Abortion Pill

Abortion Pill (Medical Abortion, At-Home Abortion) up to 9 weeks, 6 days

Commonly called the “abortion pill”. Medical abortion is a non-invasive procedure for termination of a pregnancy that provides women with a medical alternative to surgical abortion. We routinely provide medical abortions to 9 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. It is a SAFE and EFFECTIVE method for an abortion.

The State of Kentucky requires a face-to-face consent 24 hours before your procedure. This consent can take place in-person at EMW or by video consent via your computer or smartphone. Information can be found HERE.

At EMW Women’s Surgical Center we use a combination of 2 medications to end a pregnancy: Mifepristone (Mifeprex) and Misoprostol (Cytotec)

The average length of time you should expect to be at our center is 3 hours. You will have an opportunity to meet with our Counselor to discuss the procedure and your feelings and concerns at the appointment. Our staff is here to support and help both patients and those who are with you in this experience.

Note: If you are planning on having the medical abortion you do not need a driver.

The Pregnancy Calculator below is an estimation of weeks from reported last normal menstrual period and does not constitute medical advice. A missed period does not necessarily mean that you are pregnant, and having a period does not mean you are not pregnant. Only an exam, pregnancy test, or ultrasound by a physician can confirm pregnancy and approximate length of pregnancy. The calculator should be used as a guide only and should not be relied upon for weeks of pregnancy, conception date, or due date.

What to Expect

Medication abortion services include ultrasound, urinalysis, Rh blood type, complete blood count, physical exam, contraceptive options and counseling.

At your abortion care appointment a nurse will obtain your medical history. It would be very helpful if you would fill out the Medical History form [PDF] form in advance and bring a copy to the clinic at the time of your visit.

A medical assistant will take your vital signs and complete your lab work. At your visit, our staff will perform a trans vaginal ultrasound. You will discuss your decision and options with a counselor and talk more about the procedure, risks, side effects, medical informed consent, and contraception options.

We encourage and will assist you in exploring various family planning/birth control options.

EMW Women’s Surgical Center provides a FREE, one month supply of contraceptives for all medically eligible, post-abortion patients — IN HAND—prior to leaving the facility.   

The free one-month supply is in addition to the 12-month prescription that all medically eligible patients receive during their family planning consultation at EMW. 

At Our Office

You will swallow the first pill Mifepristone. It is not unusual to have some spotting or even bleeding after the first medication but the procedure is not yet complete. If your blood type is Rh negative, a nurse will administer an injection of Rhogam [PDF].

At Home

Considering your personal schedule, you will place the Misoprostol tablets vaginally 24-48 hours later.

Alternatively, 2 pills can be placed between the gum and the cheek and allowed to dissolve for 30 minutes.

This expels the pregnancy. Contractions and bleeding should begin between 20 minutes and 4 hours after taking the Misoprostol and may last a few hours.

• Heating pad can help with the cramps.
• You may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, or feel tired. These symptoms usually last only a short time and stop on their own. Your temperature should return to normal about one hour after the bleeding starts. Everyone’s experience and comfort levels will be different.
• You will be advised at our center on over the counter pain medication to manage any discomfort.

Bleeding and Cramping

After you place the Misoprostol vaginally (or alternatively orally) you will have bleeding and strong cramping that may be severe, dramatic or simply similar to one of your “bad” periods. Contractions and bleeding should begin between 20 minutes and 4 hours after taking the Misoprostol and may last a few hours. Most people can expect very heavy bleeding with this method and it is normal to pass some large clots. Bleeding may continue off and on for several days or weeks and can range from a light flow or spotting to heavier, like a period.

AFTERCARE

In the comfort of your home, patients do a pregnancy test on day 20. If the pregnancy test is negative and all bleeding has stopped, no follow up visit is necessary. If the pregnancy test is positive or if you have not stopped bleeding, a follow-up visit is necessary on day 21.

CALL US FIRST if you have a problem: 502-589-2124

• Call anytime 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for post abortion problems.
• Medical Abortion Info Packet [PDF] can help you evaluate if what you are experiencing is normal.

Additional Information for Abortion Pill (Medical Abortion)

National Abortion Federation (NAF)