Frequently Asked Questions
Get Help Now: (855) 209-4848
How do I start the abortion pill reversal process?
- Call our hotline (855) 209-4848 or connect with us via the chat feature at the bottom of your screen.
- Our on-call Healthcare Professional will ask you some basic questions to see if a reversal is possible.
- The Healthcare Professional will then connect you with a doctor or medical provider in your area to start treatment if that is your choice.
Is it too late to reverse the abortion pill?
Time is of the essence. For those seeking to reverse the effects of the abortion pill (also known as a chemical abortion or a medical abortion), the goal is to start the protocol within 24 hours of taking the first abortion pill. However, there have been many successful reversals when treatment was started within 72 hours of taking the first abortion pill.
Even if 72 hours have passed, call our hotline (855) 209-4848. We are here to help. It may not be too late.
How much will this cost?
Costs of the treatment varies depending on the progesterone used. Insurance plans may cover treatment. Women who do not have insurance or financial means to pay for treatment should discuss this with their medical provider.
In cases of financial hardship, APR will help you find ways to reduce the cost of the treatment.
What is the treatment to reverse the abortion pill?
An ultrasound will be done as soon as possible to confirm heart rate, placement, and dating of the pregnancy. The doctor or another medical provider will prescribe progesterone, given as a pill to be taken orally or vaginally or possibly by intramuscular injection. The treatment will usually continue through the first trimester of pregnancy.
What is the success rate of abortion pill reversal?
Initial studies of APR have shown it has a 64-68% success rate.
Without the APR treatment, the first abortion pill may fail to abort the pregnancy on its own. In other words, your pregnancy may continue even without APR if you decide not to take the second drug likely prescribed or provided to you. APR has been shown to increase the chances of allowing the pregnancy to continue. However, the outcome of your particular reversal attempt cannot be guaranteed.
Even though I regret my decision to take the abortion pill, there is no way I could keep and raise this baby alone and without support. What do I do?
We are here to help support pregnant women and their developing babies. Contact us and we can connect you to the support you need to make the best decision possible for you and your baby.
If you think parenting might be an option for you, but you have concerns about money, baby supplies, insurance or your parenting skills, there may be local help available.
The abortion clinic said I have to complete the abortion; is that true?
No, it is always your choice to change your mind. Even if you have started the chemical abortion process, reversal may still be a choice for you.
What if I am cramping or spotting? Does it mean it’s too late to reverse the abortion pill?
Spotting or bleeding is common during the reversal treatment. It is important and safe to continue the progesterone even if you experience spotting or bleeding unless directed otherwise.
If you experience heavy bleeding, faintness, severe abdominal pain, or fever, seek emergency medical attention immediately. This could be an effect of the first abortion pill and would require immediate care.
It is important to have an ultrasound to confirm that your baby is in the uterus as soon as possible.
What if I want to reverse the abortion pill but I’ve waited too long? What do I do then?
Please call our hotline number (855) 209-4848. You may still be pregnant. It may not be too late.
What about the other pills the abortion clinic gave me?
Do not take these pills if you wish to continue your pregnancy.
The second drug's purpose is to cause the uterus to contract and expel the baby. It is not needed if you want to try to reverse the chemical abortion.
Why is progesterone used in the reversal?
Progesterone is the natural hormone in a woman’s body that is necessary to nurture and sustain a pregnancy. By giving extra progesterone, we hope to outnumber and outcompete the first abortion pill in order to reverse the effects. The first drug in the abortion pill process blocks progesterone’s actions by binding to progesterone receptors in the uterus and the placenta.
What if I start cramping or spotting after I start the progesterone treatment?
Many women have experienced cramping or spotting and still go on to have successful reversals. Be sure to let your doctor or medical provider know you are experiencing these symptoms.
If you experience heavy bleeding, faintness, severe abdominal pain, or fever, seek emergency medical attention immediately. This could be an effect of the abortion pill and would require immediate care.
What about birth defects? Is my baby going to be OK?
Neither the first drug in the abortion pill process nor progesterone are associated with birth defects.
The American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stated in its Practice Bulletin 143, March 2014 (reaffirmed 2016): “No evidence exists to date of a teratogenic effect.” In other words, it does not appear that the abortion pill causes birth defects.
Progesterone, used in the reversal process, has been safely used in pregnancy for over 50 years. Initial studies have found that the birth defect rate in babies born after the APR is less or equal to the rate in the general population.
A 1999 FDA review revealed no increased risk of birth defects in pregnant women taking progesterone. After more than 25 years of progesterone support in pregnancy, the Pope Paul VI Institute has stated, “All of the available evidence strongly supports its safety when used in pregnancy.”
What are the possible side effects of progesterone?
For some women progesterone may cause sleepiness, lack of energy, lightheadedness, dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort and headaches. Increased fluid intake might help relieve these symptoms.
It is important that you follow all of the instructions of your APR provider carefully. If you have any questions, contact your provider.
Some progesterone treatments include peanut oil - what if I am allergic to peanuts?
If you are allergic to peanut oil, notify your provider before beginning APR. Progesterone may include this ingredient, so it is important that you notify your provider of any of these allergies before taking progesterone. An alternative form of progesterone may be available for those with an allergy.
I’d like to save this pregnancy, but I’ll probably get kicked out of my house. What should I do?
Call us at (855) 209-4848. We will help you find the resources you need for your particular situation. Most women might need a little (or a lot) of help. There are over 2,000 organizations in the United States, and many more around the world, that help women and families with anything from baby bottles and diapers, to peer and professional consultations, and even housing.
Are the abortion pill and the morning-after pill the same thing?
No, they are different. The “morning-after pill” is marketed as an emergency contraception method. The most commonly used preparation contains a high level of progestin and can be taken up to 72 hours after sexual intercourse. New insights into how it works make it clear that it can prevent implantation of the young human embryo into the lining of the uterus. This is a contragestational or abortifacient effect, not a contraceptive effect.
The abortion pill is taken up 70 days (10 weeks) into a pregnancy with the intention of causing an abortion. It works by blocking progesterone receptors. Progesterone is the necessary hormone that nurtures and supports a pregnancy.
The newest morning after pill is very similar to the abortion pill in its action in that it blocks progesterone receptors. It is approved by the FDA for use up to five days after intercourse and also has abortifacient effects.
Does your organization provide the abortion pill to women or perform surgical abortions?
The Abortion Pill Rescue Network provides compassionate support for women during their pregnancies and does not provide or refer for abortion services. We work diligently to provide women seeking reversal with information and resources to make healthy choices for their pregnancies.
How can I share this information with my community?
Abortion Pill Rescue put together some images that you can share via social media or print and distribute within your community. Click here to download the marketing materials.
You can also purchase handouts, brochures and yard signs here.
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