Many women who have taken the abortion pill (or medication abortion) have changed their minds and wondered if it is possible to reverse the effects of the pill. If you regret taking the abortion pill, it may not be too late to continue your pregnancy. Contact an abortion pill reversal provider immediately.
Waterleaf: 630-360-2256. Call or text confidentially.
Or call the Abortion Pill Rescue hotline: 877-558-0333 for a medical provider in your area.
This article will explain how the abortion pill works, how abortion pill reversal can work to cancel the effects of the abortion pill, when reversal is most effective, and more.
How does the abortion pill work?
To understand how the abortion pill works, let’s first review a hormone that helps with pregnancy. A pregnancy is nourished and sustained by the hormone progesterone. In early pregnancy, progesterone will help a pregnancy in several ways, such as:
- Signal your body to protect the embryo
- Relaxes your uterus to maintain the pregnancy
- Regulates your blood pressure
- Supports development of the embryo
The abortion pill regimen is actually a series of two different drugs. The first is mifepristone (also known as Mifeprex®). The second pill, misoprostol, is typically taken 24-48 hours after mifepristone. The FDA approves the abortion pill for up to 10 weeks (or 70 days) of pregnancy.
The first abortion pill, mifepristone, works by blocking progesterone to terminate the pregnancy. It induces the lining of the uterus to break down and the placenta to detach. The FDA describes the abortion pill regimen as inducing “uterine bleeding and cramping to cause termination” of the pregnancy.
The second set of pills, misoprostol, is taken 24-48 hours after taking the first abortion pill. This induces contractions and “necessarily involves heavy bleeding and cramping as the pregnancy is expelled.”
How does abortion pill reversal work?
Abortion pill reversal (APR) is usually administered within 72 hours of a woman having taken the first abortion pill mifepristone and before the second pills, misoprostol, are taken.
The APR protocol works by “reversing” the progesterone-blocking effects of mifepristone. If taken soon enough, the pregnancy can continue. So it’s important to contact an APR specialist right away if you regret taking the abortion pill.
APR involves replenishing the progesterone that the drug mifepristone blocked. Progesterone has been used to support female fertility since the 1950s. In APR, progesterone is administered by injection or orally with pills.
Each woman’s protocol may vary depending on factors such as how far along she is in her pregnancy.
How effective is abortion pill reversal?
Case studies on APR have shown a success rate between 64-68%. The farther along the pregnancy, the higher rate of success. In one study, women starting the APR protocol at 9 weeks showed a 77% success rate.
The sooner you begin the APR protocol after having taken the first abortion pill, the better chance you will have to continue the pregnancy. Even if you regret taking the second pills, misoprostol, you should still contact an APR provider right away.
Does abortion pill reversal cause birth defects?
There is no increase in birth defect risk when the APR protocol is administered after the first abortion pill, mifepristone, is taken. One study stated: “the birth defect risk in women who have reversed mifepristone abortions is no higher than the risk in the general population.”
I regret taking the abortion pill – what is my next step?
If you regret taking the abortion pill, it is vital that you contact an abortion pill provider immediately:
Waterleaf: 630-360-2256. Call or text confidentially.
Or call the Abortion Pill Rescue hotline: 877-558-0333 for a medical provider in your area.
Waterleaf is here for you! You deserve to be treated compassionately and without judgement. Our medical professionals can answer your questions and help you navigate your unique situation. Call or text us confidentially today! 630-360-2256.
