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, usually in a clinic. This medication cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. The embryo stops growing without a steady supply of progesterone.
Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later at home. This medication makes the uterus cramp and expel the fetus, which ends the pregnancy.
How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill?
You can’t take the abortion pill beyond 10 weeks of pregnancy (or 70 days since the first day of your last menstrual period)[1]. This is because it becomes less effective the farther along you are.
If you take the abortion pill later on in your pregnancy, you could experience serious complications and may need emergency surgery to complete the procedure.
Is Abortion Legal in North Carolina?
Currently, abortion is legal in North Carolina, only under certain circumstances[2]:
- Up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, only when performed by a North Carolina-licensed qualified physician.
- Up to 20 weeks of pregnancy, only when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.
- Up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, only if a qualified physician determines that the fetus has a life-limiting anomaly.
Exceptions can be made past 24 weeks in cases of medical emergencies. You are also required to receive an ultrasound prior to any abortion in North Carolina[2].
Can I Get Abortion Pills Over the Counter?
Certain pharmacies are now authorized to dispense the abortion pill. However, you can’t purchase it in the same way you would Tylenol or allergy relief medications. The FDA requires a prescription from a qualified physician in order to take the abortion pill[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 Brunswick County & Surrounding Counties, NC
When those two lines first appear, it can be easy to panic. Don’t let fear make the final decision for you! Get the care and support you deserve at Women’s Life Center! We offer free pregnancy resources, so you can make an empowered decision for your unplanned pregnancy:
- Free pregnancy tests
- Free ultrasounds
- A safe, non-judgmental place to explore your pregnancy options and share what’s on your mind
Give us a call at 910-512-5361 or schedule your free appointment today. All services are confidential and free of charge!
More Abortion Pill Information
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What is the Abortion Pill?
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Please be aware that Women’s Life 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
- Moore, J. (2023, May 31). North Carolina’s Pending Abortion Legislation. Coates’ Canons NC Local Government Law. https://canons.sog.unc.edu/2023/05/north-carolinas-pending-abortion-legislation/
- 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