Blue Mountain Clinicc

Abortion - FAQ

What is it?

Medical abortion terminates a pregnancy with medications instead of surgery. The process is similar to having a miscarriage. Medical abortion has been successfully used to terminate early pregnancy in Europe since 1990.

How does it work?

Having a medical abortion involves the use of two separate medications. The first, Mifepristone, is taken at the clinic before 56 days from the last menstrual period. This drug blocks progesterone from being used by the uterus. Progesterone is an essential hormone in pregnancy, and without it, the pregnancy stops growing. Within 24-72 hours after taking Mifepristone, women take another drug called Misoprostol to soften and open the cervix and induce uterine contractions, thereby expelling the pregnancy. Most women will complete the abortion within 24 hours of using the second medication. Abortion using Mifepristone and Misoprostol is about 95 percent effective in ending a pregnancy. A woman must be willing to consent to a surgical completion if this method fails.

What are the side effects of medical abortion?

Women choosing a medical abortion need to expect that they will have bleeding and cramping with this method, sometimes for many hours. These are expected effects of the medications. There are no systemic side effects of Mifepristone, however you may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, chills and dizziness with the Misoprostol. These side effects are usually resolved within 24 hours of using the Misoprostol. There are no long term side effects of either medication.

Is medical abortion safe?

Yes. Medical abortion using mifepristone and misoprostol was approved by the FDA in 2002 as a safe and legal way to terminate a pregnancy in the first several weeks of pregnancy. While there is always some risk with taking medications and/or having a surgical procedure, these risks are very low. In fact, having an abortion is about ten times safer than carrying a pregnancy to term. Risks of medical abortion include: Hemorrhage, incomplete abortion, undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy, persistent bleeding and infection (very rare).

Who can have a medical abortion?

Medical abortion is available to women who are less than 56 days from their last menstrual period. Age of pregnancy is always confirmed by ultrasound examination at the clinic. Women choosing this method must live relatively close to Missoula and must have access to telephone and transportation.

What are the advantages of this method?

Women may choose medical abortion over the surgical alternative for a variety of reasons. Most women choose this method to avoid surgery or because they feel as though they have more control over the process. Whatever the reason, women need to know that having a medical abortion is no less an elective termination of pregnancy. Additionally, women need to be aware that the medications do not magically make the pregnancy disappear, and the process of having a miscarriage can be quite painful and intense. We recommend that all women choosing medical abortion have a supportive person who can remain with them throughout the process. For more information: Call Blue Mountain Clinic at (406)721-1646 or 1-800-727-2546.

Is this performed by licensed physicians?

Yes. Licensed physicians perform all abortions.

Is this confidential?

Yes. Your visit to our clinic is strictly confidential.

Is this legal?

Abortion is legal. Parental or spousal consent is not currently required.

Is this safe?

Abortion is safe. Chances of complications are about 1%.

What do the fees cover?

Fees include: * Options counseling * Tests for vaginal infection * Screening for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) * Lab work * Birth control information * Follow up examination * 24 hour on-call service * Ultrasound to determine gestational age * Medications