3 hours after taking the misoprostol tablets.