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• Whether or not to terminate a pregnancy is a difficult and personal decision. Some women feel that a medication abortion is the right choice for them. If after reflection, you would like to learn more about the procedure, this page provides information both about a medication abortion as well as how to get the abortion pill.

• The abortion pill is a medicine that terminates a pregnancy in the beginning of the first trimester. It can be safely used up to 63 days after the first day of a woman's last menstrual period.

1. Once you take the pill, you can't change your mind. Some of the chemicals in the pill could cause serious birth defects in the fetus if the pregnancy continued. If the medication fails to terminate the abortion, you'll need to complete the process with a traditional abortion.
2. The abortion pill will be given to you by your healthcare provider.
3. He or she will also give you a course of antibiotics to be taken after you take the abortion pill.
4. You will also be given a second medicine, misoprostol, and instructions on when to take it. This will usually be within three days of taking the first pill.
5. Misoprostol will cause you to expel the contents of your uterus. There will be cramping and heavy bleeding, which may include large clots, for several hours. Some women may not complete the abortion for a few days, but most have passed all the tissue within four to five hours. Spotting may continue for a few weeks.

• The abortion pill needs to be prescribed and administered under a physician's supervision. If your doctor does not prescribe the abortion pill, he or she should be able to provide you to someone who does. If they don't you can contact your local Planned Parenthood center for assistance. Before being given the pill, you'll need to

1. Discuss the options you have available
2. Provide your medical history
3. Have laboratory tests done, that will include blood being drawn
4. Have a complete physical exam, including an ultrasound to confirm how far along your pregnancy is
5. Sign a legal consent for the abortion
6. The abortion will cost between $350 to $650

• Its important that you visit your health care provider within two weeks after taking the abortion pill, to ensure that the abortion was complete. Your provider should also discuss birth control options with you, as you can get pregnant again soon after the abortion. Don't wait for your scheduled appointment, but call immediately,if you have any of the following symptoms:

1. Persistent abdominal discomfort or nausea
2. Diarrhea, vomiting or fever
3. Foul smelling vaginal discharge
4. Serious feelings of depression