Abortion Pill Information
Learn more about the abortion pill, its symptoms, side-effects, risks, and alternatives. My Life Clinic offers medical-grade pregnancy tests, pregnancy confirmation ultrasound, and pregnancy options consultation services at no cost in Columbia, MO.
Considering the Abortion Pill?
If you are considering taking the abortion pill, you first should know:
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How many weeks your has pregnancy progressed.
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The location of your pregnancy.
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Additional medical conditions that could make the abortion pill contraindicated.
My Life Clinic in Columbia, MO, does not provide or refer for the abortion pill, but offers medical-grade pregnancy testing and pregnancy confirmation ultrasound services at no cost, so you have the information you need to make an empowered decision.
How the Abortion Pill Works
The Abortion Pill is a standard early abortion method in the United States used for abortions up to 10 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period. Though it is referred to as the abortion pill, it involves a regimen of two drugs taken over the period of several days.
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The first drug (mifepristone) is a medication designed to stop your body’s production of progesterone, a hormone necessary for the development and growth of a gestating embryo during pregnancy.
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The second drug (misoprostol) is a medication used to induce cramping and contractions to expel the contents of the fetus from the uterus.
The abortion pill is not always effective; 7% to 10% of people who take the abortion pill may remain pregnant after taking both drugs. Even higher failure rate increases greatly at or after 10 weeks of pregnancy. Abortion pills are not effective in the case of ectopic pregnancies, where the embryo implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. The abortion pill should not be taken if you have an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control.
You can schedule a free medical-grade pregnancy test and ultrasound at My Life Clinic to determine how many weeks pregnant you are.
Ordering Abortion Pills Online
The abortion pill regimen is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in women up to 10 weeks after the start of their last menstrual period.
The FDA does not recommend abortion pills be purchased online since “The FDA does not have regulatory oversight of prescription medicines from outside the legitimate U.S. drug supply chain; therefore, the FDA cannot ensure the safety, effectiveness, or quality of those medications.”
To learn more about the abortion pill and your pregnancy options, schedule an options consultation.
Common Abortion Pill Side-Effects
Cramping and bleeding are expected when taking the abortion pill. Bleeding may be like a heavy period and can last up to sixteen days, possibly up to thirty days.
Additional side effects include:
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Fever
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Chills
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Weakness
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Dizziness
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Headache
Abortion Pill Potential Complications
Like any drug, the abortion pill comes with complications. Possible complications of the abortion pill can include, but are not limited to:
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Bleeding requiring surgery to stop
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Incomplete/failed abortion
Before taking the abortion pill, it is important to understand the risks, side effects, and possible complications of the abortion pill. Discuss this information with your healthcare provider so you can make an informed decision.
Abortion Pill Cost
The cost of administering the abortion pill can vary depending on:
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The state where the abortion provider is located
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Which abortion pill vendor or clinic supplies the abortion pill
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Insurance coverage
If you are considering taking the abortion pill, My Life Clinic can provide you with a free medical-grade pregnancy test, pregnancy confirmation ultrasound, and pregnancy options consultation. These services come at no cost to you and allow you to know for certain how many weeks pregnant you are, whether you are eligible to take the abortion pill, and compare the abortion pill with all your pregnancy options to make an informed pregnancy choice.
If You Change Your Mind
If you have taken the first round of the abortion pill and do not want to complete the abortion, abortion pill reversal is possible. Because the first abortion pill blocks the production of progesterone, the abortion pill reversal process provides progesterone to the patient to support the growth and development of the pregnancy.
Timing is important when it comes to successfully reversing the effects of the abortion pill. If you are having second thoughts about completing the abortion pill regimen, contact the abortion pill reversal hotline immediately.
References
Abortion Pill Reversal. Abortion Pill Reversal. https://www.abortionpillreversal.com/. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
Cleveland Clinic. Progesterone. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24562-progesterone. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
Cleveland Clinic. Medical Abortion. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
Mayo Clinic. Mifepristone (Oral Route). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20067123. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
Mayo Clinic. Ectopic Pregnancy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
Dana Vitner, Ronit Machtinger, Micha Baum, Motti Goldenberg, Eyal Schiff, Daniel S. Seidman.
High failure rates of medical termination of pregnancy after introduction to a large teaching hospital. Fertility and Sterility. Volume 91, Issue 4, Supplement. 2009. Pages 1374-1377, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.04.030. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028208008960)
Frequently Asked Questions
At My Life Clinic, we provide compassionate, professional care to women in Mid-Missouri — completely free of charge. Thanks to the generous support of our community and donors, all of our services, from pregnancy tests to ultrasounds, are offered at no cost. Below are some of the most common questions we hear from clients about our services.
How much do your services cost?
Every service we provide — including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and STI testing and treatment — is completely free, made possible by donations from the support of our community partners in Mid-Missouri.
Do I need insurance to visit My Life Clinic?
No, you do not need insurance. We do not bill insurance, collect insurance information, or charge for any services — so nothing will be sent to your home or your parents.
Who can come to My Life Clinic?
Any woman seeking our services is welcome, regardless of age or circumstances. Our goal is to provide compassionate care to everyone who needs it. We serve women in Columbia, MO and Boone County.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes! You are welcome to bring a support person to your appointment.
How long does an appointment take?
Most appointments take around an hour, depending on the services you receive and any questions you have.
Who will administer the pregnancy test or ultrasound?
All medical-grade pregnancy tests and pregnancy confirmation ultrasounds are administered by our licensed registered nurses and registered medical diagnostic sonographers who provide compassionate, professional care.
Why do I need an ultrasound?
An pregnancy confirmation ultrasound helps confirm your pregnancy’s location, estimate how far along you are, and check that it’s developing safely. Before scheduling an ultrasound, a nurse will give you a medical-grade pregnancy test. If your test is positive, a trained sonographer (RDMS) can perform an ultrasound to give you important health information before you decide what to do next.
Is my appointment confidential?
Your appointment is completely confidential. My Life Clinic upholds confidentiality laws according to the state of Missouri. While we are not a HIPAA-covered entity because we do not bill for services, we voluntarily follow privacy and confidentiality practices that align with HIPAA standards.
Our team will neither confirm nor deny that you have received services at My Life Clinic, nor will we share any personal information about you. Your information is protected from disclosure, except when required by law, for public health reasons, to prevent harm to you or others, or when other circumstances reasonably warrant it—such as mandated reporting for abuse, suicidal ideation, or threats to others.
I’m a student. Will any information from my visit be shared with my parents?
Your appointment is completely confidential. Your private health information will not be shared with anyone without your consent, including your parents or guardians. While we are not a HIPAA-covered entity because we do not bill for services, we voluntarily follow privacy and confidentiality practices that align with HIPAA standards.
Do you provide termination services or the abortion pill?
While we do not provide abortion services, the abortion pill, or recommendations for abortion providers, we are here to talk with you. If you're considering abortion, we recommend scheduling a pregnancy confirmation ultrasound—especially if you’re taking other medications, have health conditions, or need to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. A cost-free ultrasound can confirm the viability and location of the pregnancy, which is a critical first step. Our nurses provide education on abortion pills and in-clinic abortion procedures—no pressure, just facts and support.
What if I've already decided I want an abortion or ordered the abortion pill online?
Abortion is a medical procedure, and your health and safety matter most. Many women have questions, and our priority is ensuring you receive medically accurate information when making a pregnancy decision. Our nurses can answer questions and provide guidance based on your health history. We do not provide abortions or recommendations for abortion providers. We offer education and information on abortion pills and in-clinic procedures in Columbia, MO, and Boone County.
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