Women's health
Medical Abortion
Medical termination up to 10 weeks, and a place to talk afterwards.
What is a Medical Abortion?
A medical abortion (often called the "abortion pill") is a safe and non-surgical way to end an early pregnancy using prescription medications. Unlike a procedural or surgical abortion performed in a clinic, a medical abortion uses pills to stop the pregnancy from developing and prompt the body to pass the pregnancy tissue naturally, similar to an early miscarriage. The most common, evidence-based regimen recommended by major medical organizations—such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)—involves taking two different medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. It allows patients to go through the process in the comfort and privacy of their own home.
How Does It Work?
The process relies on a two-step sequence that targets the hormonal and physical support systems of pregnancy: Step 1: Mifepristone You take one pill of mifepristone first. This medication works by blocking progesterone, a naturally occurring hormone required for a pregnancy to grow. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down, causing the pregnancy to detach. Most people do not feel physical symptoms after taking mifepristone, though light spotting can occur. Step 2: Misoprostol 24 hours later, you take a second medication called misoprostol (dissolved in the cheeks or vagina). Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and the cervix to relax, which leads to cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus. The heaviest cramping and tissue passage usually happen within 2 to 24 hours after taking misoprostol.
When Can One Be Done?
A medical abortion can be performed as soon as a pregnancy is confirmed. There is no minimum waiting period required by medical science, meaning it can be initiated in the very earliest weeks of pregnancy. Regulatory bodies like the U.S. FDA and Health Canada approve the two-medication regimen up to 63 to 70 days (9 to 10 weeks) of pregnancy, measured from the first day of your last menstrual period. Beyond the first trimester, procedural options are generally recommended for safety and efficacy.
This page is for general information, if you have questions or wondering about possible treatment. feel free to connect, book appointment at WELL Health Medical Centre — Regent