Medically reviewed by a registered nurse at The Pregnancy Network.
Not everyone is able to take the abortion pill, also known as a chemical abortion, due to medical reasons.
Before taking the abortion pill, check these restrictions to protect your health.
7 reasons why you may not be able to take the abortion pill:
- Pregnancy beyond 10 weeks. The FDA does not recommend the abortion pill after 10 weeks gestation. The abortion pill becomes less effective the longer the pregnancy progresses, increasing the chances of an incomplete abortion and need for a procedure.
2. Ectopic pregnancy (outside the uterus). In about 2% of pregnancies, the fertilized egg implants somewhere outside the uterus, usually the fallopian tube. The abortion pill is only designed to cause your body to expel an intrauterine pregnancy and cannot expel an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening and must be removed. Before taking the abortion pill, you should always obtain an ultrasound to locate the pregnancy.
3. Allergy to the medications.
4. Intrauterine device (IUD) in place. You must have this removed before taking the abortion pill.
5. Blood clotting disorder, anemia, or chronic adrenal failure. Your medical provider may recommend against a chemical abortion because of the blood loss that occurs.
6. No access to emergency care. About 10% of women will experience medical complications after a chemical abortion. It’s essential to have emergency care nearby.
7. Long-term use of corticosteroids.
Unexpectedly pregnant and considering the abortion pill? Learn more about the abortion pill here.
Adrienne Bergmeier
Adrienne Bergmeier is a Communications Coordinator at The Pregnancy Network.