Medical abortion is an effective, low risk and non-surgical health procedure:
It has a 98% success rate and it can be done from the comfort of your home.
For most women, abortion (medical or surgical) is a simple procedure that does not cause long-lasting complications.
Health professionals and even specialized centers like Planet Parenthood recommend it.
It is usually done between the first 11 weeks of gestation (63 days) using the corresponding medicine (Mifepristone + Misoprostol).
Even before the current pandemic situation, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended medical abortion as a safe, effective and easy practice to perform without the need to go to a medical center.
Medical abortion can be provided through clinics consultation, where it can be administrated by doctor, nurse, or health center staff; telemedicine (or in this case tele-abortion) is also an option: A healthcare professional will guide your steps to carry out the procedure.
There is also the option of self-managed medical abortion, where the person who wants to have an abortion can do it on their own, at the time and place they want, with the corresponding dose of pills; following step by step the protocol indicated by your health center or the one recommended by WHO.
Is medical abortion really effective?
As we stated before, yes, is a very effective and safe procedure.
The effectiveness sometimes depends on how far you are in the pregnancy when you take the medicine.
- For people who are 8 weeks pregnant or less, it works about 94-98 out of 100 times.
- For people who are 8-9 weeks pregnant, it works about 94-96 out of 100 times.
- For people who are 9-10 weeks pregnant, it works about 91-93 out of 100 times. If you’re given an extra dose of medicine, it works about 99 out of 100 times.
- For people who are 10-11 weeks pregnant, it works about 87 out of 100 times. If you’re given an extra dose of medicine, it works about 98 out of 100 times.
*(Source: Planned Parenthood)
In the case that medical abortion is incomplete, you can proceed again with the intake of pills or a surgical procedure if necessary.
Keep in mind that an abortion is a gradual process: Let your body be your guide, it will tell you how you are feeling and how the procedure is developing.
Which is more effective? Mife + Miso or Miso Only?
They both are very safe and effective medical abortion procedures.
- Mifepristone and Misoprostol combined have a success rate of over 95%.
- Misoprostol only has a success rate between 80-85% but is still very effective.
In case of mifepristone not being available for the procedure, the medical abortion can still be carried out with misoprostol-only regimen. (World Health Organization [WHO], 2018)
There is no evidence associated with long-term risks with the use of mifepristone for medical abortion, and no long-term effects associated with misoprostol. As a side note, there are no indications that any safe abortion methods can affect fertility.
If you are looking for information or support to make your decision visit How to use Abortion Pills or chat directly with Ally.