How to Prepare for an Abortion Pill
If you’re pregnant and thinking about abortion, you’ve probably heard about the abortion pill. Before taking any medication, there are a few important steps to take to protect your health and well-being.
Need answers now? Chat with a nurse at 316-975-0069 — at no cost to you.
Medical Abortion Checklist
1. Be Certain You Are Actually Pregnant
It may sound obvious, but when emotions are high, it’s easy to take quick action before confirming a pregnancy with a medical-grade test and ultrasound.
You should never take the abortion pill unless you’ve confirmed you are pregnant, and it’s important that any medication is taken under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.
2. Know the Status and Stage of Fetal Development
About 10%–20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage.¹ A positive pregnancy test shows the presence of the pregnancy hormone (hCG), but an ultrasound is needed to confirm the pregnancy’s viability and to rule out an ectopic pregnancy (when the embryo implants outside the uterus).²
An ultrasound also determines how far along you are. The FDA has approved the abortion pill for use through 70 days (10 weeks) of gestation,³ so confirming your stage of pregnancy is essential before proceeding.
3. Make Sure This is Your Decision
Pregnancy decisions can be emotionally charged, especially when people around you have strong opinions. But at the end of the day, this is your choice.
No one — not a partner, family member, or friend — has the right to pressure or threaten you into an abortion. You are legally protected from being forced into a decision you don’t want to make.
If you’re feeling uncertain or pressured, Branches Pregnancy and Family Center offers caring, professional support in a safe and judgment-free environment. We’re here to listen, answer your questions, and help you explore all your options with compassion and respect.
4. Know The Risks
Abortion is a medical procedure, and like any medical process, it comes with both physical and emotional risks.
Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) before an abortion is essential, even if you don’t have symptoms. An untreated infection can spread during the procedure, especially in surgical abortions, when the cervix is opened. For example, untreated chlamydia can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which may cause long-term complications such as infertility or ectopic pregnancy.⁴
It’s also important to understand that abortion is not reversible. Take time to make sure you feel informed, confident, and emotionally prepared before moving forward. Some women experience emotional or spiritual distress afterward, and support is available if you do.
Abortion Consultation Services
If you have questions about the abortion pill or want to talk through your options in a professional, confidential space, Branches Pregnancy and Family Center is here for you.
We offer free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and personalized options consultations — all designed to support you as you make the decision that’s right for you.
To get started, schedule a consultation or text us at 316-975-0069 to connect with a nurse who can walk you through the process and answer your questions.
Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9704-ultrasound-in-pregnancy
3.https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594