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, usually in a clinic. This medication cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. The embryo stops growing without a steady supply of progesterone.

Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later at home. This medication makes the uterus cramp and expel the fetus, which ends the pregnancy.

How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill?

You can’t take the abortion pill beyond 10 weeks of pregnancy (or 70 days since the first day of your last menstrual period). 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?

Abortion is illegal in Iowa after cardiac activity can be detected by an ultrasound typically around six weeks of gestation. 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.

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 insight needed to make an informed and empowered decision for an unexpected pregnancy. They determine two key things about your pregnancy: viability and gestational age. 

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. 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

Get the care and support you deserve at Bridgehaven. We offer medically accurate information and free pregnancy resources, so you can make an empowered decision for your unplanned pregnancy.

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

*Because of the scope of our services and affiliations, Bridgehaven does not refer or perform abortions nor provide or refer for the abortion pill. 

Sources

1. 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
2. Senate Study Bill 1223. The Iowa Legislature. (2023, July 10). Retrieved from https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ba=SSB+1223&ga=90
3. 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