Medication Abortion

• are 16 years old or older. 

• have access to a smart phone, tablet, or computer with video capability so you can have a video consultation with a provider. 
• are able to have your telehealth appointment and receive the package of medication at a mailing address in the state of Montana. 
• are able to receive and take the first medication before you are 12 weeks pregnant.  
• Please note:  you may be required to have an ultrasound prior to your telehealth appointment.  We can help find convenient locations to have this done.  The cost is in addition to Blue Mountain Clinic’s fee and depends on the provider of services.) 

A medication abortion is a two-step process using two different medications.

The first medication (mifepristone) blocks progesterone, the hormone necessary for growing and maintaining a pregnancy. Some people report mild nausea, light spotting, or cramping after taking mifepristone, but it is not common.

The second medication, misoprostol, is taken 6 to 72 hours after taking mifepristone. Misoprostol is used to soften the cervix and induce uterine contractions causing cramping and bleeding, thereby emptying the uterus, and expelling the pregnancy.

BLEEDING For most people, cramping and bleeding starts 4-6 hours after taking the Misoprostol. It is normal to see large blood clots (up to the size of a lemon) during this process. It is a lot like a really heavy, crampy period and very similar to an early miscarriage.

Heavy bleeding and cramping are normal and will typically last 2-6 hours, but it may take longer. Using pads during this process will allow you to monitor your bleeding. Cramping and bleeding will lighten once the pregnancy has passed. Most people will complete the abortion within 24 hours of using the second medication. If you don’t have any bleeding within 24 hours after taking misoprostol, call Blue Mountain Clinic at (406) 721-1646.

SIDE EFFECTS Some patients report experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, chills, dizziness, and mild fever with misoprostol (the second medication). These side effects are usually resolved within 24 hours. There are no long-term side effects of either medication. Prescriptions may be provided for additional medications to help manage any discomfort during the abortion process.

PREPARE You can be at home for this experience or wherever is safe and comfortable for you. Stock up on pads, food, books, movies, or whatever helps you pass the time. Staying well-hydrated, avoiding rich and spicy foods, and having a heating pad or hot water bottle on-hand can all be helpful ways of making you more comfortable.

It is normal to have some bleeding (period-like and/or spotting) for several weeks afterward. Pregnancy symptoms typically resolve as soon as 24-48 hours after you are no longer pregnant.

A follow-up appointment is required via telehealth, telephone, or in person approximately 1-2 weeks after taking the first medication. We will also have you take a pregnancy test after 4 weeks to confirm it is negative. In the unlikely event that the abortion does not work and you are still pregnant, you may need another dose of medication or an in-clinic procedure to complete the abortion.