Understanding the Abortion Pill 

Written By Laura Becker

A medical abortion, often referred to as the "abortion pill," involves taking two different medications that work together to end a pregnancy. This non-surgical method is not the same as the "morning-after pill" (such as Plan B), which is intended to prevent pregnancy shortly after unprotected sex, not terminate an existing one. 

The Importance of Education and Support 

Making an informed decision requires both medical and emotional support. At Parkridge, we provide free and confidential pregnancy testing, limited ultrasound services, and compassionate counseling to help you explore your options. Our experienced nurses and staff are here to offer information, care, and emotional support every step of the way. 

At Parkridge, we believe every woman deserves care, respect, and knowledge as she navigates her pregnancy decision. 

Take Time to Consider Your Options 

Facing an unintended pregnancy is a deeply personal and often difficult situation. It's important to take time to think through your options carefully. We encourage women to speak with a trusted partner, counselor, family member, or friend before deciding. 

Parkridge offers pregnancy options counseling to help you understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives to every choice. We’re here to provide facts, not pressure, because we know that with an unplanned pregnancy any option is going to be difficult. 

Be Informed 

Before deciding, it's essential to talk to a medical provider and get answers to these important questions: 

  • What are the immediate and long-term risks or side effects? 

  • Can I reverse the abortion pill if I change my mind? 

  • What follow-up care will I need, physically and emotionally? 

Know the Risk 

Choosing to take the abortion pill is not a decision to make lightly, as it can lead to a range of intense physical and emotional effects. Within the first 24 hours, many women experience pelvic cramping and heavy vaginal bleeding. 
 
Here are some potential risks and side effects of these medications: 

  • Fever 

  • Chills 

  • Nausea 

  • Diarrhea 

  • Vomiting 

  • Headache 

  • Infection 

  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding 

  • Digestive system discomfort 

  • An ongoing pregnancy (if the medical abortion does not work) 

Recent Studies: 

The Foundation for the Restoration of America had a team of board-certified OB/GYN clinicians comb through more than 865,000 insurance claims related to chemical abortions between 2017 and 2023 and found that at least 10.9% resulted in a serious adverse health event. In the final year of the review, that proportion jumped to 11.2% of chemical abortions having a serious adverse event, affecting tens of thousands of women.  

  • Emergency room visit post abortion- 4.73% 

  • Hemorrhage- 3.31% 

  • Repeated Abortion Surgery-2.84% 

  • Infection- 1.34% 

  • Hospitalization- .66% 

  • Ectopic Pregnancy- .35% 

  • Other Complications- 5.68% 

These symptoms may point to serious complications such as infection or incomplete abortion, both of which require urgent medical care. It's important to consider the physical and emotional weight of this choice and to explore all available options before moving forward. 

Abortion Laws in Texas  
Currently, both medication and surgical abortions are illegal in Texas. Healthcare providers in the state cannot legally prescribe abortion pills or perform surgical abortion procedures. Understanding the legal landscape is crucial when considering your options.  

How Parkridge Can Help 

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Parkridge offers free and confidential services to help women explore all pregnancy options, including: 

  • Pregnancy testing 

  • Ultrasound confirmation 

  • STD testing and treatment 

  • Options counseling 

  • Post-abortion emotional support 

You deserve to be fully informed and supported as you navigate your pregnancy decision. Parkridge is committed to offering quality care with respect and compassion, no matter what choice you make. 

Schedule Your Appointment Today 

If you're facing an unintended pregnancy, you don’t have to make decisions in isolation. We are here for you. Call 806.794.8555 or schedule an appointment online. 

Resources:  

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists: www.acog.org  (Abstract: Medical Abortion) https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/10/medication-abortion-up-to-70-days-of-gestation  

The Mayo Clinic - Academic Medical Center www.mayoclinic.org    

(Abstract: Patient Care and Health, Medical Abortion)  

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687    

Center for Disease Control and Protection www.cdc.gov  

(CDCs Abortion Surveillance FAQ) https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/data_stats/abortion.htm    

The New York Post Article, Published April 28,2025]  / [The Washington Post, Published May 12,2025] 

 

Laura Becker
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