Overview of a Procedure for a Medication Abortion

• Medical records paperwork: We will ask you to give us information about the parts of your medical history that are important for safe abortion care. Please be complete and honest. This information is confidential and we are here to help you, not judge you.
• Ultrasound: We will do an ultrasound to confirm that you are pregnant. We will be able to see how far along the pregnancy is so we will know if you qualify for a medication abortion. Whether or not you look at the ultrasound is a personal decision and completely up to you. Please tell the nurse what you prefer. If you want a photo, please ask during the ultrasound and we will print one for you.
• Counseling: You will have a chance to talk with one of our counselors. You are in control of the counseling session. You are not under any pressure to discuss anything you don’t want to. Your counselor is there to answer any questions or concerns you may have about birth control, pregnancy, sexuality, violence or threats of violence. They will also explain your procedure, go over risks and benefits and answer your questions.
• Information: You will get paperwork describing medication abortion. Your counselor will go over it with you and answer any questions you may have. The names of the medications that are used for this type of abortion may be confusing because they are so similar: “Mifepristone” and “Misoprostol”. Mifepristone is also known as “Mifeprex”, “Mife”, “RU486”, and “early options pill”. It is the pill you swallow in the office. It stops the development of the pregnancy. Misoprostol is also known as “Miso”. You will put it in your cheek at home. It will make your uterus cramp and expel the pregnancy.
• Medications: We will give you the Mifeprex to take in the office and we will give you the Miso to take home with you. We will also give you very detailed instructions about what to expect, risks and benefits, how to take the Miso, and when to call us.
• Follow-up: Your follow-up is very important. We will give you an appointment date and time before you leave. If you are not able to keep this appointment please call us so we can make arrangements.

There is no blood test that can prove that you have taken Mifeprex or Miso.