Abortion Pill
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 causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo, which ends the pregnancy.
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[1]. 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 Maine?
Currently, abortion is legal in Maine all throughout pregnancy, if a doctor deems it medically necessary.[2]
Click here to learn more about why you should get an ultrasound before an abortion.
Can I Get Abortion Pills Over the Counter?
No, a prescription from a provider or physician who is registered to prescribe the abortion pills is necessary. However, the FDA does permit pharmacies to become certified to dispense the abortion pill with a proper prescription[1].
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[3]. These pills could be counterfeit, expired, or even tampered with. It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid ordering the abortion pill online.
Abortion Pill Information in Washington County, Maine
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 Hope for Life Pregnancy Center. We offer free pregnancy resources, so you can make an empowered decision for your unplanned pregnancy:
- Free pregnancy tests
- Ultrasound referrals
- A safe, non-judgemental place to explore your pregnancy options and share what’s on your mind
Call us at 207-259-6151 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge!
Please be aware that Hope for Life Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
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
- Maine Gov. Mills expands access to abortion later in pregnancy. PBS.org. (2023, July 19). https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/maine-gov-mills-expands-access-to-abortion-later-in-pregnancy
- 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