Am I Eligible for the Abortion Pill?

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming, and maybe you’re thinking that the abortion pill is a discreet way to make this all go away. While your feelings are understandable, it’s critical to learn whether you’re eligible for the abortion pill—because if you’re ineligible and you take the abortion drugs anyway, you put your health at risk.

What Is The Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, uses drugs to terminate an early pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks progesterone and prevents a fertilized egg from remaining implanted in the uterine wall; meanwhile, misoprostol causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy from your uterus and out through your vagina.

Taking the abortion drugs comes with side effects you should be aware of. You will definitely experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping, but you might also experience 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 gestational 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. If you’re experiencing one, you will need to seek immediate care at your local ER. 

Are There Situations That Would Make Me Ineligible?

Along with the gestational age and location of your pregnancy, other situations make you ineligible to take abortion drugs. 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

Next Steps

Before seeking abortion drugs, it’s critical to get an ultrasound and review your medical history to protect your health. 

At First Concern, we offer free, limited ultrasounds and the space to ask questions. Protect yourself and contact our office today. All appointments and resources are free and confidential. 

*The Marlborough location provides pregnancy testing and ultrasounds. The Clinton location provides other resources, support, and education.