TennCare is Tennessee’s Medicaid program. It won’t pay for abortion services (the abortion drugs or surgical abortion), but if you choose to carry to term, it will pay for healthcare costs related to your pregnancy and for the child’s healthcare costs after birth, if you meet certain qualifying factors.
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering the abortion pill, it’s essential to know that abortion is illegal in Tennessee once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which is usually when your pregnancy is six weeks gestation.
If you’re considering seeking the abortion drugs, you will want to be as informed to ensure you’re making the best decision for you and protecting your health. This article will cover the essentials you need to know about the abortion drugs, plus the available resources to help with pregnancy-related costs.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill is actually a combination of two powerful drugs.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone in your body. Without this essential hormone, your uterine lining will loosen and shed, and your pregnancy will detach and end.
The second drug, misoprostol, causes uterine contractions, which expel the terminated pregnancy from the uterus and out through the vagina.
How Will I Feel After Taking the Abortion Pill?
The abortion drugs will cause vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. Some women have reported that the pain they experienced was exceptionally severe and unexpected.
You might also experience the following side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
What Are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?
Risks are rare but can be potentially life-threatening. One of the main risks associated with the abortion drugs is an incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus. This can lead to a life-threatening infection.
What Resources Are Available to Help Me Financially During Pregnancy?
If you’re considering abortion because you’re worried about finances, the good news is that resources and services are available to help you during pregnancy and beyond if you want to parent or choose adoption.
Contact Pathways Pregnancy Resource Center today to learn more about all the ways we’re here to support you.