If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and wondering if you’re eligible for the abortion pill, the only way to know is by getting an ultrasound and reviewing your medical history.
Read on to learn how these actions can help determine your eligibility for the abortion pill. Or, if you want to talk to someone in person about your pregnancy options, contact Pathways Pregnancy Resource Center today to connect with one of our caring team members.
What Is The Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, uses drugs to terminate an early pregnancy. It involves taking mifepristone, which blocks progesterone and prevents a fertilized egg from remaining implanted in the uterine wall.
Misoprostol is usually taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes contractions in the uterus to expel the embryo and pregnancy tissue.
The process has side effects you should be aware of, such as vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. They may also include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, or headache.
Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?
The abortion pill is only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is under 10 weeks gestation, and an ultrasound is one of the primary ways to know the age of your pregnancy.
If you’re facing an ectopic pregnancy (a life-threatening condition where the pregnancy grows outside your uterus), you’re not eligible for the abortion pill. An ultrasound can help reveal the location of your pregnancy—and rule out ectopic pregnancy.
Are There Pre-Existing Conditions That Would Make Me Ineligible?
Besides the need for ultrasound scan information, several pre-existing conditions might prevent you from being suitable for the abortion pill. These include:
- The presence of an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Inability to attend subsequent doctor’s appointments
- Lack of access to emergency medical services
- Being on blood thinners or specific steroid medications
- Allergic reactions to drugs utilized in a medical abortion
- Existing health conditions, such as bleeding disorders, cardiovascular diseases, critical lung, liver, or kidney diseases, or unmanaged seizure disorders.
Taking The First Steps
While you may be eligible, currently, abortions are banned across the board in Tennessee. However, there are options available to you.
Get a no-cost pregnancy test and limited obstetric ultrasound from us at Pathways Pregnancy Resource Center. From there, they can give you key information regarding your pregnancy, and the caring team can discuss your options in a safe and confidential setting.