Sac Valley Women’s Health in Sacramento does not offer or refer for abortions or emergency birth control. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice.

Abortion pills are also called medical abortions. This means ending a pregnancy using oral and vaginally administered medications. A medical abortion uses two medications to end a pregnancy. The first medication (either mifepristone or methotrexate) is given on the first visit and weakens the attachment of the pregnancy to the uterus. The second medication (misoprostol) is given by mouth 24-48 hours later to make the uterus cramp. This causes bleeding, which expels the pregnancy. An evaluation is done 7-14 days later to see if the abortion procedure has been completed.

The Food and Drug Administration approves mifepristone in a regimen with misoprostol, to end a pregnancy through 70 days gestation (70 days or less since the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period).

A medical abortion will not work in the case of an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy where the embryo implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. This is a potentially life-threatening condition and, if not diagnosed early, the tube may burst, causing internal bleeding and, in some cases, the death of the woman. (Reference- U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Sac Valley Women’s Health in Sacramento does not offer or refer for abortions or emergency birth control.

If you have questions, we can help! Call us at (916) 451-2273 (CARE) or request an appointment online.