How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

Although it’s referred to as a pill (singular), the abortion pill actually consists of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone is taken first. This medication 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. 

Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later. This medication causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo, which ends the pregnancy.

How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill? 

In Iowa, it is legal to take the abortion pill within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy (or 70 days since the first day of your last menstrual period)[1]. This is because it becomes less effective the farther along you are. If you take the abortion pill later on in your pregnancy, you could experience serious complications and may need emergency surgery to complete the procedure. 

Is Abortion Legal in Iowa? 

At the time of writing (May 2023), abortion is legal up to 20 weeks gestation in Iowa[2]. However, laws are currently being debated, so this may be subject to change. You are also required to receive an ultrasound prior to abortion in Iowa.

Do I Need an Ultrasound Before Taking the Abortion Pill?

You may be wondering why you’d want an ultrasound, especially if you’re thinking about terminating the pregnancy. The answer is that ultrasounds provide the medically accurate information needed to make an informed and empowered decision for your pregnancy. Limited  obstetric ultrasounds determine three key things about your pregnancy:

• Pregnancy Placement
• Viability
• Gestational Age

Pregnancy Placement and Viability

A viable pregnancy means that the pregnancy is progressing properly. For example, at about six weeks, the embryo should have a heartbeat[3]. Pregnancy placement, is where the embryo is located within the uterus. If the pregnancy is growing outside of the uterus, this means that the pregnancy is not viable (ectopic pregnancy.) The primary goal of an ultrasound is to rule out a nonviable pregnancy, such as a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. In the case of an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage (a non-viable pregnancy,) abortion is not necessary. 

Gestational Age

How far along am I? Your ultrasound can answer that question! It’s important to know how far along you are (also known as your gestational age) because you can’t take the abortion pill past 10 weeks of pregnancy, as mentioned earlier. 

Do I Need a Prescription for the Abortion Pill? 

Can I Get the Abortion Pill Over the Counter? 

Certain pharmacies are now authorized to sell the abortion pill over the counter. However, the FDA requires a prescription from a qualified physician in order to take it[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[1]. 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, IA

At Bridgehaven, our compassionate client advocates will help you explore all of your pregnancy options, so you can make the best choice for your health and future.

• Free pregnancy tests
• Free ultrasounds
• A safe, non-judgemental place to process your pregnancy options. 

Call or text us at (319) 364-8967 to request your appointment today. All services are confidential and free of charge.

Please be aware that Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center does not provide or refer for abortion services. 

Sources

1. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, January 24). 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 
2. Iowa Pro-Life Laws. Americans United for Life. (2022, November 10). Retrieved from https://aul.org/law-and-policy/state-spotlight/iowa/ 
3. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, September 3). Slide Show: Fetal Ultrasound. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/multimedia/fetal-ultrasound/sls-20076294?s=3#