An unexpected pregnancy often brings a sense of a loss of control. So, some women try an abortion at home because it seems like an affordable and easy way to regain control and end their pregnancy. Before making a quick decision, you should know all of the options you have that could still give you the life that you deserve.
Take the time to understand the processes and potential risks of at-home abortions. We’ll talk about the abortion pill and other at-home abortion methods.
We always recommend finding a trusted person to talk to about your options. At Pregnancy Resource Center, our team wants to walk alongside you and provide you with a safe and confidential place to discuss your options. We also provide you with lab-quality pregnancy testing and an ultrasound to help inform your decision.
How Does A Self-Managed Abortion Work?
The term self-managed abortion (or at-home abortion) refers to a woman’s decision to end her pregnancy at home with pills or another method. Every abortion attempt looks different for each woman, so if you’re considering abortion, you should know a few things about your options and your pregnancy.
What Do I Need to Know Before An At Home Abortion?
Most importantly, you need to know:
- How far along you are in your pregnancy (EGA). Although you can try to guess how far along you are (EGA) in your pregnancy by your last menstrual period, studies show that an ultrasound is most accurate. Almost 40% of women who receive an ultrasound discover an EGA different from what they thought based on their period.
- Whether the pregnancy is in the correct location in your uterus. A pregnancy outside of your uterus (known as an ectopic) cannot continue and requires immediate medical attention.
- Whether your pregnancy is viable. Almost 10-20% of known pregnancies end in a miscarriage, and almost 80% of those occur within the first three months of pregnancy. However, many women do not know that they’ve miscarried until they have an ultrasound.
- Whether you’re eligible for an abortion and the risks of at-home abortions.
Call Pregnancy Resource Center today to receive a free ultrasound to help you determine how far along you are in your pregnancy. Our medical team will also provide you with information about the risks of an abortion.
Can I Take the Abortion Pill at Home?
The abortion pill refers to a two-step medical process where women take two different pills: mifepristone and misoprostol. The abortion pill can only be taken up until 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Typically, women first take mifepristone in a medical clinic so that a healthcare provider can evaluate her for risks and confirm how far along she is in her pregnancy. The mifepristone interferes with progesterone receptors in her body and prevents the embryo from developing.
Depending on how far along she is in her pregnancy, a doctor will then prescribe the right dosage for the second medication, misoprostol. The woman may take the misoprostol at home. This medication causes the uterus to cramp, bleed, and expel the pregnancy. Women should be aware of the warning signs of complications from the abortion pill and have access to additional medical care.
How Do I Get At Home Abortion Pills?
As of December 2023, a woman must obtain a prescription for the abortion pills from a qualified healthcare professional. Women should not order abortion pills online from overseas pharmacies, as studies show that the pills contain an unknown amount of the medication and could be dangerous.
What Are the Risks of At Home Abortions?
As with any medication or procedure, women should be aware of all of the risks associated with the abortion pill, including:
- Incomplete abortion- The uterus does not expel the entire pregnancy and additional medical procedures could be required.
- Hemorrhaging or severe vaginal bleeding
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to the medications
What Can I Expect with An At Home Abortion?
The abortion process differs for every woman, including dosages of medication, risks to be aware of, and recovery. So, women should speak with a healthcare provider before making a decision. If a woman decides to have an abortion, she should also consider the ways she intends to dispose of the fetal tissue after the abortion. Many women will need emotional support during this time.
Are There Legal Risks for An At-Home Abortion?
Abortion laws differ in every state. In Tennessee, all abortions are illegal, including at home, in a clinic, or via telehealth.
Are Herbs Safe for An Abortion?
No one should take herbs or home remedies for an abortion. Studies show that taking herbs for an abortion could cause severe complications including organ failure. Poison Control warns about the possibility of death. Additionally, drugs and alcohol should not be taken for an at-home abortion. These also pose significant risks to a woman.
Can I take the Morning After Pill for an At-Home Abortion?
The Morning After Pill (also known as Plan B or Ella) cannot be used for an abortion. Emergency contraception contains hormones that prevent ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of the embryo into the uterus. Whereas the abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) expels a fertilized embryo that had already implanted into the uterus.
Are There Other Ways to Have An Abortion At Home?
If you’re experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and considering harming yourself, please know that you have options. Inflicting physical harm does not always cause an abortion and can instead threaten your health and your life.
Free Pregnancy Services in Maryville and Sevierville, TN
You deserve a beautiful future for yourself and your body. We know that an unexpected pregnancy can feel extremely lonely, but know that you’re not alone as you make your decision. Our compassionate team will walk with you as you decide what’s best for you. Call Pregnancy Resource Center today for a free, confidential appointment at 865-977-8378 or make an appointment online.
*Our nurses determines who qualifies for a free ultrasound. We do not provide or refer for abortion services.
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