An unplanned pregnancy often brings a sense of a loss of control. So, some women try an abortion at home because it seems like an easy way to regain control and end their pregnancy. Abortions at home have risks and considerations. Before making a quick decision, consider your options so you can make an informed decision that impacts your future.
Take the time to understand the processes and potential risks of at-home abortions. We’ll talk about the abortion pill and other at-home abortion methods.
We always recommend finding a trusted person to talk to about your options. At Alternatives Medical Clinic, our licensed medical professionals want to walk alongside you. We provide you with a safe and confidential place to discuss your options. We also provide lab-quality pregnancy testing and an ultrasound to help inform your decision.*
How Does A Self-Managed Abortion Work?
The term self-managed abortion (or at-home abortion) refers to a woman’s decision to end her pregnancy at home with pills or another method. Every abortion attempt looks different for each woman, so if you’re considering abortion, you should know a few things about your options, their risks, and your pregnancy.
What Do I Need to Know Before An At Home Abortion?
Most importantly, you need to know:
- How far along you are in your pregnancy (EGA). Although you can try to guess how far along you are by your last menstrual period, ultrasound is the way to most accurately measure how far along your pregnancy is.
- Whether the pregnancy is in the correct location in your uterus. A pregnancy outside of your uterus (known as an ectopic) cannot continue and requires immediate medical attention.
- Whether your pregnancy is viable. Almost 10-20% of known pregnancies end in a miscarriage, and almost 80% of those occur within the first three months of pregnancy.
- Whether you’re eligible for an abortion and the risks of at-home abortions.
Call Alternatives Medical Clinic today to receive a free ultrasound to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy. Our medical team will also provide you with education about the risks of an abortion.
Can I Take the Abortion Pill at Home?
The abortion pill refers to a two-step medical process up until 10 weeks of pregnancy. Women take two different pills: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Typically, women first take mifepristone in a medical clinic. A healthcare provider evaluates her for risks and confirms how far along she is in her pregnancy. The mifepristone interferes with progesterone receptors in her body and prevents the embryo from developing.
A provider will then prescribe the right dosage for the second medication, misoprostol. The woman may take the misoprostol at home. This medication causes the uterus to cramp, bleed, and expel the pregnancy. Women should be aware of the warning signs of complications from the abortion pill and have access to additional medical care in case of complications.
How Do I Get At Home Abortion Pills?
As of December 2023, a woman must obtain a prescription for the abortion pills from a qualified healthcare professional. For safety reasons, women should not order abortion pills online from overseas pharmacies.
What Are the Risks of At Home Abortions?
As with any medication or procedure, women should be aware of all of the risks associated with misoprostol:
- Incomplete abortion- The uterus does not expel the entire pregnancy and additional medical procedures could be required.
- Severe vaginal bleeding
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to the medication
What Can I Expect with An At Home Abortion?
The abortion process differs for every woman, including dosages of medication, risks to be aware of, and recovery. So, women should speak with a healthcare provider before making a decision. If a woman decides to have an abortion, she should also consider the ways she intends to dispose of the fetal tissue after the abortion. Many women will need emotional support during this time.
Are There Legal Risks for An At-Home Abortion?
Abortion laws differ in every state. In California, qualified health care professionals are legally able to prescribe abortion pills.
Are Herbs Safe for An Abortion?
Herbs and home remedies for abortion have not been widely studied, so their safety is unknown. Poison Control warns about complications of herbal abortions.. Additionally, drugs and alcohol should not be taken for an at-home abortion. These also pose significant health risks to a woman.
Can I take the Morning After Pill for an At-Home Abortion?
The Morning After Pill (also known as Plan B or Ella) cannot be used for an abortion. Emergency contraception contains hormones that prevent ovulation and fertilization. Contrastly, the abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) expels a fertilized embryo that had already implanted into the uterus.
Are There Other Ways to Have An Abortion At Home?
If you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and considering harming yourself, please know that you have options. Inflicting physical harm does not always cause an abortion and can instead threaten your health and your life. Call 988 or 911 if you are considering harming yourself.
Free Pregnancy Services in Escondido, CA
You deserve a beautiful future for yourself and your body. We know that an unplanned pregnancy can feel extremely lonely, but know that you’re not alone as you make your decision. Our compassionate team will confidentially walk with you as you decide what’s best for you. Call Alternatives Medical Clinic today for a free, confidential appointment at 760-741-9796 or request an appointment online.
*Our medical team determines who qualifies for a free ultrasound.
