Get the information you need before making a pregnancy decision.
If you’re considering the abortion pill or an abortion procedure, it’s important to first understand key details about your pregnancy and your health. Salem Pregnancy offers free, confidential appointments where you can receive lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and medically accurate information about your options.
We know this can feel overwhelming. Facing an unexpected pregnancy often comes with a lot of questions and emotions, and you deserve the time and space to process everything without feeling rushed.
At Salem Pregnancy, you will never be charged for services. We believe women deserve access to clear medical information and compassionate care without anyone profiting from their pregnancy decision. That’s why all of our services are completely free of charge.
4 Things to Check Before Taking the Abortion Pill
If you’re considering the abortion pill, it’s important to confirm a few key details about your pregnancy and your health first.
1. Confirm your pregnancy and how far along you are
The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for use during the early weeks of pregnancy. A lab-quality pregnancy test and ultrasound can help confirm the pregnancy and determine how far along you are.
2. Rule out an ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the pregnancy develops outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. The abortion pill does not treat ectopic pregnancies, and this condition requires immediate medical attention. An ultrasound can help identify this.
3. Check for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Some STIs, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, can be present without symptoms. If an infection is present during an abortion procedure, it can sometimes spread into the uterus and reproductive organs, increasing the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Early testing and treatment can help protect your reproductive health and future fertility.
4. Understand your health and possible risks
Every woman’s health situation is different. Reviewing your medical history, medications, and possible side effects can help you better understand what to expect and make a fully informed decision.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill (also called medication abortion) typically uses two prescription medications taken in sequence: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Step 1: Mifepristone
The first medication, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone, which is needed to support a pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy stops developing and the lining of the uterus begins to break down.
Step 2: Misoprostol
The second medication, misoprostol, is usually taken 24–48 hours later. It causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through cramping and bleeding, similar to a miscarriage.
Most women begin experiencing cramping and bleeding a few hours after taking the second medication.
FDA Recommendations and Guidelines
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of mifepristone with misoprostol to end a pregnancy through 10 weeks (70 days) of gestation.
Key FDA guidance includes:
We know this can feel overwhelming. Facing an unexpected pregnancy often comes with a lot of questions and emotions, and you deserve the time and space to process everything without feeling rushed.
At Salem Pregnancy, you will never be charged for services. We believe women deserve access to clear medical information and compassionate care without anyone profiting from their pregnancy decision. That’s why all of our services are completely free of charge.
4 Things to Check Before Taking the Abortion Pill
If you’re considering the abortion pill, it’s important to confirm a few key details about your pregnancy and your health first.
1. Confirm your pregnancy and how far along you are
The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for use during the early weeks of pregnancy. A lab-quality pregnancy test and ultrasound can help confirm the pregnancy and determine how far along you are.
2. Rule out an ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the pregnancy develops outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. The abortion pill does not treat ectopic pregnancies, and this condition requires immediate medical attention. An ultrasound can help identify this.
3. Check for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Some STIs, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, can be present without symptoms. If an infection is present during an abortion procedure, it can sometimes spread into the uterus and reproductive organs, increasing the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Early testing and treatment can help protect your reproductive health and future fertility.
4. Understand your health and possible risks
Every woman’s health situation is different. Reviewing your medical history, medications, and possible side effects can help you better understand what to expect and make a fully informed decision.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill (also called medication abortion) typically uses two prescription medications taken in sequence: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Step 1: Mifepristone
The first medication, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone, which is needed to support a pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy stops developing and the lining of the uterus begins to break down.
Step 2: Misoprostol
The second medication, misoprostol, is usually taken 24–48 hours later. It causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through cramping and bleeding, similar to a miscarriage.
Most women begin experiencing cramping and bleeding a few hours after taking the second medication.
FDA Recommendations and Guidelines
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of mifepristone with misoprostol to end a pregnancy through 10 weeks (70 days) of gestation.
Key FDA guidance includes:
- The medication must be prescribed by a certified healthcare provider who can assess whether the patient is an appropriate candidate.
- The pregnancy should be confirmed and dated, often with an ultrasound or medical evaluation.
- Patients should receive information about risks, warning signs, and when to seek medical care.
