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Abortion Pill
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill (also known as medication abortion) actually consists of two pills: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is taken first. It cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing and eventually dies. Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later.
How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill
The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period[1]. If you take the abortion pill later on in your pregnancy, the risk of serious complications increases. You may need emergency surgery to stop heavy bleeding or complete the procedure if it fails or is incomplete.
Is Abortion Legal in Iowa?
Currently, abortion is illegal in Iowa after a fetal heartbeat is detected detected by an ultrasound, typically around 6 weeks of pregnancy. Exceptions can be made in cases of rape, incest, or when abortion is considered necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman. To qualify for an exception, people must report the rape resulting in pregnancy within 45 days to law enforcement or a public health agency or doctor, and within 140 for cases of incest.[1]
Click here to learn more about why you should get an ultrasound before an abortion.
Can I Get Abortion Pills Over the Counter?
No, a prescription from a provider or physician who is registered to prescribe the abortion pills is necessary. However, the FDA does permit pharmacies to become certified to dispense the abortion pill with a proper prescription[1].
Can I Order the Abortion Pill Online?
The FDA advises against ordering the abortion pill online. Many online abortion pill providers are located overseas, so the pills they provide may not meet FDA standards[3]. These pills could be counterfeit, expired, or even tampered with. It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid ordering the abortion pill online.
Abortion Pill Information in Cedar Rapids , Iowa
When your pregnancy test comes back positive, it can be easy to panic. Don’t let fear make the final decision for you. Get the care and support you deserve at Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center. We offer free pregnancy resources, so you can make an empowered decision for your unplanned pregnancy:
- Free pregnancy tests
- Free ultrasounds
- A safe, non-judgemental place to explore your pregnancy options and share what’s on your mind
Call us at (319) 200-2125, text us at (319) 200-2125 or request your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge.
Looking for a safe, non-judgmental space to process your emotions and explore your options? Consider visiting Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center for helpful information on all your pregnancy options. Our compassionate client advocates can answer all of your questions regarding abortion*, adoption, and parenting.
*Bridgehaven does not refer or perform abortions nor provide or refer for the abortion pill.
Sources
- FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
- The Iowa Legislature. (2024, November 19). Chapter 146C. Abortion — Detectable Fetal Heartbeat. https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/146C.pdf
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, March 23). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information