The Abortion Pill - What are the Medical Facts?

August 4, 2022

You see the positive pregnancy test, and your emotions are all over the place…panic, tears, anger, fear. You start asking yourself, ‘What am I going to do?

 

We realize that experiencing an unexpected pregnancy can be scary. It’s natural to look up different options about what you can do. Before you make any decisions, we want to remind you that you’re not alone. We’re here to listen and provide answers to any questions about the situation that you’re in. Our intent is not to tell you what to do but to give you the information you may be looking for before you decide what to do about your unexpected pregnancy.

 

With the abortion pill currently being offered through the mail, maybe this seems like an easy option.

 

What is the Abortion Pill?

To clarify, the term ‘abortion pill’ is slightly misleading as it requires taking two medications (in the form of pills) prescribed by a doctor. The first medication, mifepristone, is taken by mouth, and the second medication, misoprostol, is taken by mouth or vaginally. This is only an option for women who are less than 11 weeks pregnant by LMP.1

 

How does the Abortion Pill Work?

It’s not like taking something for a headache. You don’t just pop a pill and, within 30 minutes, aren’t pregnant.

 

The first medication causes your body to block progesterone, which is necessary for the continuation of pregnancy. When this happens, the embryo cannot stay attached. The second medication causes your uterus to contract and expel the embryo.

 

This will cause your body will go through the following:

  • Bleeding and cramping will start 1-4 hours after taking the second medication.
  • Heavy bleeding with blood clots.
  • Heavy cramping for several hours.
  • A low fever or chills can last about a day after taking the second pill.
  • Possibility of feeling tired, nausea, dizziness, and having diarrhea.2

 

Is the Abortion Pill Safe?

The reality is any medical or surgical procedure always has potential risks. Some risks of taking the the abortion pill can include:

  • Heavy bleeding that will not stop.
  • Diarrhea and digestive pain.
  • Pregnancy tissue that does not pass entirely from the body, making surgery necessary.
  • Infection.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Allergic reaction to the medications.3

 

How Will I Feel Afterwards?

Every woman handles emotions and changes in their life differently. Any pregnancy loss (intentional or unintentional) will interrupt the hormone cycle, which can cause long-term emotional, relational, and/or medical health effects.

 

After a loss, some women experience emotions ranging from guilt to regret to shame. This can sometimes lead to clinical depression, affecting your energy, sleep, feelings, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Suicidal thoughts or self-harm can also affect somebody dealing with depression.

 

What Should My Next Step Be?

Your first step should be to confirm that you really are pregnant. We can help you by providing a free lab-quality pregnancy test and ultrasound to ensure that you have a viable pregnancy. A viable pregnancy means an embryo is implanted in your uterus and has a heartbeat. An ultrasound will also reveal how far along you are, affecting your options.



Unexpected pregnancies can reveal a lot of uncertainties in your life. You may feel pressure to decide quickly. Still, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to make that decision today. Take a deep breath and do some more research to help you choose what’s best for you.


We’re here to help you walk and talk through your decisions. We’re dedicated to providing medical information and resources throughout your journey.


If you’ve already had an abortion and find yourself struggling in any way, we have staff who know what you’re going through. We’re here to listen and help give you direction towards healing.


Feel free to call us today and schedule a visit at no cost to you.

My Friends Are Telling Me to Abort, But I'm Not Ready

June 4, 2025
An unexpected pregnancy can leave you with more questions than answers. Especially when friends are urging you to choose abortion, you may be more confused than ever. While their advice might come from care or fear, it’s essential to remember this is your pregnancy, future, and choice. At Collage, we’re here to help you navigate this pressure and find a path that feels right for you so that you can feel informed and confident about your decision. Reach out to us today for no-cost support. Listen to Your Instincts Your friends might be an important part of your life, but your instincts matter most. If abortion doesn’t feel right, take a moment to ask: What’s holding me back? Maybe you’re picturing parenting your child or are curious about adoption.  It’s also important to keep in mind that abortion is a serious procedure that your friends may not fully grasp the details of. Physical and emotional risks are involved, making it a more complex decision. Your hesitation is a sign to slow down and explore, not to rush into a choice you’re not ready for. Talk It Out If your friends keep pressing, try a gentle conversation. Let them know you understand they’re worried, you’re not sure about abortion yet. Ask what’s driving their advice. Maybe they’re scared about your finances or future. Maybe they’re simply telling you what they’d do in your situation, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Understanding their side can ease tension without giving in. If they won’t respect your space, set boundaries and let them know you need time to think. You don’t owe them an immediate answer. Find Your Support Surround yourself with people who’ll lift you up, not pull you down. Write down your thoughts or talk to someone neutral. You can find a counselor or even online spaces where you can share your heart with those who won’t push one option over another. Even a trusted family member, a mentor, or a place like Collage can offer perspective without strings. You deserve to make this decision with clear facts and a steady heart, not under pressure. Help is Available If your friends are pushing abortion but you’re not ready, Collage is here with no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, and pregnancy options education to help you decide what’s next. Our trained team offers confidential support to explore parenting, adoption, or abortion without pressure. Contact us for a no-cost appointment today. You deserve to choose your own path.

Hiding My Pregnancy: Would Abortion Be an Option?

May 21, 2025
An unexpected pregnancy can flip your world upside down, and the urge to keep it under wraps might hit hard. Maybe you’re thinking abortion could erase the situation quietly.

What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025
What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty.  Schedule a confidential appointment today.
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