Food and Drug Administration decided to relax prior guidelines regulating the abortion pill, also known as RU-486. The FDA regulations now allow women to take the abortion pill, which is actually a series of pills, up to 10 weeks into their pregnancy to induce a medical abortion in comparison to the previous 7-week deadline.
While some may be happy about the FDA’s ruling over this long-standing debate, there are still major factors you should consider before making such an important decision.
1) The first pill taken during a medical abortion prompts an unnatural miscarriage by blocking Progesterone receptors in your body, resulting in fetal death. The second pill is taken 1 or 2 days later. This is what causes the uterus to cramp and expel its contents. Side effects of RU-486 include severe cramping, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, and fever. Further, studies showed that in some cases women taking RU-486 suffered from extreme blood loss, ectopic pregnancies, life-threatening infection, failed abortion, hospitalization, and even death.
2) Not only is it important to think about the effects the drug has on your own body, but it is also wise to consider fetal development when making this decision. At 10 weeks, your fetus has already completed his or her most critical point in development – meaning that your baby has already developed their brain, kidneys, intestines, and liver. After you have completed the second dose there is no way to reverse the medical abortion. Therefore, it is recommended that you take your time in considering all of your options before making this decision.
Many states are beginning to take action against the FDA’s ruling by placing further restrictions on taking the abortion pill. For example, many states now require a physician to prescribe RU-486 and be present with the woman while she takes the pills.
While there are divided reactions on the FDA’s decision to relax the rules on pill-induced abortions, Options Medical Clinic wants you to know the facts and risks behind RU-486 and consider all of your options before making a decision about your pregnancy. Your health and well-being are very important to us, and we believe that you deserve the opportunity to make an informed decision about your pregnancy and your future. Visit us to learn more.