WHAT IS A MEDICAL ABORTION?
Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy after implantation. Surgical abortions are done by placing an instrument into the uterine cavity and applying suction. This procedure is called vacuum aspiration. RU-486 (mifepristone) is an anti-progestin pill which causes a medical abortion. It is sometimes called the “French abortion pill.” It blocks the effect of progesterone on the lining of the uterus. It is followed by taking a prostaglandin called misoprostol 48 hours later. Shortly thereafter 95% of women will abort. Complete information about the use of RU-486 (mifepristone) to terminate a pregnancy will be available from your clinician when this type of abortion is formally approved and available for women.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
- It is safe, effective and can be done without an instrument being placed into the uterus.
- This type of abortion may be done in the office of any clinician without surgery. This may mean greater privacy
- No anesthesia is needed.
- Many women do not have negative feelings after an abortion but instead feel relieved.
- No instrument is placed into the uterus.
- Can be used up to 9 weeks after last period.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?
- Cramping and pain may occur. Bleeding after treatment lasts an average of 9 days.
- Some people may feel guilty at having ended the pregnancy.
- RU-486 can only be used early in pregnancy, up to about 9 weeks from the last period.
WHERE DO I GO AND HOW DO I DECIDE?
- If you are pregnant and did not plan to be pregnant, you have a very important decision to make. If you choose to continue your pregnancy, stop drinking, start taking folic acid immediately, and start seeing a physician or nurse midwife right away. It may be a difficult decision. Speak to your clinician or family planning clinic staff about your concerns. If you choose to have an abortion, ask them where to have one done safely.
- You should decide to do what you, yourself, feel is right. You may want to discuss this decision with your husband, partner, counselor, friend or family member. Or you may want to keep this decision to yourself.
- The earlier in pregnancy an abortion is done, the safer and less expensive it is for you.
- On September 28, 2000, the FDA approved mifepristone, for use in combination with misoprostol, as an early option for nonsurgical abortion. You can call the National Abortion Federation's (NAF) toll-free hotline at 1-800-772-9100 for a list of health care providers who offer Mifeprex or go to the National Abortion Federation's website on early options at http://www.earlyoptions.org. You can also contact your local Planned Parenthood to find out if they are providing Mifeprex for early pregnancy termination. To find out if a local Planned Parenthood Clinic offers Mifeprex visit PPFA's website at http://www.plannedparenthood.org.
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