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 and usually requires three office visits. The first medication (either mifepristone or methotrexate) is given on the first visit and weakens the attachment of the pregnancy to the uterus. Two days later, the second medication (misoprostol) is given by mouth to make the uterus cramp. This causes bleeding, which expels the pregnancy. One to two weeks later, an evaluation is done to see if the abortion procedure has been completed.

The Food & Drug Administration only approves medical abortions up to 49 days after the last menstrual period (seven weeks), but it is common for people to use these drugs in combination with other medications for pregnancies up to eight or nine weeks. The safety and effectiveness of other uses, including the use of oral misoprostol tablets intravaginally, has not been approved by the FDA.

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 Pregnancy Clinic 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 make an appointment online.