If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you’ve likely heard the term “at-home abortion”. You may be wondering how it works and if it’s the right choice for you.
It’s crucial to get all the facts, so you can make a fully informed decision. In this blog, we’ll explore at-home abortions—including how they work, the risks, and if they’re legal and right for you. Keep reading to learn more!
How Does an At-Home Abortion Work?
An at-home abortion is exactly what it sounds like—an abortion done at home. Some women attempt at-home abortions by ingesting a mixture of herbs (more on that in a moment). Others take the abortion pill (also known as medical or chemical abortion).
Although it’s called the abortion pill (singular), there are traditionally two types of medications with multiple pills in the abortion pill regimen: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone (RU-486) is taken first, typically in an abortion clinic. This pill cuts off the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to continue the pregnancy. The embryo stops growing without a steady supply of progesterone.
Misoprostol (Cytotec) is taken 24-48 hours later at home. It induces labor, causing the uterus to cramp and expel the embryo, which ends the pregnancy.
Some women opt for misoprostol-only abortions. In this method, they skip the mifepristone and take multiple doses of misoprostol instead, depending on their gestational age. Although misoprostol alone can be used to induce an abortion, the risk of having an incomplete abortion is higher when only using misoprostol.
Are At-Home Abortions Legal?
All abortion is illegal in Texas. This will not affect care for medical emergencies, such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy[1]. Additionally, it is not recommended to take the abortion pill beyond 10 weeks of pregnancy (or 70 days since the first day of your last menstrual period)[2]. This is because it becomes less effective the farther along you are and puts you at risk for serious complications.
If you’re considering traveling out of state for an abortion, we strongly recommend receiving free medical services at Mid Cities Women’s Clinic, which, upon qualification, includes an ultrasound.
If your ultrasound determines that you’re too far along for the abortion pill, we will help you explore what pregnancy options are possibilities for you, so you can make the best choice for your health and future!
What are the Risks of At-Home Abortions?
At-home abortions are not without risk. After taking the abortion pill, you could experience severe side effects, such as:
- Hemorrhaging. It’s normal to bleed for a while after taking the abortion pill. However, if you soak through two full-size sanitary pads per hour, for two or more hours, you could be hemorrhaging[3].
- Anaphylactic Shock. You could go into anaphylactic shock if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in misoprostol[4].
- Incomplete abortion. Incomplete abortions (or failed medical abortions) occur when some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after misoprostol has been taken, in which case, a surgical abortion will be needed to remove the remaining tissue and prevent infection[5].
- Infection. If you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever for more than 24 hours after taking the second medication, an infection may have developed. You may need antibiotics or even surgery to treat your condition[5].
It’s also important to note that people with certain medical conditions are at greater risk for complications after taking misoprostol. Those with kidney disease, stomach ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, heart or blood vessel problems, dehydration[6], or have had a previous cesarean section[7] should not take misoprostol, as it could worsen their conditions.
Herbal abortions are also incredibly dangerous. You may have seen videos on social media talking about how easy and convenient they are. However, there isn’t enough scientific evidence available to suggest that they actually work. Additionally, medical professionals warn that they can cause permanent infertility, significant sickness, organ failure, and even death[8].
Abortion Information in Euless, TX
We get it—an unplanned pregnancy can leave you feeling desperate. It’s our mission to help you protect your health by giving you the tools needed to make a safe and informed decision! We provide abortion information, free services, and a nonjudgmental space to explore your options and process your emotions.
Call us at (817) 577-4387 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are free and confidential!
Please be aware that Mid Cities Women’s Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Health and Safety Code Chapter 171. Abortion. Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2021, September 1). https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/pdf/HS.171.pdf
- FDA. (2023, September 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
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2016, May 16). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html
- Shin, Hyun Joo, et al. “Anaphylactic Shock to Vaginal Misoprostol: A Rare Adverse Reaction to a Frequently Used Drug.” PubMed Central (PMC), 9 Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137020
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, February 1). Misoprostol (Oral Route) Side Effects. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/misoprostol-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20064805?p=1
- Rath, W., & Tsikouras, P. (2015, November). Misoprostol for Labour Induction after Previous Caesarean Section – Forever a “No Go”? U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4678051/#
- Wancour, B. (2022, July 19). Medicine’s Ryan Marino discussed the dangers of “herbal abortions.” Case Western Reserve University. https://thedaily.case.edu/medicines-ryan-marino-discussed-the-dangers-of-herbal-abortions/