Can the abortion pill cause sepsis?

Many women have asked about sepsis infection after reading about recent deaths of Georgia women involving the abortion pill. This article will review how sepsis can result after taking the abortion pill and what you can do to protect yourself.

What is sepsis?

The Mayo Clinic defines sepsis as a serious condition when the “infection processes turn on the body.” This “can damage the lungs, kidneys, liver, and other organs.” When severe, it can lead to death.

Factors that can lead to sepsis

Several factors can lead to a dangerous septic infection in a woman who has taken the abortion pill.

First, 3 to 10% of healthy women have in their vagina the bacteria linked to sepsis (clostridium sordellii). In rare cases, these bacteria can be lethal.
Second, the pills taken in the abortion pill regimen suppress a woman’s immune system. The immune system is what normally fights off bacterial infection. One study described the abortion pill resulting in “disintegration of the body’s defense system necessary to prevent” infection.
Third, the abortion pill runs a risk of an incomplete abortion—meaning pregnancy tissue remains in the woman’s uterus. This tissue is prone to growth of bacteria. The FDA says incomplete abortion happens in about 4.7% of abortion pill cases when the gestational age is 49 days or less. Similar studies have identified incomplete abortions in 10% of cases for the same gestational age.

Signs of sepsis

Identifying signs of sepsis can be challenging because many of the indicators are also common side effects of the abortion pill. These include:

Chills
Confusion
Dizziness
Nausea
Rapid heart rate
Pain (can be severe)
Slurred speech

The Mayo Clinic specifically recommends following up with a doctor when the following symptoms occur: chills, confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, fast heartbeat, fever that lasts for more than 4 hours, lower back or side pain, painful or difficult urination, or rapid, shallow breathing. These may be symptoms of serious infection (eg, sepsis).

I took the abortion pill. What now?

If you took only the first abortion pill and are considering changing your mind, do not take the second pills. Contact Waterleaf or the Abortion Pill Rescue hotline right away. They will help you at no cost, providing information about the abortion pill, the Abortion Pill Reversal process, and your options.

Waterleaf – call or text 630-360-2256. All correspondence is completely confidential.
or call the Abortion Pill Rescue hotline at 877-558-0333 for a medical provider in your area.

If you have undergone an abortion and have concerns about a septic infection, consult your doctor immediately to be tested and screened for any remaining dead tissue in your body.

We’re here to help

The medical professionals at Waterleaf Women’s Center are here for you. If you are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and are not sure where to turn, contact us today to make an appointment. We will provide you with compassionate care without judgment. Your health and safety are of the highest importance. We can also answer your questions and address your concerns. Call or text us confidentially today at 630-360-2256.