The Abortion Pill vs Abortion Clinic Procedures
The abortion pill is two medications:
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Mifepristone blocks progesterone, the hormone your body needs to keep a pregnancy and the fetus progressing.
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Misoprostol causes cramping and contractions, followed by heavy bleeding to expel the fetus and empty the uterus.
This is an early pregnancy termination option. You may be alone or without in-person medical supervision, depending on the source of the abortion pills or your choice of provider. The abortion pill is still a medical procedure and should have medical oversight.
An in-clinic abortion is a procedure done by a medical provider:
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Suction (aspiration) – usually done in the first trimester
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Dilation and evacuation (D&E) – done later, under sedation or anesthesia
It can be done in the first, second or third trimester. Like the abortion pill, an abortion procedure has many side effects and risks. Some women experience major health complications while others have mild reactions. It’s also important to note that no abortion is completely safe, no matter the type or place. Contact us for a free consultation.
Comparing Abortion Types | Cost, Side Effects, and More
Abortion Pill | Abortion Clinic Procedure |
|---|---|
Cost can run between $200-$400 | Cost can run between $500-$2,000 |
Cramping, pain, and bleeding may last for days or weeks | The procedure side effects are typically shorter |
Usually taken at home without medical supervision | Performed by a provider |
Over-the-counter pain medicines can be taken | Anesthesia is typically provided |
Can possibly be reversed if a woman changes her mind before taking the second pill | Cannot be reversed, although there are cases of failed procedures and babies being born alive |
Used up to 10 weeks (Illegal in Florida after 6 weeks) | Can be performed in any trimester (Illegal in Florida after 6 weeks) |
Less in-clinic supervision | Medical staff support in real-time |
Health and Safety Checklist Before an Abortion
Taking the abortion pill without confirming these details can increase your risk of complications:
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Incomplete abortion (where tissue remains in the uterus)
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Infection
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Severe bleeding
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Delayed treatment for ectopic pregnancy
How far along are you?
The abortion pill is only a first-trimester option. After that, you’ll need to explore other options. A due date calculator cannot confirm your date of conception. Risks to your safety increase if the abortion pill is taken later in pregnancy.
Is the pregnancy in your uterus?
If it’s ectopic (developing outside the uterus), the abortion pill won’t work and can be life-threatening. An ultrasound is the only way to know for sure. We provide this at no cost to you.
What’s your Rh factor?
If you’re Rh-negative, you may need additional medication after an abortion, miscarriage, or pregnancy to prevent complications in future pregnancies.
Do you have any health conditions or allergies?
Specific medical issues, like bleeding disorders, adrenal problems, or known allergies to the medications used, can make the abortion pill dangerous or even life-threatening.
What You Can Do
We provide medical-grade pregnancy testing, ultrasounds to confirm how far along you are and where the pregnancy is located, and nurse consultations to talk through any health concerns. We're here to help walk through every step at no cost to you.