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
ABORTION
You will never forgive yourself if you abord your baby...carry it to full term and give the baby to a family that will love it. I was 16 when I first got pregnat and actually kept the baby...my life was not a disaster. I promise it will all work out.
Make the Right Decision for YOU
Before making any decision regarding abortion or to keep your baby; make an informed decision. That is the beauty of the internet; google informtion and be fully informed on all your options. There are many honest ladies on here sharing their stories and there are some that are total rubbish trying to turn young people away from making the right decision for themselves. This is your life, don't let religion, family or a partner try to make this decision for you. You are not committing a crime or killing anybody, just be informed and make the best decision for you.
hi
I'm 20 and I just finished taking the second pill and scared out of my wits. and I don't get why some people blame other for taking this route, me...I had to get the abortion the doc said my baby was positioned where it wasn't supposed to be and I have ovarian cyst which doesn't help. I think about killing something I helped create and I've cried non stop for the past week. I have no objection for peole getting the abortion I just had higher expectations of myself. yes ill regret my decision for the rest of my life but I had no choice and a girl who has roommates and only a part time job I saw no way in raising a kid. I just wish things were different for myself thatis all...
Dealing with being 4 weeks
Dealing with being 4 weeks pregnant is not how I imagined my finals week of senior year but it worked out that way. After being done with the abortion procedure I went through a very tough time dealing with my decision. I have just begun to forgive myself and realize I made the best decision for me. My mom and my best friend have been so good bout making me feel that I'm not the evil person I had thought I was.
I'm not condoning what i did but I forgave myself and that is the only way I can heal.
About to take the 2nd pill
I took the first pill on april 26th 10 pm (I am 7 weeks pregnant) I didn't notice much difference. I felt a little bit of nausea but I have been suffering from really bad morning sickness every mornings and nights so it wasn't that bad for me. I had a little cramping but wasn't bad at all. I thought I was supposed to get some light bleeding so I got scared because I am not bleeding at all. But I guess not everyone bleeds after the first pill. I am planning on taking the 2nd pill on 27th after 10 pm. I don't know what I should before taking the medication. People say something light. Also, can I eat something after taking the 2nd pills? I plan on staying the whole night because from reading these stories, most people have heavy bleeding for about 6 hrs after taking the 2nd pill bucally/vaginally.
2nd pill not workin???
ok im really scared i took the 2n pill. 800mg instead of bleeding. i had a seizure n passed out or fell asleep. its been about 3.5 hrs since i took those pills. i have crams but i have a high fever n my hearts beating abnormally fast. does anybody know what is the possible problem? i guess im 8 1/2 weeks pregnant not 7 n i took 2 NDAID pain relievers instead of tylenol cuz i didnt have any when i looked at it,
im so terrified right now
My experience - so far all ok
After reading all these stories I was absolutely terrified about what might happen. For reasons I won't go into I decided on the pill. Made an appointment. Confirmed i was 5 weeks pregnant. Had 1st tablet at about 1.30, I was actually already experiencing morning sickness (unless it was my nerves) but after taking this pill, I felt a little relieved and the nausea seemed to subside and I had a great night sleep, 1st time since I found out.
The following day I was feeling good and in the afternoon i actually had some light spotting. I was beginning to feel petrified about what the night would bring... I decided I would take the 4 tablets around 7pm and go to bed.
5pm I took some Tylenol
6pm had a light meal and neurofen
Something came up so I didn't get to take pills till around 8.30 pm. I let them dissolve for about 30-40 mins.... Almost immediately I had this urge to go to the toilet, so got up and felt a gush... Got to the toilet and this massive clot (about the size of a small apple) fell out. It didn't hurt, was just gross and I misses the toilet and it went down my leg. Over about the next 5hrs had to go to the toilet every 30-60mins. In this time I had about 5-6 more clots. The pain was bearable, just like period pain. I kept on top of pain medication so maybe that helped. I haven't experienced and nausea, chills, fever, dirreaha.
I managed to get about 2 hrs sleep without having to change my pad. It has now been 3.5hrs since going to the toilet. Hopefully that's it for the clots. Worst part is I have had this abortion in secret and my husband does not know (horrible I know, please don't judge, I'm beating myself up enough as it is). I was so scared that the pain would be unbearable and bleeding wouldn't stop.
I'm just praying that it has worked because if it hasn't I can't stand with the lying anymore and not sure how I go about the surgical without causing suspicion.
Any way this is my story... And I hope don't have to come back to say it hasn't worked and/or complications. I am so ashamed of myself for getting me into this situation and whilst I will live with the guilt my whole life, I hope I am still able to conceive.
did ur husband know u were
did ur husband know u were pregnant? im kidna in the same situation!!! tell me how did it end up pleas!
Understandable
I understand about not telling your husband. I've been with my bf for almost 10 years and I am currently 5 weeks pg. I do not planning on telling him about this because I already know what he would say. Since we have the opposite beliefs about this, we would just fight over it. People may say that he has the right, but then I wouldn't have my right because it would more than likely go his way.
"understandable"
Wow, I was in the same situation. I've been w my b/f for 10 yrs when I found out I was preg. I told him and I never would have thought he'd suggest abortion. It never crossed my mind until he suggested it. He also said he'd be there with me if I kept the baby, but it was more like an afterthought and I knew he didn't feel that was the best course of action. I cried every day until the abortion appointment. I finally went through with it, although everything in me was desperately looking for anything or anyone to stand with me and tell me there was another way.
Just the fact that I knew my other half felt abortion was the only & best "option" made me feel so pressured that I made he biggest regret of my life. I would die a thousand deaths to have my baby back. I would do ANYTHING. I still kind of hope the baby's still in there against all odds.
To the poster of "Understandable" If you know you want you little baby, don't let anyone or anything even SAY the word abortion to you without fighting back. I suggest not telling him until the baby is past the point where abortion is legal if that's what it takes. Because you know what? My b/f instantly regretted it. I could see it in his face he was as horrified at what we did as I was devastated. I know he would never make that decision again if he could go back and change it. We're really scarred and hurt and will BOTH live with the tragedy that WE caused by even walking into that clinic. That was where the decision got made - the moment we walked into the clinic it was like an unstoppable event.
Good luck and I hope and pray your b/f understands. And you know what, if he could look at your little baby when you have your first ultrasound or when the baby is born and NOT love him/her and accept & understand your decision, then maybe he isn't who you thought or hoped he'd be all these 10 yrs.
omg the stories have scared
omg the stories have scared the crap out of me urs seems less scary. ive had two abortions and being brought up in a christian home really dont want to go through that again. but from all this i wonder if it isnt as painfull. abortions are expensive also ive had to pay up to 600 dollars. how much was the pill and i cant find any doctor in massachusetts that will prescripe i am only a couple weeks so i want to do something fast before to far into it.
i understand
Hi Leah... I UNDERSTAND. I too am in the same situation as you:(
How are you feeling? Im thinking of doing the same thing
Rachelle
Hey...I'm feeling ok. It has
Hey...I'm feeling ok. It has been the worst 2 weeks of my life!!! Physically Iam all good but emotionally that is a different story! :( Now I am at the stage of undeniable guilt and can't believe what I have done, and can't believe this is what it came too. I can't sleep...I have nightmares of my husband finding out! I think too much... I have even thought about as going as far as moving house...so there is no paper trail. The clinic has all my details and I keep thinking one day an anti-abortionist will come knocking on my door and disclose my secret!! Over active imagination..thinking they are going to break into the clinic and steal all the files!!!..... This is the only way the secret will come out!!!!!!
I guess that is my punishment ... living in constant fear. I am so ashamed :(
There is support
Hi, My experience is a little different - ok a lot different. But the most important similarity is that we both have emotional scars from these experiences and there is help. Look up Lumina or Sisters of Life. I know it sounds like they're going to preach at you, but they didn't do that to me. You can be anonymous I think, although I told them my name. They just give you encouragement to get through this. They'll tell you not to feel ashamed and speak compassionately to you. At least they did for me. They let you talk and tell your story and why you did what you did. You sound like you need someone to talk to. No one needs to go through life feeling the way do. Just the fact that you think you deserve punishment shows how much encourageing you need from someone. And if you can't tell your husband, then you need to get that encouragement from someowhere. Might as well be strangers who will respect your privacy.
Look up Lumina or Sisters of Life. they are really helping me.
pill
I'm 21 years old and i found out i was pregnant at 5 weeks, I had the shot and pills at 8 weeks. I had the initial shot at the doctor's office and then 5 days later I inserted the pills. The office explained to me what I could and could not eat and also what to expect. I was also given a paper briefing what they had told me. The pain was so unbearable, nothing helped it. The doctor also said that I would just see blood clots, nothing unidentifiable...well he was wrong, very wrong. I woke up in the middle of the night from the pain, got up to change my pad and a so called "clot" dropped out. it was my baby and it was definitely identifiable. It had arms, legs, and you could just make out where the eyes and nose were. It was not my decision, I have no idea why I was so stupid and went with it but now I have to live with it and regret for the rest of my life. My advice is don't think you can just abort your baby and think that everything will be fine and dandy afterwards because it wont be
Uneducated
See.. this is the problem with these controversial forums... Liars like you decide to share your "stories".. your probably some middle aged catholic woman or something, or a VERY screwed up 21 year old. At 8 weeks, the EMBRYO would not be detectable as having "Arms, legs and making out of eyes and nose"... JUST NOT POSSIBLE!! Any website or doctor could tell you this. Grow up and get over yourself!!!! LOL LOL LOL You must really think the people reading these are stupid !! LOL LOL LOL
YOU'RE uneducated
At eight weeks it's completely possible to see the features this girl described. Look it up! I did. I didn't have the same experience because I had my little baby frickin sucked out of me. But let me tell you, the research on how my baby was developing - I was 6 weeks 4 days on the day I aborted, or so the doctor said - is traumatizing enough. All the medical websites & pregnancy websites (and NO I'm not talking about the pro-life websites, I mean the ones that expecting moms go on who actaully want THEIR babies) are saying my little baby would have been developing his arms & legs and brain development was beginning at that stage. The baby IS developing facial features during this time (about 6-7 weeks) and this girl's post says she was even further along at 8 weeks! And who are you to judge?!?
"VERY screwed up 21 y/o"?!? And people like you are the same ones who have the nerve to call people who are pro-life judgemental. And maybe some of them are, but how hypocritical of you to be the worst of the judgmentals! If she IS a screwed up 21 y/o, how much more compassion does she deserve? And let me tell you, those "middle aged catholic women" that you probably spend your time criticizing & ridiculing & stereotyping are the ones who reached out to me and spoke compassionately to me after I aborted. The same people who believe in life and allowing embryos to grow and be born accepted me and had compassion on me even though I did exactly what they're advocating against. They didn't ask me if I regretted it & then chose to accept me only then. They just gave me what I needed - even though who the hell am I. Just some emotional girl who can't accept her own decision.
So who would you say is more qualified to give advice to others? A hypocritical, judgemental, negative, nasty person like you? Or people who, even though you've done exactly what they stand against and don't believe in, would take you in without question and give you the help, encouragement, and compassion YOU need even though the baby is gone and there's nothing for them to save - except maybe your sanity & emotional well-being?
YOU MAY SEE IDENTIFYABLE BABY MY DAUGHTER DID
My 19 year old daughter opted for Medical abortion. She did not realize that she was supposed to fill the perscription for pain meds and take them BEFORE inserting 4 pills. It was extremely painful. Girls this IS induced labor and delivery. She was 8 weeks and 3 days along and when the embreyo came out it was identifyable, so much so that she saved it and gave it to me to bury. I saw it. It did have arms, legs and even finger and toe buds. Maybe this is an easier proceedure if you are not as far along, but I would not recommend it. From the pain, blood, trama of seeing your dead baby, bleeding after, and running a low grade fever for a couple days after...it was all bad news and scared us to death. I would never recommed a medical abortion. If you choose abortion I would recommed surgical. I helped a friend through a surgical abortion and the proceedure and recovery was a cake walk compared to a medical abortion.
night fater pill
i just wat to know how long the pill lasted help
This is not a lie at all, the
This is not a lie at all, the same happened to me. At 8 weeks the FETUS has buds for arms & legs & 2 black dots where the eyes would be. You are not warned of this & it is extremely upsetting...perhaps your the stupid one.
Pay no mind to the liars seeing a formed baby at less than 8 wks
Pay no mind to some of the liars here. I also had this non-medical procedure and I have friends who are doctors. It is absolutely impossible for you to see the legs or arms of a baby less than 8 weeks which is why such abortion can be recommended. The baby hasn't even formed yet. Do they even know the meaning of an embryo or a fetus? They think they can just frighten people into their beliefs. It is humanly and medically impossible to see a baby. It is purely a lie and she isn't being rude, she's being factual. I did this procedure too and I don't find what she said insulting. You liars are the ones insulting our intelligence. I admit it was painful for me like a bad menstrual period. I bled for two weeks but that's all. I saw only a blood lump once and I know people who did it. No one sees a baby. Don't take people here for fools, we are educated.
Keep your nasty attitude to yourself
Anyone can say they have friends who are doctors. I have friends who are hispanic. That doesn't make me an expert on the spanish language! Plus every one is different. Some babies walk at 9 months by themselves. Some take longer and I'm sure there are some that started earlier.
The medical websites SAY that the baby is visible size (the size of a sprinkle on ice cream at only 6 weeks with arms & legs developing and brain function beginning to develop). If she says she saw arms & legs then it's completely possible for 8 weeks when the pregnancy websites say facial features & limbs begin @ 6 weeks.
lol lol lol! you think
lol lol lol! you think abortion is funny do you what the hell do you know you a dr??? nasty comments get lost!
RUDE.
RUDE.
Scared
I have my own reasons for wanting to terminate my pregnancy. I'm 19 years old, a full time student, work part time, and most definitely couldn't support a child. I just found out last week and have an appointment through planned parent hood coming up in a couple days to take the abortion pill. I'm very scared and and not looking forward to this experience at all. Worst of all i have nobody to talk to about any of this. I feel like an awful person for making this decision, but I know this is what has to be done. I'm hoping to get replies from girls my age who have been through this process through planned parent hood as well so I can get an idea of what it's like.
experience
Hello- i was also 19 when i decided to go to planned parenthood for my abortion and i just would like to warn you against Planned Parenthood! Not only did they handle me with no respect or kindness, when i walked into the procedure room it was covered in blood. In any other venue, this would have been a complete health violation and would have been reported to the medical board. The attending physicians could have easily been sued and licences revoked however somehow Planned parenthood is able to continue with gross sub-standard medical care for women. PLEASE do not buy into any of Planned Parenthood lies and go seek other choices!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Triple A Choice for Women is a wonderful organization that can Help!!!!!!
I am in the same boat. Im 19
I am in the same boat. Im 19 and just found out I was pregnant for the first time today. I work full time saving for nursing school. I, as well, cannot afford a baby. I think I may be 7-8 weeks along, but I'm not sure. I'm scared to take the pill too, but everyone's body is different. You may not have reactions like some of these woman have had and maybe I wont either. Keep your head up and when you're cleared get on the shot or pill, thats definetly what im gonna do. Good luckk to you =)
took abortion pills 7 months ago
Hi I am 20 years old I foud out I was pregnant I was 6wks 5days I took all the tablets same day everything happened like I was told. 7months on I still am having problems I get a period every 14 days last 9days than it stops an before I no it its back again I have been to the doctor an they said it may take up to a year to get back to normal I get cramps now an wicked back pain it was the worst thing I have ever done has any one else had this if so what do I do I can't go another 5months like this x
Worried
I took mifepristone 3 tablets in a box that was 30 hours ago all i felt 12hours ago was very bad period pains. I haven't seen any blood . I have been asked to take two tablets of misoprostol 200 microgram each after 72 hours what should i expert between now till i take my next pills ? Live in a remote part of west africa and the nurse who have me this pills has gone back to the city and i can't get hold of her on the telephone . I swallowed my mifepristone on an empty stomach . What are does cramps and pains i felt and will i see any blood before i take my misoprostol ?
worried
i have just done the same, i think u let the next tablets dissolve in ur cheeks for 30 mins then swallow, hope this helps and hope all goes well
My Experience
Im 20 years old and i found out i was pregnant at 6 weeks and 3 days. I was physically and emotionally unstable to take care of a baby. Most of you are thinking "well you should of kept your legs close!" And you are absolutely right and not alone used better protection. Now i have to deal with the situation and i did. I chose the medical abortion.
I went to planned parenthood on 3/21 and at 2:00 they gave me the first set of pills. I felt fine except for a little nausea. They prescribed me coedine#3 for the pain, doxycycline for infection and promethazine for nausea. The next day after i took the 2nd set of pills. I started bleeding immediately and the cramps were mild at first. I took the coedine but it seems like the cramps got worse.It really didnt phase me much bc im used to heavy periods and cramping. I cramped for about 4-6 hours. Afterwards i bled for exactly one week and cramped alot. I passed some clots too but nothing major.
I will say if your used to heavy cramping and heavy periods it may be a little easier for you because you know what type of pain to expect. If your not, it may be the worse experience of your life. My follow up appt is monday I will post a update.
were you able to function on
were you able to function on the second day or did you have to stay in bed? tomorrow is my second day and i am scared.
unbiased experience - updates to follow
i took the first pill on 4/12/11. I took the other four (swallowed two and put the other two between cheek and gums until i decided to move them under my tongue). why? because in addition to the instructions saying we could do that, many people do not know that dissolving medications under the tongue speeds up the effect of the medication. and i just want to get this over with. the information on here is scary, some of it more realistic, but im sure experiences vary. so i took the other four pills today 4/14/11 at 7pm. It is now 10pm. i have bled, passed some small and medium sized clots. i am cramping, but nothing major. i was prescribed vicodin but have not taken it yet and don't plan to because i an unsure how my body will react to it as i have never taken vicodin before and i have a high tolerance of pain. one weird thing i do feel is a hunger like pain in my stomach. i am unsure if my body finds the medication irritating or what. i have slight nausea. i am sleepy but am afraid of passing too much blood while i sleep. i will stay up until at least 1 or 2am because from what i've read, it usually takes six hours to pass everything. i will update in a couple of hours
You are amazing... All of you
You are amazing... All of you are... The strength i actually takes to share your stories, especially this one basically giving blow by blow updates... I have taken the mifepristone but I am almost afraid to take the misoprostol... I know I have to, but it does curb my apprehensiveness. I am a mother of 4 and my youngest is 2 years old... I was on birth control that failed, (the Nuva Ring) and now I am stuck with this decision. It's hard... I will probably take them in the next hour or so but reading postings of scenarios that went totally wrong are what's affecting my ability to just finish what I started. I am honestly scared out of my mind...
I feel you on this!!
I took the pill around 10:20am yesterday 4/21/2011, and I was suppose to insert the others that night. I still haven't did it. I have read so many stories, and I am so scared to take thinking something will go wrong. I'm thinking maybe I should've just taken it and stayed off the internet.. There are good stories, and there are bad stories. I just don't know what to do.. I did starting bleeding today, so I know the part about blocking the progesterone is true! I start passing clots at work without taking the other 4 pills.. I am not sure that I will take the rest of the pills. I am too scared. I have two children, and I don't want to throw my life away because of my decision.. Let me know if you decide to take them, and how it worked for you? Thanks and good luck
Don't be afraid...
I'm sorry I didn't get back to this... I took them that day within the hour. I checked out some various methods of administration for the misoprostol and I think that helped a lot. I took 2 pills by letting them dissolve between my gums and mouth for about 30 mins and then swallowed the remainder. I took the other 2 in the same manner 2 hours later. Within an hour of taking the second dose, I started bleeding. The cramping was mild because of the spacing of the doses, it didn't seem as sudden. Needless to say, everything went extremely well. It has now been a week, and I spot occasionally but nothing major. IT IS REALLY NOT AS BAD AS SOME OF THE ACCOUNTS MAKE IT SEEM. What we have to remember is everyone's body is different and everyone responds to medication differently. My cramping felt more like labor contractions instead of a barrage of extreme pain. I read warnings about using the misoprotol vaginally because it may not fully dissolve and raises the possibility of infection. Be careful, and stay alert. You know your body and what you can handle. Best wishes and good luck.
iam 3-4 months pregnany
i checked with my doctor today and she told im 3-4 months pregnant. Im 24 years and very thin. My height is 5.2" and i weighed 37 kilos. I want to abort this baby bcz im unmarried and its illegal in uae. Can u please suggest me what type of method i can use? Im really worried now. Can u please tell me whether i can do it here or i have to go india and do it? Please tell me about the cost also. Thanks.
3-4 months? It will be painful
I don't think you should do it. I understand all your concerns. That's why I aborted at 6 weeks 4 days. Even though my b/f & I are together and have been for 9 yrs before the abortion, I was afraid to face people as the unmarried pregnant girl. Even as early as 6 weeks - the baby resembled more of a tadpole than a human baby, but I have so many regrets. But as the baby gets bigger and you get further along the risks of complications get higher and the procedure becomes more painful with longer recovery time. You said "go to India" so I assume it's taboo in your culture to have a baby & not be married. There are adoption agencies that will fly you out to California and pay all your expenses and let you choose an adoptive family for the baby when it's born. If it was earlier on in your pregnancy it would be a lit simpler physically even though, depending on your personality it might still have been really tough emotionally, although everyone's different & have no regrets after. They just think of it as a procedure & then it's done. But there;s a reason it's illegal to have an abortion at 3-4 months. It's just not a good idea. Good luck whatever you decide to do. Just know there are places that will help you & help keep it a secret if you want & you just return without your baby after giving it up for adoption. There are other organizations that will just help you financially if you want to keep the baby in the end & not give it up for adoption & help you get medical help, etc. Keep looking online. Don't put your life in danger by going to some doc in a foreign country w. little to no regulation. Good luck
abortion pill
I took an abortion pill I guess it was different because I only took I pill with one follow up. It was like having a period and that was it. I went to work and didn't miss out on any daily routines. There was not tissue during the bleeding. Maybe just a few blood clots. I did not have a bad experiance. Besides the fact that I had had an abortion and didn't have the bad memory of a procedure
Abuse with Sex Workers
With these type of drugs easily available and approved by the board. It could lead to drastic abuse especially to sex workers in various countries. They can use them to easily abort their pregnancy instead of going to the hospital for proper abortion. I strongly suggest that the board disapprove this drug and discontinue productions of it. It will strongly decrease tendency of abortions especially to sex workers or even teenagers who get pregnant at a young age.
My Experience
I'm 30 years old and already have 4 children. My doctor advised me after my last child to not have anymore children because of complications from my 3rd and 4th, and that I should have my tubes tied due. I should have listened but something inside of me said "maybe just one more in 5 or so years". After nearly 3 years being on the pill, I became pregnant while on the pill. At this point my husband and I talked it over and decided we really didn't want to risk it.
I went to a Planned Parenthood center to get the abortion pill. It wasn't as simple as that. After nothing showing up on the ultrasound, they had to take blood and urine sample to be sure I was pregnant, and if I was it wasn't a ectopic pregnancy. A week later I came back since the pregnancy did show up in the blood work, but still nothing on the ultra sound. A third time I came back a few days later and finally it shown up, and they were able to administer the medication. The first pill I took in the office. All this one did was stop the hormones. The next day at exactly 24 hours after, I took 4 ibuprofen (equally 800mg) then placed 4 mifepristone in my cheeks - 2 on each side as instructed, I was to allow them to melt in my mouth for a half hour (and I won't like, they didn't take great, tasted like chalk), I did start to feel light cramping before the half hour was up, but nothing too terrible.
When the half hour passed I washed the remaining bit down with water and waited. Aside from mild to moderate cramping nothing happened for several hours. Finally about 4 1/2 hours later I did start to bleed lightly. I began to think "did this work?" Several hours after that I did begin to bleed a little heavier but still nothing like what I expected - it was like a mild period at most.
The coming days however it was somewhat different. I did begin to bleed heavier and seeing small to thick clots (as large as golf balls in a few instances)and 2 days after I did get very bad cramping that I did have to take the prescription codeine the clinician prescribed. I bleed heavy that entire night, then then next day it was moderate again, with some cramping. For 3 days after I bleed at times heavy, and sometimes did have strong stomach cramps, with the exception of that one night, the pain was eased with the use of just 2 ibuprofen. I was still bleeding lightly when I went back for my follow up, but it was light.
I now have an appointment with my obgyn to have my tubes permanently tied. While the pill seems less invasive then a surgical abortion, I would not recommend the pill to anyone, if for whatever reason you choose to terminate a pregnancy, the surgical way would probably be much easier on you.
Chronic pain
Prescription drugs are safe for persons who have prescribed them. This is because a physician has evaluated these people and has prescribed them the appropriate dose to treat a specific medical condition. The doctor also will be told exactly how should take the drug, including what things should avoid when take you, such as alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. Doctors are also aware of the potentially dangerous side effects of some medications, why do monitor their patients closely if they submit any of these effects.
Clay Matthew
I sick and tired
I'm sick and tired of people saying to "stop" scaring women with there stories of abortion. Everyones bodies are different and some may go through the abortion like its nothing but I'm 18 and did the medical abortion on April 1 2011. And I must say it was a pretty hard experience. It was after I took the 4 pills I was already having light cramping which very soon started to get worse I woke my boyfriend and was in agonizing pain. I was screaming and crying and I could feel the contractions come and go. This lasted about an hour and a half it's now the fourth day and I'm still bleeding heavily and still have cramping here and there it's late so I'll get on tomorrow and post my whole experience on here.
But everyone stop saying people stories are fake I have been reading everyone stories and I relate more to the painful stories
The girls that went through this experience like it was nothing consider yourself lucky! Cause i wasn't lucky at all!
My experience 4 weeks later
Hi I just wanted to share my personal experience with deciding to go with the medical abortion vs the surgical. I went in March 4th after deciding and really thinking long and hard about what to do with my pregnancy. I am a full time pre-med major student and work part time. Leaving no time or money to have a baby. I heard of so many things from different people about regrets and guilt. I have to say from my personal experience, I definitely don't have any guilt or regrets. To my personal situation I think it was the best decision I made. I got it early enough so it was still in the gestation period. As for the actual physical experience, well its been a month and I am still bleeding and it is very annoying. The heavy bleeding and severe cramping was only for the first 3 days after I took the 4 pills in my cheeks. The pain is not that bad though, I think I only took the Ibuprofin twice and that was it.
After having sex with my
After having sex with my boyfriend i found that there was discharge on the outside of the condom. He tested to see if there ws a hole in the condom and he doesnt think there was. However, his sperm couldhave came out ofthe bottom ofthe condom. We're not sure if its his or mine, what should we do? Would taking The Pill stop me from getting pregnant?
right after the accident
I wish I saw this post sooner. I hope you took the morning after pill. To prevent pregnancy right after an accident, you go to any pharmacies, show them your ID, you have to be at least 18 to purchase the drug, might vary on states. It works for first days but its better if you take it sooner. The pills that people took on this forum is the abortion pill, not a prevention pill. But I heard some stories about using it as a prevention but not so sure how that works.
need help...
Hi there, I took the termination pill on 22nd and 23rd of March. The 1st couple of hours were nightmare but I didn't bleed very heavily, hopefully because i discovered it early in...anyway it's been nearly 2 weeks now and I pretty much stopped bleeding. I went out on Friday and had quite a few drinks woke up on Sat with a bad stomachache that stayed with me till now... I am not sure if it was caused by alcohol or weather or not it is normal, please help. I am freaking out...:-(
still positive after the pill
I took the pill three days ago and i still test positive but am still blinding and soo mush pain what should i do to stop it.
Rooter going to test positive
Rooter going to test positive for a while until your hormones go back to normal. Usually by the time your period comes through. Soaking 2 or more pads within 1-2 hours is a cause for concern after 3 days. I would suggest phoning your doctor for a home visit our failing that, your nearest out of hours gp or emergency department. You may have an infection or it may just be that your body is taking too long to terminate the pregnancy, if this is the case you may need some help.
you still need help anyway so I would suggest phoning someone for advice.
Do not believe the other stories!
I chose to take the abortion pill, when I discovered I was pregnant with someone I had been dating for less than four weeks. It was not an easy decision, since I do want kids, but it was the right one for me at the time. I starting reading these reviews and was getting really nervous about the amount of blood and pain everyone was writing about. The day I went to the clinic, I was 6 weeks pregnant, they gave me the 1st pill and I was really nauseas all day, but I still managed to work a 10 hour day. The next morning, I took two Tylenol 3, 30 minutes before I put the 4 pills into my cheeks. About 30 minutes later I started cramping. They were a little stronger than menstral cramps, but once the tylenol 3 kicked in I was not in any pain at all. There was less blood than a regular period and though it lasted about 10 hours, I took 2 Tylenol 3 every 4 hours and I was not in any pain and basically slept all day. I wanted to write this to let others know that most of these crazy stories cannot be true, and do not be scared. You get to be alone, in the privacy of your own home and that was much better for me than to be in some clinic with a bunch of people I didn't know. A little painful yes, but nothing any woman cannot handle.
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