WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU
TAKE THE ABORTION PILL
Before taking the abortion pill, it’s important to review key medical information so you can make an informed decision. Many women learn during an evaluation that their situation requires different care, or that additional medical attention is necessary before moving forward. Understanding these details ahead of time protects your health and helps ensure you’re not facing a serious medical risk without realizing it.
If you want help connecting with local medical providers or if you’d prefer to speak with someone who can walk through your questions confidentially, there are trusted resources nearby.
IMPORTANT HEALTH & SAFETY CHECKS
Healthcare organizations recommend confirming the following before taking abortion medications:
PREGNANCY VIABILITY
A positive pregnancy test does not always indicate a developing pregnancy. Only an ultrasound can confirm whether the pregnancy is growing as expected or if a miscarriage may already be occurring. Skipping this step can lead to complications that require emergency treatment.
GESTATIONAL AGE
Medical abortion is time-sensitive. Florida law restricts abortion after 6 weeks, and the effectiveness and complication rates of abortion drugs also change as gestational age increases. An ultrasound is the only reliable way to measure how far along you are in your pregnancy.
ECTOPIC PREGNANCY SCREENING
The abortion pill cannot end an ectopic pregnancy — a potentially life-threatening condition when a pregnancy implants outside the uterus. Because the symptoms can mimic a normal early pregnancy, ruling this out with an ultrasound is considered essential before taking abortion drugs.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF COMPLICATIONS
Reactions can be more severe for women who:
- Have bleeding disorders or anemia
- Are taking blood thinners, steroids, or certain prescription medications
- Have an IUD inserted
- Have a known blood vessel, liver, heart, or lung disease
- Cannot access immediate follow-up medical care if a complication occurs
While this list is not exhaustive, these factors show the importance of having an in-person medical evaluation beforehand. A medical consultation can help determine whether the abortion pill is medically appropriate or whether another type of care is needed to protect your health.
POTENTIAL MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH EFFECTS
The abortion pill can cause significant cramping, heavy bleeding, nausea, fever, chills, and, in many cases, an incomplete abortion that requires additional medical care or surgical intervention.
Beyond the physical effects, numerous studies have found increased risks of anxiety, depression, substance-use struggles, and suicidal thoughts after abortion. These outcomes are serious and should be carefully considered when weighing your options.
If you want to talk through any of these concerns, confidential support is available.
ALTERNATIVES TO CONSIDER
If you’re unsure how to move forward, learning about all available options can help you feel informed and confident before making a decision. Find out more about:
- Parenting
- Adoption
- Medical care with ongoing support
- Housing, financial, or material assistance
- Counseling, mentorship, and peer support services
Many women are surprised by the amount of practical and emotional support available. Local providers can walk through these resources with you in a confidential, pressure-free setting so you can understand what help is available right now, not just in theory.
WHY SPEAKING WITH A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL MATTERS
Because every woman’s health situation is unique, a medical evaluation can:
- Identify whether the abortion pill is medically safe for your specific conditions
- Detect ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
- Confirm gestational age and rule out misinformation
- Explain what symptoms require urgent care
- Reduce the chance of facing serious complications at home without support
This step ensures you’re not navigating a complex medical decision without the guidance needed to protect your health.
LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO START?
You can connect with nearby providers for ultrasounds, health screenings, and confidential support. These services can give you clarity before making any decisions and help ensure you’re not facing this situation alone or without the medical information you need.