Yes, medical abortion is a method of terminating an early pregnancy using medications approved and listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as safe and effective.
This process typically involves taking Mifepristone and Misoprostol, which work together to safely induce abortion. However, in the Philippines, where abortion remains legally restricted, access to these medications is limited. Despite this, international organizations offer essential resources and guidance to ensure safe self-managed abortion practices.
What Is Medical Abortion?
Medical abortion is a non-surgical method of ending a pregnancy, usually within the first 13 weeks. It involves taking medications that are endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as safe and effective:
- Mifepristone – Blocks progesterone, stopping the pregnancy from growing.
- Misoprostol – Causes uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy.
While the combination of mifepristone and misoprostol is the most effective method (95-98%), misoprostol alone can also be used successfully for abortion when taken correctly.
How to Use Medical Abortion Pills: First 13 Weeks Of Pregnancy
Step-by-Step Process
Before You Begin:
- Confirm the number of weeks of pregnancy to ensure you are within 13 weeks or less.
Step 1: Take Mifepristone (200mg) Safely
- Take 1 Mifepristone (200mg) – Swallow the pill with water. This medication blocks the hormone needed for pregnancy to continue.
- If you vomit within 30 minutes of taking it, the pill may not have been absorbed, and you should take another dose.
- Wait 24-48 hours before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2: Prepare for Cramping & Bleeding After Taking Pills
- Take 800mg of Ibuprofen (or an alternative pain reliever if allergic) 30 minutes before taking Misoprostol to help with cramping.
- If needed, anti-nausea medication can also be taken at this time.
Step 3: Take Misoprostol (200mcg each)
- Place four (4) Misoprostol pills under your tongue. Let them dissolve for 30 minutes without swallowing.
- After 30 minutes, swallow any remaining pill fragments with water.
- If vomiting occurs within 30 minutes, repeat the Misoprostol dose.
Step 4: Monitor Bleeding & Symptoms
- After taking misoprostol, you will have cramping and bleeding. This is normal and means the medicine is working.
- If no bleeding occurs within 24 hours, take another four (4) Misoprostol pills in the same way.
- If you still experience no bleeding, seek guidance from a trusted source before taking additional pills.
For further assistance, confidential support is available through safe2choose.
Precautions and Risks
Get medical help right away if you:
- Soak through 2 or more pads per hour for 2 or more hours in a row.
- Have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) that starts at least 24 hours after taking misoprostol and does not go down after taking ibuprofen.
- Have severe pain that doesn’t get better after using pain medication like ibuprofen.
- Feel very sick or have a bad-smelling vaginal discharge. Blood can smell unpleasant and be brown, dark, almost black, or bright red, but if you have a discharge of another color that smells rotten, it may be an infection.
- Have an allergic reaction (like redness or swelling of the face or neck, or difficulty breathing).
Looking for support?
If you need accurate information on reproductive health, there are international organizations that offer private and non-judgmental guidance. Seeking medical advice from trusted healthcare professionals is the safest option.
If you’re seeking additional guidance or support, there are resources available to assist you. safe2choose provides confidential, evidence-based information for individuals exploring their reproductive health options. Our trained abortion counselors are available to offer personalized support, ensuring you have the information you need to make safe and informed decisions.
