Mifepristone..."The Abortion Pill": The Facts
Biology 103
2000 First Web
Report
On Serendip
Mifepristone..."The Abortion Pill": The Facts
Sujatha Sebastian
On September 28, 2000 the Food and Drug Administration after several years of research approved Mifepristone, better known as the "abortion pill", for distribution in the United States. The FDA's decision will have a definite impact on women's health care in the United States. There will be social and medical repercussions. The drug has caused controversy not only in antiabortion groups, but in Pro-Choice groups as well. Critics are worried that an abortion available in pill form will be "too easy". They are worried that use of the pill will be abused. What many people do not realize is that while Mifepristone will be beneficial to women's health care, it is not without side effects. In light of all the recent coverage that the "abortion pill" has been given in the media, and all the misinformation surrounding it, I decided researching that Mifepristone would be interesting and helpful. The purpose of my paper is to discover how Mifepristone works, how it is administered, and to look at its side effects. I want to demonstrate the benefit Mifepristone will be to women's health care, while showing that it is not an "easy" solution to abortion."Mifepristone, formerly known as RU-486, is a medical alternative to aspiration abortion."(1) It works by blocking progesterone from being absorbed into the uterus. When this happens the uterus sheds the endometrium (lining in the uterus, therefore inducing menstruation. (2 When Mifepristone is used as a method for abortion is it administered as part of a three step process. The first step is that 200 mg of Mifepristone is given orally in a doctor's office. Then within 24 to 48 hours the patient is given 400 mg a drug called Misoprostol either orally or in a suppository form. Misoprostol, which is a synthetic hormone, is used to get the cervix to soften and dilate as well as getting the uterus to relax. The embryo is then expelled.(2) This is supposed to happen approximately fours hours after the administration of the drug. The final step is an examination by a medical professional to make sure the abortion is complete. (2)
There are restrictions as to who can use this medical method of abortion. It is only intended for women to use up to nine weeks after their last menstruation period. Women who are under 18 or over 35, epileptic, diabetics, or suffering from heart, lung, kidney, liver, stomach or intestinal disorders are ineligible. As are women who have taken steroids within the past 12 months, or deemed overweight or a heavy smoker. Women who have used an IUD or hormonal contraceptive within three months prior to conception are not allowed to take Mifepristone as well.(2)
Like any drug or medical method there are side effects to using Mifepristone and Misoprostol. It is the number of side effects and degree of each that critics argue about. The FDA has determined that taking Mifepristone does cause various degrees of pain. Short term physical effects can be pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue.(2) There are psychological side effects as well. In some cases products of the conception are visualized. (3)
The use of Mifepristone will have a definite impact on reproductive freedom in this country and the world. (3) It is seen as less invasive procedure which gives the woman more freedom and privacy. In the United States it has been reported by the Alan Guttmacher Institute that eighty-nine percent of the abortions occur in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Mifepristone will allow women another option to terminate a pregnancy in its early stages. (2) Twenty-four percent of the world's population lives in places where abortion is not legal. (3) As a result a significant population of women perform their own abortions or receive illegal abortions which kills them. The medical method of abortion would allow women in these areas of the world to receive a safe method of abortion.
A major issue that critics of Mifepristone have is that they feel that the drug will allow abortions to become "too easy". But the drug is only administered in a medical office and requires at least three visits. The last visit is an examination to see that the abortion is complete and that the mother is in good health. Before the patient is given Mifeprex tablets (Mifepristone) she must sign an agreement in which she acknowledges that there are side effects, that there is a three step process, and that 5 to 8 women out of every hundred do not have successful medical abortions and need surgical abortions . (5) Critics worry that the drug will cause an increase in the number of women who have abortions. Supporters of the drug cite the fact that in France, where the drug is manufactured and was first administered, there has not been an increase in the abortion rate. (2)
Mifepristone will change the way that abortions are administered. This method gives a woman more autonomy and does not require her to go through surgical procedure. It can also prevent pregnancy by taken as soon as a day after she has had intercourse. This new method will allow more women to have access to safe abortions. Mifepristone opens the door to a new area of medicine in which previously surgical procedures are now approached in a medical manner. Whether in support of or against Mifepristone one has to recognize the new technology the drug represents.
One of the problems I had when researching information was finding unbiased information. Both pro and anti Mifepristone groups used "research" and statistics to their benefit. Distinguishing the difference between opinion and fact was difficult. This is especially true because there is not a lot of accurate information about Mifepristone published by reliable sources. This is due to the fact that Mifepristone has just recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Mifepristone that will be beneficial to women's health care and medicine. But one must realize that it is not without side effects and cannot be seen as an "easy" solution to abortion.
WWW Sources
1)www.plannedparenthood.org/mifepristone.html, Mifepristone2)www.rascalnut.com/naral.ohio/RU486.html, The Facts about Mifepristone (RU 486)
3)www.mja.com.au/public/issues/sep15/henshaw/henshaw.html, Mifepristone
4)http://jinx.sis.unsw.edu.au/~greenlft/1994/137/137p28htm, "Abortion Pill": A Woman's Right to Choose by, Kath Gelber
5)www.popcouncil.orgrhpdev/mifeprex/patient%5Fagreement.html,The Patient Agreement Mifeprex (Mifepristone) Tablets
6) www.pages.map.com/lroberge/ru486.htm, RU486: The Hidden Effects by Lawrence F. Roberge
6) www.nrlc.org/ru486/propsedFDAregs.html, RU486 *Please note that some of the sources read during my research were from biased sources (the National Right to Life Committee web site for example). Facts were not used from these sources in my paper. These sources were instead used to discover the arguments anti-Mifepristone groups had and to see the false information they were publishing about the drug.
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08/06/2005, from a Reader on the Web I took that pill and almost blead to death now i have have to say it's not as easy as it sounds it is very painful like child birth but more blooder atleast for me i now have endromitrious and may have to have my women parts removed i had nothing before i took those pills i'm 37 so i'm just saying better think it out before you take it because it's dangerious i have a son who is 18 it was easier for me to have him then go through childbirth than taking those pills becuse i'm still not well and it has been 7 months
For what it's worth, I though I'd share my personal experience using Mifepristone almost a month ago.. After having made the difficult choice to abort, I learned of this pill as an alternative option to having the traditional surgical procedure. Of course, as anyone would, I opted to try the pill because it seemed -less- painful and was something I could do in the privacy of my own home. After having been given the first pill, Mifepristone, at the doctors office on a Friday afternoon, I finished out my day at work with minimal side-effects at that point. The Mifepristone made me slightly sick to my stomach, but compared to the ongoing morning sickness I'd been going through, it wasn't so bad. (ha ha) Misoprostol was the next step, given to me in the form of 4 tablets, to be inserted vaginally myself at home. I was also given a full bottle of Vicodin, as well as a bottle of 800mg Ibuprophen for the pain the doctor anticipated I would encounter (this worried me a little). Late Satuday afternoon, I'd say around 4:30pm, scared to death not knowing what to expect once everything started, and knowing I couldn't turn back now, I inserted the tablets and took 1 Vicodin as directed. About 30 minutes from the time I did this I began to have cramping comparable to what you would feel during a typical menstrual period.. but not for long. Within an hour I had severe cramping.. I'd been warned the pain could equal that of actual child-birth contractions, and this must have been it. (I've never had a child, so I can only imagine) I was to the point of feeling like I would pass out if the pain didn't let up when I passed the first, and largest, portion of what -was- the pregnancy.. Many people will tell you that all you'll see is blood and clots, and it's unlikely anything will look like actual tissue.. but mine sure did.. Large masses of gray tissue were expelled for the following numerous hours. Somewhere close to midnight that night I felt relief enough to know it was over.. or so I thought. 4 days after this, while I -should- have been feeling more or less back to normal, I began to experience increasing pain in my abdomen. I called and spoke with my doctor about this, but felt as though she didn't seem concerned at all. No more than 2 hours after hanging up the phone I developed a fever that shot through the roof out of nowhere, and my heart began beating unbelieveably TOO fast. The "increasing pain" in my abdomen now had me laying in bed, hardly able to move. I called my mother who left work and rushed to my home to get me. I couldn't even get out of bed to let her in when she arrived I hurt so bad. I ended up in the emergency room that afternoon with a heartbeat of 143 beats/min.. (Check your own and then you'll see just how high 143 is) and a 103 temperature I ended up fighting to keep away for the next 4 days. To make a long story short, that first afternoon I spent over 8 hours in a treatment room in the emergency area before they got my vitals under control and discovered the cause of everything.. The abortion pill I used began attacking my own body in a sense, and began a horrendous infection in my uterus. In the end I spent a week in the hospital on 3 of the most potent anti-biotics available, as well as some heavy-duty narcotic pain killers, while specialists from the surrounding hospitals kept watch over me constantly. It's now been almost a month since then, and I still have to have blood work done, as well as ultrasounds every now and then to keep monitoring my recovery. I have constant sharp pains in my abdomen and have been told the scar tissue left over from the infection may now keep me from becoming pregnant in the future.. It's all so much to deal with, and honestly, I don't think I've come to terms with everything yet. It still feels like a bad dream. Regardless of my experience with the pill and side effects it caused me, I can still step back and look at the broad picture of things.. The majority of women who use this method have no problems, and for them, this is a good way to go. I really do think it's a better choice for most, than to have the surgical abortion.. BUT - be warned.. It's not "easy" using the pill, and there's no way to know how you're body will react to it. I never knew I'd go through the things I did because of it. This is definitely not something to be looked at as the "new contraceptive" either, as some are saying. It's so risky, putting your body through something like this. It could take a toll on you that will effect the rest of your life. Like me.. Will I ever be able to have kids after everything that happened? Every woman out there should begin by being aware of how to avoid an unwanted pregnancy from the start. Such as life happens, and most protection only offers 99.9% effectiveness, we forget that's NOT 100%.. If you still become pregnant and choose to abort, do your homework.. read about all possibilities, and all side effects for each.. then decide what's best for you. I think the pill is a great option.. but be careful, it's certainly not without it's flaws.
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Comments
Need advice
Please call me I have a question please you can block your number !!!
abortion pill too painful
I went 2 the doctor on wed sept 20th and took the first pill, I had no pain it , but I took the 4 pills the next day, after swallowing, the pain began twenty minutes later. It was the worst pain of my life, then I kept bleeding, and having blood clots the size of quarters, I did feel nauseated. I try taking ibpruophen 600mg, but that didn't help. The pain stop around midnight, and so did the bleeding, and its now four days later, and the cramps keep coming on and off, the pain is really bad, but not as worse as after taking those 4 pills. I've had the surgical abortion a year ago, & it was only bad the first nite, but the second week was a lot of bleeding, and huge blood clots. I was already anemic but that brought my blood level down. After experiencing both, I hope to not get pregnant again, and hoping that taken birth control will work for me.
abortion pill
I'm 16 years old (very young) and I found out last week on wednesday that I was pregnant. I decided to do the abortion pill because I thought it would be a lot easier than the surgical procedure. 2 days ago I went in for the 1st pill and had no symptoms what so ever. That is until the next morning I wasn't able to go to school since I felt very nauseous. I threw up stomach acid and wasn't able to eat. Then around 3:00 pm I took the 4 other pills by placing them on my top gums. I thought it was so weird having them there for 30 min. The only thing I was worried about was the pain. I knew it was going to hurt but had no idea that it was going to be the most pain I've ever experienced in my life. At first I didn't have any cramps till 30 min later. Then they started coming really strong and non stop. I was in so much pain I just jumped in the shower and laid down with the warm water hitting me. This really helped me even though I was still bleeding in the shower. Another thing that helps is if you get like a soccer sock or any really long sock and put rice in there and heat it up for a minute and put it on your lower abdomen it soothes the pain a little. Around 9ish the pain calmed down and I was able to fall asleep. I do recommend someone knowing and being around just in case something happens. For me I didn't really need anyone but only once for my sister to heat up the rice sock. Overall I would not recommend this way of abortion. It was to painful. Plus I heard it drop into the toilet which made me a lil sad. I think the surgical would of been less pain and less bleeding that's for sure. I wish the best of luck for anyone choosing the pill cause its a very painful thing. I'm still bleeding but not as bad as before and not that bad of cramps either just a few minor ones. Hope my story helps some of you ladies that are stuck in the middle of surgical or the pill. I would of loved to keep the baby but like I said I'm way to young and I have goals that I would love to accomplish.
improve medicine alternative
It is uncommon to find physicians and other modern medical professionals who are knowledgeable in alternative medicine, therefore you may need to find the answers to your questions about alternative treatments through print and online magazines.
my experience
I am 25 and on day 2 of a medical abortion. 6 weeks along. After taking the first pill yesterday, I felt nauseous on and off. This morning at 11am I took the 4 pills orally and after 30 minutes of dissolving in my mouth, I swallowed the rest of it. Not even 15 minutes into the dissolving process was when I started to experience strong cramps...and 5 minutes after I swallowed the rest of the pills, I threw up. The next 5 or 6 hours were pretty bad, I have to be honest. The Tylenol #3 didn't really help with the pain and I could hardly sit still because the craping was so intense. The heating pad helped a little bit though and so did taking a hot shower. After falling asleep around 5pm, I woke up an hour later to no pain! Just mild cramping. It's now around midnight and I'm still bleeding and passing clots but the worst is over. I'm a little nervous though because of throwing up so soon after taking the set of pills but I don't think I would have had such intense cramping and heavy bleeding if the med wasn't working. All in all, I suffered but got through it and still stand by my decision. And as soon as I am able I'll be getting the IUD to prevent having to go through this again.
Aboortion pill Vs surgery
hi.. This is Alexis again... I would never.recommend the pil th to anyone. I just recieve surgery today and I was awake during the enrire 5
To 7.mins... its easier and.faster. You will have no.worries... The pill is not all as it may seen.. U can find muy stories in Sep 2010
my experience
Both I and my friend took the pill. For both of us the pain was worse than expected. I had some percocet from another procedure that I took for this, and I wasn't even worried about the pain because I had it, and let me tell you, no. It hurt a lot. Luckily it only lasted a couple hours.
My friend at the time made a comment about how she thought it was psychological for me that it hurt so much. I did not appreciate that. When 6 months later it was her turn to have one, she went through the same thing I did.
I am a pro choice person to this day because everyone needs to make their own choice, period. And it should not be illegal, that won't solve anything, people will get them illegally.
That being said. I regret it. The only thing I would want to say to anyone is go to forums for people who regret their abortions before you make your final decision.
Thanks and good luck. If you make this decision even though the medication abortion really was more painful than they said it would be, I still would have gone through it by myself at home than in a clinic on a table.
I posted on here a couple
I posted on here a couple weeks ago about my decision to take the pill and I took them this weekend and wanted to share my experience for others that are going through the same thing. I took the first pill on friday and had no side affects at all. I took the 4 pills on saturday night at around 9 pm and let them dissolve in my mouth for 30 mintues before swallowing them. I felt some mild cramping but nothing bad at all. Nothing really happened until about 11 when i started bleeding. It was really light at first and my back started hurting pretty bad but nothing unbearable just really uncomfortable and some small cramps. I didnt have very many clots come out so i didnt really wanna go to sleep because i knew the whole process wasnt over. The pain and nausea medicine made me so tired that i ended up falling asleep anyways. I woke up at about 4am and i had bled everywhere but there was no more pain. My advice is to take your nausea and pain medicine 30 min before taking the pills then take another pain pill when you start feeling the pain because that worked really well for me. I did feel nauseous but i never threw up. The experience really wasnt as bad as i had read from other people but i'm sure its different for each person. I do feel really sad from time to time but I know it was the right decision. Just know that there are emmotional side effects and its not the right decision for everyone.
Hiyaa, I Had The Abortion
Hiyaa, I Had The Abortion Pill Months Ago But I Still Think Im Pregnant I Have Bin On My Period Ever Sins But I Keep Feeling Kicks And I Just Dont Feel My Self At All And When Takeing The Pills I Was Really ill :/ Help xxx
Cramps During Early Pregnancy
I am confused regarding somthing. I am 5 weeks pregnancy. Is it normal to suffer from mild cramps during pregnancy? If yes, then how long will I get cramps? Throughout my pregnancy or will they stop after certain time? Thanks.
ive had 3 kids and with all
ive had 3 kids and with all three of them i had menstral type cramps. My doctor said its everythig iside of you like hips so the baby has room to grow.
good luck
I am having a very hard time
I am having a very hard time making this decision. I am 26 years old and 7 weeks along. I had a surgical abortion when I was 17 and swore I would never do it again. I was with my boyfriend for 10 years (same guy as the first abortion) We were on and off for the last 2 years and I had a new boyfriend of 6 months when I got pregnant this time. Although it was not planned we were not very careful to prevent it either. I thought I could be happy as I am ready to be a mother... now, I believe I was genuinely happy with the new guy before this, but because it was so soon after the breakup, with my long term guy, I don't think I really got over it. Now with the hormones I am severely depressed and can't even look at my new boyfriend (we actually just broke up) He wants to be a dad more than anything and I feel like this is not really my decision to make on my own? I haven't told him I am even considering this option but he did tell me if I ever thought about it just to have the baby and give it to him... but I can't do that... I could never have the baby in the world that I just gave away (I know it sounds messed up but I just couldn't, I would either keep it or terminate it) I keep going back and forth with the decision and don't know what to do? I think this pregnancy has made me realize how much I have always wanted a family with my ex; who loves me and still wants that with me as well. I guess I am scared because I don't know what feelings are real, again because of the hormones: I feel like I would want to be pregnant with (the was ex) him as soon as I could after this so I could be a mom with the right guy.
Let me also mention I had a miscarriage when I was 16 and even though it was 10 years ago I recall the severe pain and bleeding. I am very nervous to take the abortion pill because I remember the pain of my natural miscarriage. However, I also almost feel like I deserve to suffer for terminating a pregnancy again. I am just very scared that it may affect my ability to have children in the future... like God would need to punish me. I want to be a mother so badly I just don't want it like this. Is this a reasonable reason to have an abortion? I am so scared of how I will feel after. Will I resent my boyfriend or the child if I have it?? It is such a hard decision to make...
I don't know if you got the
I don't know if you got the abortion but I really hope not. Its not this child's fault that you got pregnant again, and if the ex really loves you he wont mind sticking with you through this whole ordeal. Please keep this baby, its deserves to be loved by you and its daddy!
Can someone please give me
Can someone please give me some info I'm scared worried just freaking out my appt is for this week please
Am 3mouths porgo and dont
Am 3mouths porgo and dont want to have my bby cuz am not workin and its goin to be be my 2 baby and am only 18 yyers oold and am not wit the bbys dady its hard cuz icould brly hadol one baby on my oen could some hlep me ok f u could call me at
I am planning on taking the
I am planning on taking the abortion pill. I am guessing I am around 4 weeks pregnant or less, I haven't seen a doctor yet. I feel so ashamed that I have come to this decision. I have always been pro life (but I would never judge someone who made this decision.) I already have two kids. My daughter is only two and a half and my son is only 15 months. I am married and my husband is a great father who will do anything to take care of us. I think this is the main reason I feel so guilty. The reason I decided to take the abortion pill is because I have two young children already and I am only 22 and my husband is in the ARMY and will be deploying soon so I would have this baby all alone and still have my other two children to think about. I feel like I am being extremely selfish but right now it seems so impossible to have another kid. Since my husband is in the army we are stationed far away from our hometown and we have no family around or anything to help out when I would have this baby. Anyways I was wondering if after taking the pills will I be in a condition to be able to care for my two kids or should I make sure my husband is here. Also how is it emotionally after the whole thing is over with. That is mine and my husbands main concern. It was very hard for the both of us to come to this decision and I want to make sure we are prepared.
im 23 and have 2children as
im 23 and have 2children as well and have been with there father for 6yrs.. i had an abortion and after my first child was born and 3yrs later had another healthy boy. completely understand where ur comng from with your entire situation.. the main advice i can give u is make sure u are 110 percent sure this iw aht u want to do. its not something u can second guess and it makes it a little harder if you have young children seeing them after the procedure. im ok with my decesion bc i know mentally it would of been to much for me having them back to back like that.. i honestly dont think i could of handled it.. i just knew it was the right decesion at the time.. so make sure that this is what u really want to do.. and another thing since he is in the military and yall are married with i assume good insurance i would see about birth control bc ur only 22 and yall are fertile for each other.. it will happen again.. good luck
AbortionPill
I am 39, divorced 7 years now. I have children with my ex, and have never had to go through anything like this before. I have been on birth control for over 3 years, and fell into the failure percentge. I took my pills daily, didn't miss, and hadn't been on any other meds that may cause failure. I made the decision to take the abortion pill bc I was scared to death about what a surgical abortion would be like, pain wise.
Today is Monday, and I took the first pill in the office on Saturday. Afterwards I had severe nausea and couldn't keep anything down. I had a headache. On Sunday eve, I took the 4 pills sent home with me, placed between my gums and cheeks for 30 mins to dissolve, then swallowed the rest down. The cramping began within 2 hours and knocked me down with their severity. I tried to lay down, but the cramps kept waking me. I soaked through several pads, and ruined my mattress, thru 2 towels. It is Monday afternoon and I am still bleeding heavily. I have a mild temperature, and still have not eaten. The pain is worse than any labour pains. I passed the largest clot today, and could see the pregnancy in it. That was emotionally difficult. I have called the office but my symptons do not seem accute to them. my follow up is not for another 9 days.
I've read on this site and a few others that the surgical abortion is easier, less bleeding overall. But I was too afraid to do that.
I am not using the abortion as birth control, and feel that as I was in that unfortunate failure percentage, having done this should not make me feel guilty. But after seeing the "evidence" in the toilet, I have to confess that it has been hard on me. I don't regret my decision to abort, for the reason I stated above. However, I do regret having chosen this option. In hindsight, the surgical procedure appears that it may be easier.
abortion pilll
I am So sorry you are dealing with this. I am also 22. No children. I just moved to florida with my bf alone away from family and friends.No job yet, I found out I was pregnant last week I had never felt so scared in my life as my relationship is rocky and I am not happy here in florida.. after alot of praying and thinking i came to the conclusion that I am in no state to care for a child. I know i was irresponsible but I need to get my life and career on track in order to be able to provide for the family I do want to have someday. Needless to say I read all these horror stories about the abortion pill and read all these posts like the women before me. I was petrified. I went to my doctor two days ago for the abortion pill. she told me these horror stories are mostly from people who are pro-life posing as women who have gone through this, making up terrible stories ( not to say the women before me is) anyways. I knew 2 other people who did it and they had pretty simple experiences. I chose to go ahead. I took the first pill orally at the doctors tuesday, I had no side affects whatsoever. Last night I was trembling as i put the second set of 4 pills in vaginally. i laid down for a few hours...about 3 hours later I started getting cramps..this felt like my regular bad cramps without taking any advil..I went to the bathroom about 5 hrs later and started to bleed. A few small clots and mostly just blood.. If i hadnt known any better I would have thought I just got a regular period. Today (the day after finishing the procedure) I have been out and about..i am not cold hearted nor a bad person..I will never let this happen again until I am ready to be a mother..I am sorry for my actions but I will say whole heartedly if this is the decision you made and you are early enough to take these pills I would reccomend it...my bf was there but I didnt need him once for anything. I would take the pills about an hr before u put the kids to bed so u can rest..you will be ok. I will pray for u. I hope this helped the hard time you are going through. best of luck
How far along were you when
How far along were you when you got the procedure? I'm just wondering if there is any correlation.
It really has been a nightmare
I also am 22 yrs old and oddly enough just moved from FL to NJ just about 2 months ago. Hav no friends,family just my bf and his mom. My bf and I really didnt think I was pregnant at first until I started showing hard core signs of it. Took 2 HPTs and both came out positive. I never in my life ever considered abortion but really had no choice. Hav no health insurance and barely make enough money as is with my part time job. At first we really considered to keep it but as soon as we told his mom she talked some sense into us. Went to planned parenthood to find out for sure I was. Got a few listings wher to go for the abortion. Reluctantly after all my confusion and pains I was getting set up an appointment to just get the abortion. Really was unsure of how far along I was. Anyways went to the abortion clinic and was told I was just about 8 wks and wasnt even sure if I could take the pill or not. That right ther was a bit alarming. The doc checked to make sure the medical was alright to go thro with and it was. After even being handed the first pill still was unsure and didnt want to. At that point had already known I was pregnant for over 2 weeks. You really get attached. I took the pill and felt fine the first day. The second day had very minimal cramping and just some light spotting. Then the third day I had to take the 4 pills between my gums for 30 mins and let dissolve..very chalky..within less than 30 mins the cramps started. I had taken 3 advil an hr before hand. Really did not help. Took some time to start bleeding and once I did only really happened when I was standing up. I started getting diarriah and the bleeding got worse and worse as time progressed. About 4 hrs in passed a blod clot and thought that was the fetus but turns out it wasnt cuz just an hr later felt the need to push something out and ther it was. As graphic as it is I actually saw the fetus. Didnt look lik much but looked just lik all the pictures online at that time of gestation. It really hit me then. I wish I hadnt seen it. The bleeding still wasnt letting up until about the 2nd night. By that time the cramps had gone away but still bleeding. Its been 2 weeks and 2 days since I had taken the 4 pills and am still spotting. Turned out today when I went for my 2 week check up ther was still tissue left and my test result is positive. Idk wat that means but I was given another 8 pills I hav to take 2 at a time twice a day. I'm really scared and just want this nightmare to be over already. Not having any friends or family was really hard thro it all. I've learned my lesson and as soon as I can am going on birth control. I want to have kids of my own someday and it was really hard to make this decision. I hav times wher I regret it but ther really was nothing I could do. Please wish me luck on getting this to just be over already. I'm really scared.
Hey hun, drop me mail and
Hey hun,
drop me mail and I'll discuss it with you.
im not sure how to find your
im not sure how to find your email..ive never posted anything on this site..if you can see mine feel free to email me
Dear Friend, I hope this
Dear Friend,
I hope this really helps you out. I am also a mother of three and have a great husband. I will share my experience with you. I had a very hard time with coming to terms on my decision. Me and my husband seperated for a while and in the year we were seperated he has a beautiful six month old girl. Our children are 13, 11 and 5. Its is not the first time I had to do this. With the fact that you are very early you can still take the pill. I will tell you the side effects are great and the pain is worse that child birth. I cried for 8 hours do to the severe pain. It also last so long, the bleeding that is. I difinately recommend you have someone by your side through this process. If you are not oppose going through the surgery is much better. The pain is not nearly as bad as the pill and then it is also over much quicker. Alot less bleeding as well. If I could do it over I would. I will never recommend the pill to anyone ever. Emotionally you will recover from this. You have two children who will need all of your focus when there father is gone. You will thinking about it from time to time and wonder the what if's. I think that just means you are human. I commend you for making the decision but its not an easy situation. I hope that I have truely helped you.
Mefiprostone/Mefiprostol use
Tenks sista, ive also taken it. It has been only a day and the pain I cant stand it. The problem I am at work and I am afraid to tell anyone about this. I think I will cope since I now know what to expect.
Tenk
I was always pro life also. I
I was always pro life also. I got pregnant at 17 and already had a 2 year old. I never dreamed I would have an abortion but I just couldn't imagine having another child and I did it out of selfish reasons. It's also against my beliefs as a Christian but at the time I wouldn't even think about it. I just did it. It's not the right thing to do and you and your husband can have another child and will be able to support this child. It always works out. Trust me I think about my child everyday and I wonder what he/she would have been like. It's very very hard and if your already emotional about it then it's going to be a very hard. I'll be praying for y'all. I know it's hard but y'all can do it. And if you have this child you will look back and think how did I even think about aborted him/her. You will love this sweet baby so much just like your others. Email me if you want to talk ! I'll be praying for y'all.!
Scared=(
Im so scared i took the plan b and still havent started my period so im goin in for an appointment this week to get checked to see if i am pregnant and if not get on birth control if i am i plan on taking the pill but am scared becuase my mom doesnt no and i dont have any good excuses for it and am in sports does anyone no if u can get the pill on your first appiontment because i dont want it to be too late
WORRIED SICK ABOUT THE PILL
Iam glad I found this website! I have my appt to have the pill next friday, August 12th. I found out I was prego a week ago and have been a nervous wreck! I have two beautiful daughters and can not have anymore. Last summer I went through a horrible pregnancy. I was six months prego and found out my baby had a rare birth defect and would have to termenate the pregnancy. We were so happy about the baby and this was absoulutly devistating news. My only option was to have the labor induced and have them put a needle through my stomache and end my baby's life. It was the worst experience Ive ever been through. I was in labor for 2 days. I had csections with both of my daughters and never had labor before. It was terrible. I was then put on the birth control shot. the shot made me sick the entire time. I have migraine headaches so I cant get on birth control, period. Thats why Iam 35 and in the situation Iam in. I was told if I get prego again I would have to be taking folc acid or a year and the baby might be healthy. I realy dont have a choice to keep it. Iam still getting over loosing my little girl last year! I have had an abortion before, surgical and it was a pretty tramatic event for me and no way could I go through that again. I started looking around or my options. I month ago I saw my dr to set up appt to get my tubes tied. My dam insurance wouldnt cover it and now Iam pregnant! My oldest daughter has been locked up for a year because she was having some issues with authority and will be home in two weeks! I wont get into that, but let just say life hasnt been that good to me in a long long time and now this! I have to be here for my dautghter. She needs me now more than ever. Iam just not sure I made the right decision on the pill. From the time I wake up in the morning till I go to bed I cant stop thinking about it. Iam so afraid that I will die from this or get so ill that I wont be there for my daughter. I cant afford to be sick. It just helps to be able to rant a little! I cant talk to anyone about this. I have spent hours looking online and researching. I cant take pain meds for the pain. The nurse told me that it will be pretty dang painful! I have other medical conditions that I cant take pain meds, thats why I cant go through with the surgery. Anyone reads this and is going through this and wants to talk please holler at me. I will update my experience with the pill next week!
So how was your experience
So how was your experience and how do you feel emotionally
SCARED
I'm extremely nervous about all of this. I took the first pill today and must complete the rest of the process tomorrow..I would like for experienced ppl to tell me how severe are the cramps UNBEARABLE or TOLERABLE?
Dont be scared
I took the 1st pill on Friday and then the 2nd one on Saturday. I have some cramping but not too bad. I am still bleeding and think I will for a while. Take all the antibiotics so that you do not get an infection. If you feel pain take your pain medicine. Hope you have a good recovery.
don't be afraid
i came to this website about 5 days ago when i decided to terminate my 5 week pregnancy with the abortion pill and was terrified that i was going to be screaming in pain and bleeding like there is no tomorrow. i am actually writing this right now as i lay in bed 2 hours after taking my pills. i have some pretty bad cramps that come and go and i am bleeding a little more than my usual. but in no way am i dying in pain. Also the people at the clinic were very nice and made me feel very comfortable. i am so thankful to have a supporting boyfriend and family without them i would be lost. i am also thankful that i have the right to choose and when i am a little older and finish college i will have children and provide them with the life i can. i hope whoever reads this feels a little better about their decision.
no worries
This is exactly how I am feeling. i could have not gone through this without a caring boyfriend and family and a best friend there to help me cope. I was also nervous because i want to finish out college rather than struggle though it with a baby. I was so scared when i first decided to take the pill! I was so nervous at first about getting the pill that when i was in the doctors office i fainted! but yesterday (sunday Aug 7th) at around 230 i took tylenol with codeine and then at 3 took the 4 pills orally. i was SO nervous, as to what you said i was afraid i was going to be screaming bloody murder. But right now it is 730 on Monday morning and I haven't felt much. All saturday night i have laid in bed waiting for unbearable pain with a heating pad on my stomach, but it never really came. It feels no more painful than a normal period. the only thing I am worried about is if it is actually working for me? ive had blood clots in the beginning so i am hoping i passed it then, also the nurse said i was really early so maybe that is why it is going easy for me.
my experience
I am posting this anonymously and will not be checking this site afterwards. I am considering this post a way of closing this chapter. This is meant for all the women out there who were in a terrifying and anxiety-filled situation, just like me. Please ignore the haters and activists. Do not judge them, nor allow them to judge you. This is your decision for your life and your body. NO ONE else can decide anything for you. It is yours to make.
I felt nauseous and dizzy for the 2 weeks prior. I should have known sooner, since my period is always on time. I am in a committed relationship of 6 months and we stupidly did not use protection every time. I thought I had my ovulation calendar timed perfectly and would just not have sex/ use a condom on those days. I was stupid. Mistakes happen. USE PROTECTION PLEASE. Birth control is much much cheaper than an abortion... I digress...
I found out I was pregnant after taking 4 pregnancy tests and made my appointment on Monday July 25th. Waiting until my appointment on Friday the 29th was the hardest part. I just wanted it all to be over with. My insurance covers abortions, but I wanted the privacy and speed of Planned Parenthood. I must say, that although they are understaffed and overworked - they are EXTREMELY kind and nonjudgmental. I would go there again and pay twice as much if need be. I live in South Florida, and my medical abortion cost $495. I got to the clinic at 8:30 am and was out by 11:45. They took my blood for testing, gave me an ultrasound and provided counseling/ education as needed. They were very busy, but very kind.
During the ultrasound they gave me the option of seeing the fetus/knowing how far along I was. I chose not to know. I already calculated that I had to be 5 to 6 weeks along. I didn't want or need to know. But I think some people would be interested. I liked having the option. Also, there were a few girls there who seemed much more nervous than I. They were counseled, I could hear them going to another room that I didn't have to. I guess since I seemed so confidant and educated (from this site and the planned parenthood site) that I did not need the assistance. But once again - it was good to know there was the option.
The doctor gave me the first pill and watched me take it at 11:30 I signed the papers and left with 3 prescriptions. These were very useful. I got one for tylenol 3 with codeine, 800mg ibuprofen and something for nausea. They were generic and covered by insurance. Even without insurance they would only have been about $12 each. Fill these, they will save your life.
I took the 4 pills on Saturday July 30th at about midnight. An hour before I took 1 tylenol and 1 nausea pill. I actually fell asleep after taking the 4 pills and slept for about 4 hours. I woke up to some serious cramps, about as bad as the worse period cramps. I went to the bathroom and a very large clot came out. I had also soaked through a pad. I wish I hadn't fell asleep so I could have monitored better. But I was exhausted from a week of no sleep, feeling nauseous and worrying all night. That night was probably the best sleep I had gotten in a long time. I took some of the Ibuprofen and more nausea and fell back asleep. I got up a couple times to change my pad/ go to the bathroom. But the cramps were not bad due to the medicine. That stuff worked awesome. I luckily had Sunday off from work and just slept until 12. Although, I could have probably gotten up earlier. The pills helped me get back to feeling normal.
Sunday I bled like a heavy flow day. Not being used to pads, I was kinda worried about changing them frequently. But now it is Monday and the bleeding is down quite a bit. Still no tampons for a week, though. And I have my follow-up on Tuesday August 16th.
In closing, please don't let the negative comments discourage you. This decision might be hard for you, but if you feel it is right - than it is. Mine was an easy choice. I am a college student with a crappy part time job, a wonderful boyfriend and a supportive family. I didn't want to put them or myself through the pain and life changing process of an unwanted pregnancy. I KNOW without a doubt that I made the right decision. And some of the kind posts on this site made it that much easier. I did not tell anyone about this. I didn't need to. I am a grown woman and I know what is right for me. But if you feel alone, please reach out to others. There is help if you look for it, I promise.
Please be safe and kind to one another. We are all human and need help from time to time. It will all get better, do not give up on yourself. I love you and good luck to all my sisters out there.
~xoxo
my experience
did you get your period yet?
torn
I am scheduled to go take the first pill tomorrow but still very unsure..i already have two children whom i couldnt imagine my life without but i am a single mother working full time for minimum wage and not making it..this guy who i am pregnant by now has a son who he raises but he does not work and is in all sorts of trouble...he says he will not abandon this baby if i chose to have it however he doesnt want another child and makes a good point that neither one of us can afford it right now..and has given me the money to pay for the abortion. also i barely know this guy..stupid on my part i know but only knew him for a couple weeks when i became pregnant. i am very torn because with my first child my ex wanted me to have an abortion i was very young but i knew there was no way i could do it. and i must say i thank god everyday for my son he is the light of my life. my second i didnt want but still couldnt have an abortion and she is the most beautiful angel ever. ive always been prolife but circumstances have changed. i just simply am afraid i cant properly provide for another child. i dont get to see the two i have already due to working 2 counties away from where i live they stay at my fathers alot. i am terrified of how i am going to feel everythime i see and pregnant belly or a tiny baby..or in a year how regretful i may feel. another thing is yes i may have made this mistake and not want to live with it but what in this world gives me the right to take a life!?!? and oh my after reading some of the horror stories. thats scary stuff. has anybody had a decent experience with the pill????
What did you decide to do
What did you decide to do
Not as bad as has been made out.
I haven't had THAT bad a time. I have been through most of the experience alone, not to say I haven't told my partner I did at the last minute, but he is a bloke and i guess he feels uncomfortable talking about it.
So yeah, I found out i was pregnant two weeks ago. waited three days for an appointment at BPAS. (UK) and nothing was seen on the scan, so went back a week later and I then found out i was five weeks and two days. My last appointment was yesterday where i had the oral pill at ten o clock, and the pessaries (vaginal pill) at half three.
Having the pregnancy wasn't even an option for me. I am twenty one and due to start my univeristy degree in three weeks, I am in a long term relationship where we have been careful and on the contraceptive pill (cilest) and using the pull out method as a further form of contraception we had been clear from the strat of our relationship. No babies until after we finish our prospective degrees and can actually afford to look after it andgive it thing and oppurtunities I didn't have. (My mum was seventeen when she had me and I feel it has affected our relationship)We were so careful But it still happened to us.
Yesterday, after the last four interal pills. I was advised to take the codeine before the pain started. But stupidly I didn't. I wouldn't say the pain was agonising or terrible. It wasn't nice but, I felt I could bear it until after about five hours (I stupidly decided to go for a two hour drive as a passeneger with my friend) and being sat all curled up in the car was awful. Not ever being used to pads, I was so paranoid about bleeding through. But I didnt which was a major relief. when i got out to use the loo, what I can only describe as blobs, like jelly sort of came out which wasnt very nice to see but I was assured earlier in the clinic that it was only womb lining and nothing else nd the pregnancy was still only cells at this stage. After letting it do its thing, i continued o meeting my friend and stuff, I ust say I did feel a bit wozy at about nine, so i took two codeine. and these took the pain right down to nothinguntil i was curled back up in the car but when i was out. I was fine all night and took my antibiotics today and two codeine as more of a precaution than because i needed them. But yeah the bleeding is still what I would call heavy flow... like.. the first day of your period for instance. so nothing major. and it has lessened a lot since that first time on the loo after the journey. I must say i feel much better , so yeah hope this has helped
xxxx
My experience
Many of these posts seem intended to scare people who are considering the pill. I took the early option pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) a few months ago because, like you, I knew I could not provide financially. If I am going to have a child, I intend to make sure that I can provide ideal circumstances. My husband is a student and I am a recent graduate - I have had no time to build a career or create a foundation for a little one. It's important that as women, we can control when a child is born - it is essential for his/her if a child is born, as well as our own. Emotionally, it was hard in the beginning, but I truly believe that I made the right decision, as hard as it was. Physically, the misoprostol (second pill) was the most painful and nauseating experience of my life, but it only lasted a few hours. I had intermittent cramping and bleeding for a few weeks following, and passed clots and runny tissue (no, I did not see an embryo or yoke sack - everything was red like blood). If you decide to go through with the procedure, make sure you are given antibiotics to prevent infection and take pain pills about an hour before (trust me, you will need it). If I had to do it over again I would, but I have no plans to do so and the mere thought of it makes me shudder. I do not see an embryo as life - I see it as potential for life. I may have decided to end the cycle, but when the time is right, I will bring a child into the world and they will have what they never could have prior. Good luck to you. Remember that you're not alone.
Saturday
I have suffered with severe cramps and heavy bleeding during periods for ten years. Most of them made me wish that I were dead. However this was not caused by the pills. I will be taking the pills this Saturday mainly because I am only 19 and start college in a couple weeks. I start band camp this friday. Band is what pays my tuition, pregnancy will terminate my scholarship.
Reading some of these comments have really scared me, but when I think about the side effects given, that is actually how I feel every month. Maybe these pills will just be an extended regualar period for me.
My mind is torn because I've always been pro life. Yet what's inside of me does not feel alive. It wouldn't have a heart beat until a few more weeks. I wish I was atleast a few more years down the road with a career. Maybe I could have saved a life that awaits in me. Right now I'm just a student with no means of supporting a life other than my own. And if I am to bring a child into the world, I want it to be the right way in a marriage with the child having a stable home with his or her real parents like I was.
This is the hardest and most heart breaking decision I will ever make. And I can't even tell my parents.... I feel so alone. All my closest friends are virgins and here I am pregnant... they have no idea because I can't tell them either.
-Alone
Don't look at this decision
Don't look at this decision as prolife or prochoice. It is much bigger then that. This is about you and your unborn. Are you ready to dedicate everything to a baby? That baby will need a lot of time moneys and support. Iam a mother of two children under three and I can tell you my whole day goes to these little ones. They are precious, yes! But until you are fully prepared to care for and support them you shouldn't attempt it. It is only fair that your precious baby be given the life they deserve, so wait until you are ready that way your life with your baby will be somehing that is cherished. When i was 16 i had to make the same hard decision and opted for a surgical abortion. Because as a teen i knew i was in no position to be a mother, at least not the great mother that i had alwaus pictured myself as (miss homemaker type). So i did something very hard that i still feel a little sad about when i look back. Because. Good people sometimes have to make tough decisions. But you arent bad for choosing your life right now. In the end it may be better to release that soul if you dont feel your ready. Only you know what you are mentally and finacially ready to handle at the moment. Make the desision that is right for you now. You are young and have time for a family later.
hey.. you are really not
hey.. you are really not alone.xx ive just gone through this horrible decision..but had to do it for myself and my family. it's not a nice feeling or thing to do, but having had 3 beautiful children myself and being 38yrs, it was the best decision for me..my eldest son is now 20 an has cerebral palsey i was 19 when i had him and although i love him, and i'm so,so glad i have him, i lost my youth,i lost holidays away with friends,going out enjoying myself i grew up very quickly..at your age you have so much infront of you..these storys on here are just one persons account of what has happend to them..although it hasnt been a nice experiance, im good an im well and ok...you will make the right desisionx take care.x
the abortion pill
In South Africa popping out babies is a big social issue. Kids as young as 13 have babies, get social grants, dont get educated, get infected with HIV and dont see their children grow up. The rate of HIV infection exceeds the birth rate, but the birth rate ironically exceeds the death rate. An HIV infected person can have 3 or 4 kids before he dies.And it happens. I have dealt with three unwanted pregnancies in my family. The first was my 18yr old sister when I was 20. My daughter was 2yrs old. My sister was also at college and varsity etc. She lived on her own far away from us. I accompanied her to the clinic and she had a horrendous experience. I heard everything and took her home again. It was awful. I fell pregnant again 5 yrs later and went to the gynie. She gave me a prescription for cytotec. Wow. It was quick and easy and no one had to know. Yes. I had cramps, but not as bad as labour and i bled for about 6 weeks which is not unlike after having a baby. I had no side effects. When my next younger sister fell pregnant right after her fist born, i told her about the cytotec and she took the rest of my prescription with no side effect. All three of us have since had successful pregnancies within stable relationships and without remorse or regrets. When you look at social circumstances you have to make the decision that is right for you. The decision that you know you can live with. If you deal with it maturely you wont have a problem. It doesnt come back to haunt you and it does not necessarily affect future conceptions. An unwanted pregnancy can only lead to an unwanted child that is likely to put a burden on society in one way or another.
10 Day Update
I went for my follow up appointment today. Dr was real quiet during the ultrasound. I could tell by her face it was not clear. She said the pregnancy was definitely terminated, but I still had a fair amount of "debris". So, I had the option of taking 4 more pills or coming back for the D&C. I chose the later because she said there is no real guarantee that the pills will work. Also, in her opinion it was better to suffer 10 minutes of discomfort rather than a few hours of pain with the pills. I agree.
In short, I would never go through the medical abortion again. Why go through all that only to have to have a D&C anyway? I am really angry and upset right now. Think real hard before you make a decision. Complications with surgical abortions are rare and it is over immediately. Just my two cents. I will write another update after my D&C.
12 weeks pregnant and going for pill abortion tomorrow
Hello I'm from England and could really use some help I'm nearly 12 weeks pregnant and going for the pills tomorrow and I'm worried as I have read that the pill abortion shouldn't be used if you are more than 9 weeks this has confused me as the hospital said it's fine and I have all ready took the first pill I'm so scared as I'm nearly 12 weeks that it will be more painful etc. Please can someone help
if i was you i wouldnt take
if i was you i wouldnt take the pill since you 12 weeks into it. i took the pill it was a really painful thing i had to go through but now im okay but im still bleeding and it been almost two months now. all im saying is think twice before you can your decision about the pill since you 12 weeks, look into it some more plz.
Help
Hi girls, I took the 4 pills at 7:40pm (7/15/11) and didnt start bleeding till an hour after. At first it was light bleeding like a regular period but after another hour i started bleeding a little more. Im not sure if im bleeding too much, but i have passed fairly medium-big size blood cloths and a small grayish cloth which i suspect is the tissue. Anyway im just a little concern about my bleeding, idk if im just exaggerating and its fine but still have my doubts. I wonder if the bleeding will lessen after the baby passes, but not sure when i'll know that it did. Can anyone tell me how i can know when its over? This is my first and im really scared and lonely at my house going through this. I would appreciate any comment
hiiiiiiiiii im 20 yrs old i
hiiiiiiiiii im 20 yrs old i have lost my period it start date is 10/09/11 but not start till now i have a doubt im pragnent can u plz help me what can i do ? i have use praga news but the result is negative i have also doubt...........?
Plzzzzzzzzzzz I need your help
I took the abortion pill at the office on June 23 and the 4 pills the next day after few hrs I felt a lot of pain and I passed clots. Immediately, the pain was gone. In my 2 weeks check up appt the doctor shocked me that the pregnancy is still positive and there is still some pieces in the ultrasound..the doctor asked me what I wanna do and I told him that I don’t want to do surgical procedure because I am really scared…so he gave me another 16 pills and told me to do the 4 the same day and take 1 pill 3 times a day for 4 days…I did what he told me and I had a heavy bleeding but no pain…I came back for my appt after one week…the doctor was on vacation and there was another doctor…he did the ultrasound for me and told me you are clean and the ultrasound looks pretty good…I felt relief but then he asked me if I am still bleeding and I said yes..he asked if it is heavy and I told him yes…then he told me that I need to do the cleaning because I am still bleeding…I asked him but why the ultrasound showed that I am clean…he said if you are still bleeding then there might be some tissues that he cannot see in the ultrasound…I explained to him that I don’t want the surgery and I am really scared…then he said you can wait for 5 days and come back to see if the bleeding will stop or it should be spotting only….my question is any one of you had the same experience? I thought the abortion will be complete by doing the pills for the 1st time because they are saying the percentage is 95%...but I had to take it again…and now I am not sure what to do…is my uterus clean? I really don’t want the surgery but at the same time I don’t want to get an infection and die…I am really scared and don’t know what to do…is it true the uterus clean itself naturally? I asked my friend doctor backhome she told me they don’t do cleaning if the ultrasound is clean and if the pregnancy is less than 7 weeks..She told me we don’t do cleaning unless it is necessary...plz help me I need your advice and your experience
I had a medical abortion 7/2.
I had a medical abortion 7/2. My 2 week check up, I was told everything looked good but that I did have a minor infection. I was given an antibiotic and assumed things were ok. I stopped bleedibg for about 3 days and then while at work I started bleeding heavily bright red. I first thought this was just my period until 3 days later I was in the shower and had a sudden gush of blood fall into the tub followed by abnormally large clots. This bleeding continued for several hours so I called the doc whom told me to come in the next day. Last weds. When I got there I had an ultra soubd which showed there was tissue still left inside and that I would need to have the surgical suction to remove the leftover tissue. I had no one that could give me a ride so being I had to drive myself- I couldnt have general anesthesia. I recieved a local anesthetic and underwent the procedure fully concious. It hurt like a b$tch but was over in secs. Within 3 days the bleeding has finally stopped and I am praying that this whole thing is finally over.
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