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. This medication makes the uterus cramp and expel the fetus, which ends the pregnancy.
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. This medication makes the uterus cramp and expel the fetus, which ends the pregnancy.
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 North Carolina?
At the time of writing (March 2024), abortion is legal in North Carolina up to 12 weeks gestation. However, exceptions can be made through 20 weeks in cases of rape and incest and through 24 weeks for “life-limiting” fetal anomalies. Exceptions can also be made for medical emergencies[2]. You are required to receive an ultrasound before an abortion in North Carolina. Keep reading to find out why.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 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 Charlotte , North Carolina
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 Queen City Pregnancy Resource 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 (980) 999-5191, text us at (980) 983-1719 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge!
Other Abortion Pill Information
How Much Does the Abortion Pill Cost?
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you probably have many questions, especially about the cost of the abortion pill. Does insurance cover the abortion pill? If not, what is the out-of-pocket cost? Sorting through the numbers and processing your emotions can feel...
The Truth About Getting the Abortion Pill Through Telehealth
With the rise of virtual healthcare, getting the abortion pill through telehealth has become increasingly common. Many women search online for how to get the abortion pill online or explore telehealth abortion options, but should you get abortion pills online? How...
What is Abortion Pill Reversal?
In the shock of an unplanned pregnancy, an abortion can feel like a relief. But, what can women do if they decide it’s best for them to continue the pregnancy after taking the first abortion pill? Even if you’ve taken the first abortion pill, abortion pill reversal...
Please be aware that Queen City Pregnancy Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
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
- SENATE BILL 20 RATIFIED BILL. North Carolina General Assembly. (2023, May 4). https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2023/Bills/Senate/PDF/S20v5.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