Medical Abortion refers to the non-surgical abortion wherein medication i.e. oral pills are used for abortion. The said oral preparation is referred to as an abortion pill. Beware of the Over The Counter drugs (taken without any medical guidance from pharmacist) which might not be safe.
Medically speaking and also as laid down by WHO in 2006, their are number of factors which needs to be considered for deciding about the oral medication which differs person to person keeping in mind the safety and effectiveness.
The Abortion Pill
What is the abortion pill?
Medication abortion — also called the abortion pill — is a safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy, but it has to be taken in consultation with certified gynecologist and under their supervision only. Self-medication might be harmful.
How does the abortion pill work?
“Abortion pill” is the popular name for using two different medicines to end a pregnancy.
We will give you the first pill at the clinic. Pregnancy needs a hormone called progesterone to grow normally. The first pill blocks your body’s own progesterone. We will also give you some antibiotics based on your health peculiarities.
The second medicine will be given 6-48 hours later, usually at home. Remember, this medicine may cause cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus. We will monitor the situation and give medical support to minimise the side-effects which varies individual to individual.
Is abortion pill effective?
This depends on medical examination of the patient. Generally for patients who are 7 weeks pregnant or less, it works about 98 out of 100 times.
When can I take the abortion pill?
It has to be taken under medical supervision and in consultance with gynaecologist only. Self medication is harmful and illegal also. Their are cases where patients landed in severe blood loss and it’s life threatning for patient themselves. It has been observed that some times uterus has to be removed due to which patients lose the capacity to conceive in future. It also attracts legal punishment.
What is preferable - Abortion Pill or Surgical Abortion?
Only gynaecologist can help you decide which kind of abortion is best for you. Their is no set theoritical criteria for these options. Medical Examination to count the exact period of gestation is mandatory before deciding the method for abotion and it has to be done in certified, well-equipped centre only. This cannot be based on personal judgement which many times differs with the reality.
Who can do the abortion or prescribe the pills?
MBBS doctor who has done post graduation degree / diploma in Obstetrician & Gynaecology or MBBS doctor who is in possess of certificate given by civil surgeon giving him legal authority to conduct medical termination can prescribe the pills. Normal MBBS doctors / any other faculty doctors / General Practitioner / Pharmacist cannot prescribe MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnacy) pills i.e. Abortion Pills. It attracts various legal actions as per IPC for the offence of criminal abortion. It is illegal on both the sides, the one who prescribe and also the patient who consume it to terminate pregnancy.