If you’re considering the abortion pill, you may have questions about how the process works and what you might experience. Taking a moment to understand the facts can help you feel more supported and prepared as you weigh your options.
At First Choice Women’s Center, you can talk through your questions in a safe, judgment-free environment and receive free services to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Two-Medication Process
The abortion pill uses two medications:
- Mifepristone: Blocks progesterone, which the body needs to maintain a pregnancy.
- Misoprostol: Taken later at home to cause the uterus to contract and empty.
The FDA approves this process through 10 weeks of pregnancy. However, Georgia law is more restrictive and limits abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, usually around 6 weeks. First Choice Women’s Center provides education on these requirements using the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Women’s Right to Know booklet so you can understand how the law may affect your options.
Because timing matters, both medically and legally, an ultrasound is essential.
Steps to Take Before Starting the Abortion Pill
Before beginning the medication process, it’s important to:
- Confirm the pregnancy with a medical-grade test.
- Have an ultrasound to verify gestational age, pregnancy location, and heartbeat status.
- Learn about your options, including abortion, adoption, and parenting, and how Georgia law may affect what is available to you at different stages of pregnancy.
First Choice Women’s Center is here to support you with free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds. giving you a safe place to get answers, ask questions, and make a decision with confidence.
Important Risks to Be Aware Of
It’s essential to understand possible risks:
- Incomplete abortion: Not all tissue may pass, and you may need additional medical care.
- Excessive bleeding: Heavy bleeding, more than two pads per hour for two hours, is a sign to seek immediate care.
- Infection: A lasting fever, unusual discharge, or persistent pain may indicate infection and needs prompt attention.
- Ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy outside the uterus makes the abortion pill ineffective and can be dangerous. An ultrasound helps rule this out.
A Safe Place to Ask Questions
Your situation is personal, and your choices deserve thoughtful care. If you need space to process, ask questions, or explore what comes next, First Choice Women’s Center is here to help in any way we can. Connect with us for compassionate, confidential support.
First Choice Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions.