Considering the Abortion Pill in Jones, Mississippi? Get the Facts First

The abortion pill consists of two different medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. This two-drug regimen works by interrupting the pregnancy process and causing the uterus to expel the developing embryo.

First Medication: Mifepristone

Mifepristone is taken first, usually in an abortion clinic. This medication reduces the amount of the hormone progesterone to the embryo. This hormone helps keep the pregnancy going. Without it, the embryo stops growing.[1]

Progesterone is essential for preparing and maintaining the uterine lining that supports the developing embryo. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing and eventually dies.[2]

Second Medication: Misoprostol

Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours after mifepristone, often at home. This medication causes the uterus to contract and cramp. This helps it expel the fetus and pregnancy tissue, ending the pregnancy.[3] 

Here’s a typical timeline for the abortion pill:

1. Mifepristone is taken first, followed by misoprostol 24–48 hours later.
2. Cramping and bleeding start within 2-24 hours of taking misoprostol.[4] For most women, this process finishes within a day, but it can take longer for some. Everybody is different, so the exact timing varies.[5]
3. Bleeding can begin as early as 2 hours after taking misoprostol.[6]
4. Heavy bleeding may last a few hours, with lighter bleeding or spotting for 9–16 days. In some cases, spotting can continue for up to a month.[7]

When to Seek Emergency Care

Contact emergency medical services immediately if you experience[8]:

• Heavy bleeding: Soaking through two pads hourly for two hours or more.
• Ongoing sickness: Severe stomach pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea for longer than 24 hours after taking misoprostol may indicate an infection or ectopic pregnancy.
• Fever: A temperature of 100.4°F or higher for more than 4 hours after taking misoprostol.

These signs could mean complications like infection or incomplete abortion, which need immediate medical treatment.

The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for pregnancies up to 10 weeks (70 days) from your last menstrual period.[9] 

If you take the abortion pill later in your pregnancy, the risk of serious complications increases significantly. This is why determining accurate gestational age and viability through ultrasound is so important before considering any abortion procedure.

The abortion pill successfully ends a pregnancy in about 95-98% of cases when within the proper timeframe.[10] However, this means that it can fail in 2-5% of cases. 

Women may need additional treatment, which may include surgical intervention.

Common Side Effects

Most women experience some side effects after taking the abortion pill, including[11]:

• Bleeding that can last up to a month
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea and digestive pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Abdominal cramping (caused by the misoprostol)

Serious Complications

While rare, serious complications can occur and may include:

• Severe allergic reaction to the medication[12]
• Hemorrhaging (excessive bleeding)[13]
• Incomplete abortion (remaining pregnancy tissue)[14]
• Infection (fever lasting more than 24 hours)[15]

Understanding these risks and having access to emergency medical care if complications arise is important.

No, you cannot get abortion pills over the counter at any pharmacy or retail location. A provider or physician certified to prescribe abortion pills must give a prescription. This requirement exists because medical abortion requires proper medical supervision and follow-up care.[16]

The FDA allows some pharmacies to dispense the abortion pill. This is only with a prescription from a certified provider.[17] The prescription requirement ensures that:

• Your pregnancy is confirmed and properly dated
• You don’t have medical conditions that make the abortion pill unsafe for you to take
• You receive proper instructions for taking the medications
• Follow-up care is available to ensure the procedure is complete

The FDA strongly advises against ordering abortion pills online from uncertified sources.[18] Many online abortion pill providers operate overseas, so the pills they offer may not meet FDA safety standards.

Risks of Online Abortion Pills

Online abortion pills from uncertified sources could be:

• Counterfeit medications with unknown ingredients
• Expired or improperly stored 
• Tampered with
• Incorrect dosages 
• Completely fake with no active ingredients

These risks can lead to serious health complications, including incomplete abortion, severe bleeding, infection, or continued pregnancy. 

Currently, abortion is illegal in Mississippi. However, exceptions can be made to save the life of the pregnant woman or in cases of a rape conviction.

We recommend receiving an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill. Keep reading to learn why.

When your pregnancy test comes back positive, it can be easy to panic. Don’t let fear make the final decision for you. Take time to gather all the information you need to make an empowered choice.

Get the care and support you deserve at Choices Clinic of Laurel. We provide free pregnancy resources, so you can make an informed decision about your unplanned pregnancy:

Our Free Services Include:

• Free pregnancy tests – Confirm your pregnancy with medical-grade testing
• Free ultrasounds – Determine gestational age and confirm pregnancy viability
• A safe, non-judgmental place to explore your pregnancy options and process your emotions
• Compassionate support from trained staff who understand what you’re going through
• Resource connections to help you access additional support services
• Information about all your options including parenting and adoption resources

Give us a call at (601) 428-4357 or schedule your appointment online. All services are confidential and free of charge!