Over the last couple of years, states have altered their abortion laws so much that it can be confusing to know what rules apply to which states.
You can still acquire an abortion in Minnesota up until the point of viability (around 23 to 24 weeks of pregnancy). Make sure you understand the limitations and physical and emotional risks before getting an abortion.
At SouthWest Options for Women, we can help you learn the limitations of the abortion pill method and the potential emotional and physical risks. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we will provide factual information.
What Is the Abortion Pill Method?
The abortion pill method is a medical or chemical abortion because it uses abortion drugs to terminate a pregnancy. There are two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot survive and will end. Misoprostol, the second drug, causes contractions to expel the pregnancy from your body.
Are There Any Risks?
Mayo Clinic lists the following as risks of abortion drugs:
-
An incomplete abortion. Incomplete means the pregnancy ended, but the pregnancy tissue doesn’t entirely leave your body.
-
An ongoing pregnancy.
-
Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
-
Infection.
-
Fever.
-
Digestive system discomfort.
They also list the possibility of emotional and psychological consequences.
Are There Any Limitations?
You want to confirm your pregnancy before beginning abortion drugs. To confirm a pregnancy, you need more than a late period and a pregnancy test. You need an ultrasound exam.
Minnesota limits abortion to 23 to 24 weeks gestation (the number of weeks you’ve been pregnant). The FDA limits the use of abortion drugs to 10 weeks gestation (70 days from the first day of your last menstrual period). The following is what you need to know:
-
How far along you are in your pregnancy.
-
The location of your pregnancy (if it’s not located correctly, you could have a life-threatening health concern known as an ectopic pregnancy).
-
If your pregnancy is growing or if you have had a miscarriage. Experts estimate over one in four pregnancies end in a miscarriage. Because it takes your body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels, it is possible to get a positive pregnancy test after a miscarriage.
An ultrasound exam can determine all of the above issues.
If you are beyond ten weeks gestation, surgical abortion is an alternative termination method. However, it also comes with side effects and risks to consider.
How Can SouthWest Options for Women Help Me?
We provide free and confidential pregnancy testing. If your pregnancy test result is positive, we may schedule you for a free limited obstetrical ultrasound.
Get the information you need about your pregnancy before you schedule an abortion.
We’re here to help you get the facts to make empowered decisions. Let us care for you at SouthWest Options for Women. Schedule your appointment today.