5 Things to Know About Using Medical Abortion
- Using medical abortion is a process that involves multiple steps, with 2 drugs involved (Mifepristone: mifepristone (or RU486, a trade name found on illegal abortion pill websites) and Misoprostol: misoprostol) or Cytotec and/or a single drug used multiple times (Misoprostol alone: misoprostol alone)
- Using Mifepristone together with Misoprostol is more effective than using Misoprostol alone
- Using Misoprostol (Cytotec) at home after administering Mifepristone at a clinic or hospital is possible when the pregnancy is not more than 9 weeks (63 days) The World Health Organization recognizes its safety, but clients must be advised to access emergency services if complications arise
- Services should be provided in facilities only when the pregnancy exceeds 9 weeks (63 days) to manage severe complications that may occur from abortion
- Clients should be informed that Misoprostol may cause fetal deformities if the abortion fails and the client decides to continue the pregnancy Although there is no conclusive evidence on the deformities that occur, due to the risk, close monitoring of the pregnancy is important
- Mifepristone and Misoprostol are ineffective in cases of ectopic pregnancy