Abortion Procedures
Medical (Nonsurgical) Abortion

Medical abortion is a way to end a pregnancy by using abortifacient drugs as an alternative to surgical procedures. The Food and Drug Administration allows this type of abortion up to 49 days (7 weeks) after the last menstrual period. The gestational age must be determined before a physician can administer these drugs to a pregnant woman.

The physician administering the medicines (such as Mifepristone RU 486) for medical termination of early pregnancy must be able to provide surgical intervention or have made plans for provision of such care through other qualified physicians, and be able to assure patient access to medical facilities equipped to provide blood transfusions and resuscitation, if necessary.

Methods of Non-surgical Abortion

Mifepristone (RU 486), Misoprostol, and Methotrexate are drugs used in regimens for medical termination of early pregnancies. These drugs are given by mouth or placed in the woman’s vagina. These drugs cause abortion by causing the uterus to contract and expel the fetus and placenta.

After receiving these drugs, you might experience cramping and bleeding, pass clots, tissue, and the unborn child within hours or days. Some amount of bleeding is common following a medical abortion.

Your doctor will tell you when you need to return to be checked. If you are still pregnant at that visit, you will be given a second drug either by mouth or vaginally. You will be instructed when to return for an important follow-up visit. Your doctor will determine whether your pregnancy has completely ended. If you are still pregnant, a surgical procedure could be necessary.

Possible Complications of Non-surgical Abortion

• Incomplete abortion - very rarely - possibly requiring a surgical abortion procedure.
  
• Heavy bleeding - very rarely.
  
• Painful cramping.
  
• Allergic reaction to drugs - very rarely.
  
• Nausea and/or vomiting.
  
• Diarrhea.
  
• Fever.
  
• Infection - very rarely - an infection develops in the uterus. Medication might be needed to clear infection.
  
• Fertility can be diminished in very rare instances as a consequence of infection.
  
• Very rarely - emergency treatment for any of the above problems, including the possible need to treat with an operation, medicines, or blood transfusion.
  
• Very rarely - death.
  
• Methotrexate and misoprostol can cause serious birth defects if your pregnancy does not end.

Who should not have a medical abortion?

Some women should not be given the medicines used for a medical abortion, such as women who are too far along in their pregnancy or who are allergic to certain medications, or women with an IUD (intrauterine device) in place. You should discuss with your doctor whether you have any medical condition that would make a medical abortion unsafe for you.