The Abortion Pill

abortion

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

The abortion pill (also known as medication abortion) actually consists of two pills: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone is taken first. It cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing and eventually dies. Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later.
How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period[1]. However, in Florida, abortion is only legal up to 6 weeks.

If you take the abortion pill later on in your pregnancy, the risk of serious complications increases. You may need emergency surgery to stop heavy bleeding or complete the procedure if it fails or is incomplete.

Be Informed

Is Abortion Legal in Florida? 

At the time of writing (April 2023), Currently, abortion is illegal in Florida past 6 weeks gestation, when the fetal heartbeat can first be detected by ultrasound. Exceptions can be made in cases of rape, incest and human trafficking, and fatal fetal abnormalities[2]. We also recommend receiving an ultrasound beforehand.

Click here to learn more about why you should get an ultrasound before an abortion.

 

Can I Get Abortion Pills Over the Counter? 

No, a prescription from a provider or physician who is registered to prescribe the abortion pills is necessary. However, the FDA does permit pharmacies to become certified to dispense the abortion pill with a proper prescription[1]. 

 

Can I Order the Abortion Pill Online?

The FDA advises against ordering the abortion pill online. Many online abortion pill providers are located overseas, so the pills they provide may not meet FDA standards[3]. These pills could be counterfeit, expired, or even tampered with! It’s best to be cautious about your health and what you ingest and avoid ordering the abortion pill online. 

Abortion Pill Information in Vero Beach, Florida

When your pregnancy test comes back positive, it can be easy to panic. Don’t let fear make the final decision for you. Get the care and support you deserve at Care Net Pregnancy Center of IRC. We offer free pregnancy resources, so you can make an empowered decision for your unplanned pregnancy:  

  • Free pregnancy tests
  • Free ultrasounds
  • A safe, non-judgemental place to explore your pregnancy options and share what’s on your mind

Give us a call at (772) 569-7939 or schedule your free appointment today. All services are confidential and free of charge.

Please be aware that Care Net Pregnancy Center of IRC does not provide or refer for abortion services. 

Other Abortion Pill Information

Sources

  1. FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
  2. FLORIDA SENATE PASSES HEARTBEAT PROTECTION ACT. The Florida Senate. (2023, April 3). https://www.flsenate.gov/Media/PressRelease/Show/4437
  3. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, March 23). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information