Abortion Pill: The Definitive Guide to a Non-Surgical Abortion

The decision to have an abortion isn’t always an easy one. What helps is to understand the process. The abortion pill (or pills, rather) provides a safe way to terminate a pregnancy, and the process is pretty straightforward. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re considering a non-surgical abortion in New Jersey. 

What Are Abortion Pills Exactly?

Often referred to the abortion pill (RU486), a medical abortion consists of two prescription medicines, mifepristone and misoprostol. Typically given to women who are up to 10 weeks pregnant, abortion pills are highly effective for terminating a pregnancy.

How Are They Taken?

You’ll take the first pill, Mifeprex (mifepristone), at your provider’s office. Mifepristone blocks estrogen that is needed to grow a pregnancy.

24 to 72 hours after taking Mifeprex,  you will take 4 Misoprostol pills at home.. Misoprostol works by causing your uterus to contract to expel the embryo.

It’s important you follow all directions given to you by your abortion doctor to make sure you correctly take the medications. 

What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?

You may experience several side effects afterward. The most common are nausea, cramping (1-2 hours afterward), bleeding, vomiting, fever, chills, and diarrhea. Light spotting can occur for 2-3 weeks. Your provider will inform you of what to expect, so you can be prepared mentally and physically with any tools you need such as feminine hygiene products.

In some cases, you might be prescribed an antibiotic though extremely rare. If necessary, you might be given medications to help you manage the side effects.

Note: In 1% -2% of women, the Abortion Pill does not work, therefore you will need to return to our center for a further procedure.

Are There Serious Risks Associated With a Non-Surgical Abortion?

If you notice any of the following, you should seek medical help immediately:

• Fever that lasts longer than 24 hours
• Foul-smelling or unusual vaginal discharge
• Heavy bleeding, defined as soaking a pad every hour
• Severe back or abdominal pain

Will I Need a Follow-Up Visit?

Yes, you will need to schedule a return visit to our office in 3 weeks to confirm that the procedure was successfully completed.

How Soon After Taking the Pills Can I Get Pregnant?

Ovulation can occur as soon as two weeks after taking abortion pills. If you do not wish to become pregnant again, it’s a good idea to speak to your abortion doctor about birth control so that you can begin immediately.

Is It Possible to Reverse a Non-Surgical Abortion?

This is a frequently asked question, and you should know that there are no reliable, conclusive medical studies to show that abortion pills can be reversed.

Why Choose the Abortion Pill in New Jersey?

Abortion pills are safe, more convenient, and less expensive than surgical abortions. However, you need to speak to your doctor before making a decision on which method is right for you, as this might not be your best option for terminating a pregnancy.

What You Should Expect During Your Visit for A Medical Abortion at Metropolitan Medical Associates

A receptionist will greet you and ask you to complete a Medical History form. After a review of your chart, you will be brought to the laboratory where you will leave a urine specimen in order for your pregnancy to be confirmed.

One of our physicians will perform an ultrasound to establish the size of your pregnancy.

A qualified peer counselor will then explain the abortion pill procedure to you. At this time, you will be given the opportunity to ask questions and to discuss your feelings and concerns about your decision. The counselor will give you instructions and discuss risks and complications with you.

She will also be happy to talk about birth control methods that are available to you.

Both medications are given to you at your appointment, though you will take the second round 24-72 hours after leaving.

Who is Not a Good Candidate for This Course of Treatment?

Your doctor will determine whether it is safe for you to take abortion pills. If you meet any of the following criteria, you may not qualify for a medical abortion:

• Beyond 11 weeks into the pregnancy. If you are beyond this time period, you will need to schedule a D&C or a D&E, depending how far along you are.
• Have an IUD in place
• Have a suspected ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus)
• Have certain medical conditions such as heart or blood vessel diseases, bleeding disorders, or kidney or liver disease
• Take a blood thinner or certain steroids
• Are unable to attend your follow-up appointment
• Have an allergy to the medicines

How Much Do Abortion Pills Cost in New Jersey?

How much you pay for abortion pills depends on multiple factors: whether or not you have insurance coverage, how many doses you need, where you live, and whether or not you’ve received financial assistance to help you pay.

Does Insurance Cover a Non-Surgical Abortion in New Jersey?

Some private insurance providers do, while others don’t. The best way to find out if your insurance covers abortion pills is to call and ask. Medicaid in NJ does cover the cost of abortion pills. To see if you qualify, you need to apply for Medicaid benefits.

What if I Need Help Paying for These Pills?

The National Network of Abortion Funds offers a grant program that helps cover some, but not all, of the associated costs. You should first make an appointment with your doctor before searching for financial assistance. Once that’s done, you can begin your search for funding sources.

What “You Should Know” About the Pill Being Offered by Other Providers Online

Other providers (including web providers) may prescribe you the abortion pill, but they DO NOT have their own medical staff to provide 24/7 total care in case of an adverse effect or emergency. At a Metropolitan Medical Associates we provide 24/7 service with the most experienced and leading experts of OB-GYN physicians in the state of New Jersey. We will also provide you with complete and total continuity of care through your procedure — other clinics may refer you to a local emergency room OR an other unaffiliated professional if there’s an emergency, resulting in a GREAT INCONVENIENCE and/or EXTRA COSTS to YOU.

Contact Metropolitan Medical Associates for a Medical Abortion Today

Contact the customer care team at Metropolitan Medical Associates for more information about abortion pills. At Metropolitan Medical Associates, our goal is to provide safe, high-quality care to women of all ages. We value your privacy, dignity, and confidentiality.

Our dedicated team of board-certified gynecologists has over 100 years of combined experience. You can count on getting the care you truly need and deserve at our state-of-the-art, accredited facility. We perform medical and surgical abortions and offer a wide range of other medical services as well.

Call our compassionate, discreet team today at 800-932-0378 to ask questions or book a consultation. You are also welcome to schedule your appointment online now.

Being a AAAASF | The Gold Standard in Accreditation, our center must adhere to strict rules and regulations set forth by the State of New Jersey and the Department of Health & Human Services.