The Abortion Pill

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

Although it’s referred to as a pill (singular), the abortion pill actually consists of two medications: 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. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing. 

 

Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later at home. This medication causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo, which ends the pregnancy.

Is Abortion Legal in Florida? Do I Need an Ultrasound Before Taking the Abortion Pill?

At the time of writing (March 2023), abortion is legal in Florida for up to 15 weeks gestation. Abortion is prohibited beyond 15 weeks except in cases of life endangerment to the mother[2]. You are also required to receive an ultrasound prior to abortion in Florida.

 

Esteem Women’s Center provides free ultrasounds and support, call or text 904-494-8443 to make an appointment.

 

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. 

Do I Need a Prescription for the Abortion Pill? Can I Get the Abortion Pill Over the Counter? 

Certain pharmacies are now authorized to sell the abortion pill. However, you can’t purchase it in the same way that you would Tylenol or allergy relief drugs. 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[1]. 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 St. Augustine, FL

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 Esteem Women’s Center! We offer free pregnancy resources, so you can make an empowered decision for your unplanned pregnancy:  

 

 

Call or text 904-494-8443 to make an appointment. All services are confidential and free of charge!

 

Please be aware that Esteem Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortion services. 

Sources

  1. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, January 24). 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
  2. Florida Pro-Life Laws. Americans United for Life. (2022, November 10). Retrieved from https://aul.org/law-and-policy/state-spotlight/florida/
  3. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, September 3). Slide Show: Fetal Ultrasound. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/multimedia/fetal-ultrasound/sls-20076294?s=3#
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