Medical Abortion: Explained

Dealing with an unwanted pregnancy can be tough for many couples. However, what’s even tougher is not knowing your options. In this article, we will help you get a better understanding of medical abortions – which offer a safe, effective pregnancy termination option. Take a deep dive with us as we look at how the procedure works, what medications are involved, and what the potential side effects may be. We also look at who qualifies for medical abortions, whether they are available at private clinics, and what the typical costs may be.

Medical abortion involves the use of medications like mifepristone and misoprostol to terminate a pregnancy within the first 10 weeks.It’s essential to consult with a reputable abortion clinic to understand the procedure, potential risks, and aftercare.

What is a medical abortion?

Simply put, a medical abortion is a safe, non-invasive procedure that enables women to terminate a pregnancy. The procedure involves taking two prescription tablets, namely Mifepristone and Misoprostol, both of which induce miscarriage-like symptoms. Unlike surgical abortion, this procedure doesn’t require any surgical intervention, and can therefore be carried out safely at home. It’s important to keep in mind though that a medical abortion is only available within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, with the support of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

You may be surprised to know that according to statistics, there were approximately 209,917 abortions in 2020, of which 85% were medical abortions. This indicates that medical abortions are becoming increasingly common in the UK. But how do these tablets lead to a safe abortion? And how does it all work?

How does a medical abortion work?

Before you take these abortion pills, you’ll meet with a healthcare practitioner, either in person or over the phone, to talk about whether abortion is the right decision for you, and what your abortion options are. In some cases, you may need to get an exam, lab tests, or an ultrasound to confirm how far into your pregnancy you are.

Your healthcare practitioner will let you know if there’s anything else you need to do to prepare for your abortion. They will also let you know what you can do to stay safe and comfortable throughout the procedure. They’ll give you written instructions on how to take your pills, and aftercare. They’ll also usually give you access to a caring professional through the process – with a number that you can call if you have any questions or concerns.

The medical abortion procedure involves taking two tablets, Mifepristone and Misoprostol. These tablets will induce bleeding, cramping, and other misscarriage-like symptoms. The first tablet – Mifepristone, inhibits the production of a hormone known as progesterone. This stops the pregnancy from developing further. The second tablet – Mifepristone, is taken 24-48 hours later. It works in conjunction with the Mifepristone to remove the pregnancy from the body. And that’s about it. The medical abortion process can take anything from a few hours to a few days. In some rare cases, the process may take longer, cause additional symptoms, or require further medical supervision.

What you need to know: The before and after

While the process may seem simple, there are some things to keep in mind before and after the procedure.

The first thing to consider is the gestation limit. According to the NHS UK, the mandated gestation limit in the UK for a medical abortion is up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. This is to ensure the safety of the expectant mother. Once this limit has passed, you will need to have surgical abortion instead, due to the risk of complications. You also need to keep in mind that the mandated limit in the UK for a surgical pregnancy is up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. There are, however, some exceptions – for example, where there’s a known risk to the mother’s life.

The next thing to consider is underlying health conditions. If you are someone experiencing a chronic health condition such as heart disease, bleeding disorders, adrenal failure issues or autoimmune disorders, it’s important to talk to a doctor before undergoing a medical abortion. This is because Mifepristone and Misoprostol, while both extremely safe, can still contradict with your health conditions, causing complications. A medical expert can prevent this by altering the dosage of your pre-existing medicines or by providing alternate treatment options, so you can still terminate your pregnancy.

The final thing to consider is side effects. As discussed above, the medical abortion tablets do have some side-effects, such as nausea and vomiting. Other common side effects can include cramping, diarrhea, fatigue and a mild fever. However, in some cases, women have also experienced excessive bleeding, high fever, severe abdominal pain, and foul smelling vaginal discharge (indicating infection), which may require urgent medical attention. These symptoms are rare, but better to be in the know to make an informed decision.

What are the costs?

The cost of abortion pill in the UK from a private clinic, starts from £500. These costs may vary depending on your individual needs, but can help ensure peace of mind. It’s also possible to get a medical abortion with the NHS, provided you meet their criteria and are okay with their wait times. Medical abortion at a private clinic, while seemingly priced at a premium compared to the NHS, may offer a faster service and allow you to choose your preferred doctor. This makes it a good choice for many couples.

Is medical abortion the right choice for you?

So, the question remains – Is a medical abortion the right choice for you? Deciding to terminate a pregnancy is a deeply personal decision, and it’s important to consider your own individual circumstances. If you do decide to terminate your pregnancy, then it’s important to understand your options, and the medical procedures involved. For example, if you’re less than 10 weeks pregnant, you may be able to have a medical abortion at home. It’s also important to make sure that you’re comfortable with the process, and can manage any associated costs. If you have even the slightest of hesitations, it’s best to talk to a doctor, as they will have a better understanding of your medical condition, and can provide you with an unbiased opinion. After all, the most important thing is your health.