Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just 18 years ago, the “abortion pill” consists of two different medications. One medication, mifepristone, is “a synthetic steroid [that] interferes with a fertilized egg’s ability to adhere to the lining of the uterus.” Mifepristone works together with misoprostol, a medication which causes uterine contractions. At the time of approval, FDA Commissioner, Dr. Jane Henney, said the FDA approved mifepristone after a “careful evaluation of the scientific evidence related to the safe and effective use” of the drug.
But that “safe and effective” drug combination operates more like a human science experiment with deadly results.
1. Incomplete abortions. Focus on the Family reports that sometimes medications abortions are incomplete, and if so, “the woman has the option of taking another round of drugs or having a surgical abortion….”
Initially, the abortion pill was only available for 49 days past the woman’s last menstrual period; however, in 2016, the FDA upped that to 70 days, which, in turn, increased the risk for women, despite promises of safety.
READ: ‘I thought I was dying’: 3 women share their abortion pill horror stories
2. Frightening side effects. Research on the abortion pill’s side effects and complications, however, is anything but positive… it’s disturbing. Side effects include pain, weakness, bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, and fever. Focus on the Family notes that bleeding “can potentially last for several weeks, and can be severe enough to require a transfusion.” Every woman “will experience” bleeding, which “is more common the earlier a woman is in her pregnancy.”
Beyond side effects, though, are serious complications that may occur. In a medical office, complications can be treated immediately and adequately, but a secret at-home abortion risks the mother’s life and takes the baby’s.
Obstetrics & Gynecology noted the occurrence and types of complications: hemorrhaging, infection/sepsis, undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy, incomplete abortion, uterine ruptures, and even, potentially, death.
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