If you’re unexpectedly pregnant, you may be considering the abortion pill.
The abortion pill is the most common method of abortion, accounting for 63% of all abortions in 2023. However, there are a few scenarios where the abortion pill won’t work for you:
1. You’re over 10 weeks pregnant.
The abortion pill is FDA approved for use under 10 weeks gestation. Typically, pregnancy is dated using your last menstrual period, or LMP. After 10 weeks, the abortion pill may not be as effective and is not considered safe.
2. You’re experiencing an ectopic pregnancy.
The abortion pill is designed to cut off the hormone progesterone and shed the lining of your uterus. An ectopic pregnancy, or a pregnancy located outside of your uterus, will not end as a result of the abortion pill. It’s important to receive an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill to confirm the location of your pregnancy.
3. You’re not actually pregnant.
Some websites offer “period pills”, which is the exact same drug as the abortion pill. These sites market the drug as a pill that brings on your period, which may offer comfort to some who prefer to not know if they’re pregnant before taking the pill.
The abortion pill can cause heavy bleeding and cramping. Going through these side effects unnecessarily is unhelpful and can be dangerous; confirming your pregnancy with a pregnancy test and ultrasound is crucial before considering the abortion pill.
4. You’ve experienced a miscarriage.
1 in 4 pregnancies end on their own, referred to as a miscarriage. While most miscarriages cause cramping and bleeding, some miscarriages do not, also called a “missed miscarriage”. If you’ve had a miscarriage, you are no longer pregnant. You may need medical care for your miscarriage, but taking the abortion pill is not necessary.