Considering the Abortion Pill in Mississippi?
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill (also known as medication abortion) actually consists of two pills: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is taken first. It cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing and eventually dies. Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later. This medication makes the uterus cramp and expel the fetus, which ends the pregnancy.[1]
How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period.[2] If you take the abortion pill later on in your pregnancy, the risk of serious complications increases. You may need emergency surgery to stop heavy bleeding or complete the procedure if it fails or is incomplete.
Is Abortion Legal in Mississippi?
Currently, abortion is illegal in Mississippi. However, exceptions can be made to save the life of the pregnant woman or in cases of rape.[3] We recommend receiving an ultrasound beforehand.
Click here to learn more about why you should get an ultrasound before an abortion.
Can I Get Abortion Pills Over the Counter?
No, the abortion pills (mifepristone and misoprostol) are not available over the counter.
They are only available by prescription through certified providers in states where distribution is legal. Additionally, they can only be obtained from pharmacies that are certified to dispense them.[4]
Can I Order the Abortion Pill Online?
The FDA advises against ordering the abortion pill online. Many online abortion pill providers are located overseas, so the pills they provide may not meet FDA standards.[5] These pills could be counterfeit, expired, or even tampered with.
Abortion Pill Information in Mississippi
When your pregnancy test comes back positive, it can be easy to panic. Don’t let fear make the final decision for you. Get the care and support you deserve at Choices Clinic of Laurel. We provide free pregnancy resources, so you can make an empowered decision for your unplanned pregnancy:
- Free pregnancy tests
- Free ultrasounds
- A safe, non-judgemental place to explore your pregnancy options and share what’s on your mind
Give us a call at 601-428-4357 or text us at 800-712-4357 to schedule your appointment today. All services are confidential and free of charge!
Please be aware that Choices Clinic or Laurel does not provide or refer for abortion services.
REFERENCES
Sources
- FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
- See source #1.
- Mississippi Abortion Notice Published in Administrative Bulletin. Michael Watson Secretary of State. (2022, June 27). Retrieved from https://www.sos.ms.gov/press/mississippi-abortion-notice-published-administrative-bulletin
- See source #1.
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, March 23). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information