The “Abortion Pill” is actually two different drugs (mifepristone + misoprostol) approved by the FDA to abort pregnancies up to 10 weeks from a woman’s last menstrual period.1
HOW DOES IT WORK?2
The first drug (mifepristone) blocks the hormone progesterone which is necessary for the embryo to live and grow. The baby’s attachment to the uterus breaks down, usually causing death over the next several days. The second drug, misoprostol, causes cramping and bleeding that expels the embryo and pregnancy tissue.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?3
For pregnancies up to 10 weeks LMP, one out of 100 need a surgical scraping to stop hemorrhaging, and it fails to cause abortion in about 7% of these pregnancies or is incomplete. The failure rate increases as pregnancy advances, as does the risk of complications: bleeding, infection, Rh sensitization, missed ectopic pregnancies, possible psychological distress on seeing human parts expelled. It is four times riskier than a suction aspiration abortion.4
Getting an ultrasound to confirm that the baby is inside the uterus is critical because mifepristone/misoprostol won’t abort ectopic pregnancies (embryo located outside the uterus), which can be life-threatening. The FDA cautions against buying abortion-inducing drugs from online illegitimate pharmacies. These drugs may be expired, fake, tainted, or otherwise contaminated.
YOU DECIDE Before
Could Abortion Affect Me Later?
You have the right to understand the possible risks of your decision. The data about the long-term effects of abortion is incomplete. Plus, scientific bias, and failure to tie complications to the abortion procedure, limits what we know.1
Here’s
EMOTIONAL In line with the available evidence, abortion increases the risk of: Clinical depression and anxiety Drug and alcohol abuse Symptoms consistent with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Suicidal thoughts and behavior Men are also at risk for emotional and relationship difficulties following abortion. Some experience guilt, anxiety, powerlessness, numbness, anger, relationship struggles, and more.6
PHYSICAL Research shows that: • Carrying a pregnancy to full term gives a measure of protection against breast cancer (especially a first pregnancy before the age of 30). Abortion results in loss of that protection. A majority of peer reviewed studies show an increased risk for later development of breast cancer among women who have experienced induced abortion.8 Induced abortion increases the risk of future premature delivery and premature birth (before 32 weeks), and also raises a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.
RELATIONAL Research reveals that couples who choose abortion are at increased risk for problems in their relationships.10 Women experiencing a lack of support or pressure to abort from their partners were more likely to choose abortion. Women who face intimate partner violence are significantly more likely to experience abortion.12
SPIRITUAL Whatever your spiritual beliefs may be, having an abortion may impact you deeply. What thoughts do you have about your spiritual development and your unborn baby’s future as a spiritual being?
YOU DECIDE Before
the Abortion Pill
Mifeprex, Mifepristone
The “Abortion Pill” is actually two different drugs (mifepristone + misoprostol) approved by the FDA to abort pregnancies up to 10 weeks from a woman’s last menstrual period.1
HOW DOES IT WORK?2
The first drug (mifepristone) blocks the hormone progesterone which is necessary for the embryo to live and grow. The baby’s attachment to the uterus breaks down, usually causing death over the next several days. The second drug, misoprostol, causes cramping and bleeding that expels the embryo and pregnancy tissue.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?3
For pregnancies up to 10 weeks LMP, one out of 100 need a surgical scraping to stop hemorrhaging, and it fails to cause abortion in about 7% of these pregnancies or is incomplete. The failure rate increases as pregnancy advances, as does the risk of complications: bleeding, infection, Rh sensitization, missed ectopic pregnancies, possible psychological distress on seeing human parts expelled. It is four times riskier than a suction aspiration abortion.4
Getting an ultrasound to confirm that the baby is inside the uterus is critical because mifepristone/misoprostol won’t abort ectopic pregnancies (embryo located outside the uterus), which can be life-threatening.
The FDA cautions against buying abortion-inducing drugs from online illegitimate pharmacies. These drugs may be expired, fake, tainted, or otherwise contaminated.5
Who Should NOT Take the Abortion Pill6
• Have or may have an ectopic pregnancy
• Have an IUD
• Long-term steroid user
• Take blood thinners
• Chronic adrenal failure
• Have a bleeding disorder
• Over 10 weeks pregnant
• Have porphyria
WHAT IS THE ABORTION PILL REVERSAL (APR)?7
This protocol uses natural progesterone to attempt rescue of pregnancies exposed to the first abortion pill drug, mifepristone. Progesterone is critical for the embryo to stay attached to the uterus and continue to grow. Progesterone is used to override the effects of mifepristone, restoring the pregnancy.
IS IT SAFE?
Natural progesterone has been used safely during pregnancy for decades.8
HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT?9
About 68% of women deliver full term healthy babies. There is a window of 72 hours from the time a woman takes the first pill (mifepristone) to when she needs to start the progesterone.
WHERE CAN I FIND THIS RESOURCE?
If you or someone you know took the abortion pill and regret it, there may still be time. The Abortion Pill Rescue Network provides free and confidential care 24/7. Call 877.558.0333 or go to AbortionPillReversal.com to get help.
Scan QR code for references
YOU DECIDE Before Sample
What About Adoption?
Adoption as a Parenting Plan
OPEN1
You choose the type of family your child grows up in. You communicate with the adoptive parents and child throughout their life. You may even have ongoing visits with the child and adoptive parents.
PARTIALLY OPEN 2
You can choose the type of family your child grows up in. You may also learn how your child is doing through pictures or letters that the adoption agency or lawyer shares with you. You usually will not know your child’s full name or location.
CONFIDENTIAL3
If you decide that you do not want contact with your child later, the adoption agency will choose your baby’s new family. You and the family won’t know any details about each other’s identity, but the agency may share medical information to help the family care for your child.
Considering Adoption?
Whichever type of adoption you might choose, it’s a good idea to get counseling (available for free) that can help you adjust after your baby is born and plan for the future. Learn more by talking with a licensed adoption agency or adoption attorney, or by gathering information online.
y ouknow?
did
Research has shown that pregnant women who make an adoption plan are more likely than single parents to finish school, have better jobs, and overall report a high level of satisfaction with their decision for adoption.5
Is raising my baby right for me?
Ask yourself these questions:
What would I want my child to know about me?
What kind of family do I want my baby to grow up in?
What will I think about my decision in 20 years?
Where can I get help with my expenses?
Do I understand what rights the father of the baby has?
Do I know how long I have to change my mind?
What I thought would ruin my life has done the exact opposite. I’m a stronger, better, more successful person because of my child. No one will ever have the power to take away my strength.
“
Scan QR code for references
YOU DECIDE Before
Could Abortion Affect Me Later?
You have the right to understand the possible risks of your decision. The data about the long-term effects of abortion is incomplete. Plus, scientific bias, and failure to tie complications to the abortion procedure, limits what we know.1
EMOTIONAL
In line with the available evidence, abortion increases the risk of:
• Clinical depression and anxiety2
• Drug and alcohol abuse3
• Symptoms consistent with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)4
• Suicidal thoughts and behavior5
• Men are also at risk for emotional and relationship difficulties following abortion. Some experience guilt, anxiety, powerlessness, numbness, anger, relationship struggles, and more.6
PHYSICAL
Research shows that:
• Carrying a pregnancy to full term gives a measure of protection against breast cancer (especially a first pregnancy before the age of 30).7 Abortion results in loss of that protection.
• A majority of peer reviewed studies show an increased risk for later development of breast cancer among women who have experienced induced abortion.8
Here’s what we do know: Sample
• Induced abortion increases the risk of future premature delivery and premature birth (before 32 weeks), and also raises a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.9
RELATIONAL
Research reveals that couples who choose abortion are at increased risk for problems in their relationships.10 Women experiencing a lack of support or pressure to abort from their partners were more likely to choose abortion.11 Women who face intimate partner violence are significantly more likely to experience abortion.12
SPIRITUAL
Whatever your spiritual beliefs may be, having an abortion may impact you deeply. What thoughts do you have about your spiritual development and your unborn baby’s future as a spiritual being?
y ouknow?
did
If you are experiencing unwanted feelings and emotions following an abortion you are not alone. Pregnancy centers offer compassionate support in private, individual, or small-group environments. Many people are aware of the physical effects of an abortion, but few understand the emotional effects. Visit abortionhealing.org for support.
Take the Survey
Are any of these true for you?
Being pressured or coerced to abort
Sample
Have, or previously had, mental health problems before abortion
Feeling very uncertain or having difficulty making the decision
Past childhood sexual abuse or unresolved trauma
Lack of emotional/social support
Want the pregnancy
Believe abortion is against my values
Have strong religious beliefs against abortion
Feel the need to keep the abortion a secret
Feel attached to the pregnancy
If you said “yes” to any of these, then you are at increased risk of having mental health problems after abortion.13 There is no available evidence that induced abortion has therapeutic effects to reduce mental health issues for women .14 Having a risk factor just means that the possibility is greater.
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YOU DECIDE Before What do I need to know?
Informed Decision Checklist
Be certain. You will live with this decision for the rest of your life.
AM I PREGNANT?
Pregnancy tests can be inaccurate. Protect your health and get your pregnancy confirmed with an ultrasound–it can show if the pregnancy is inside the uterus and how far along you are. Going through an abortion without knowing this is risky.
DO I UNDERSTAND THE POTENTIAL RISKS?
You have the legal right to be fully informed before giving your consent.1 This includes:
• An explanation of the abortion procedures available
• Their side effects and potential risks
• Alternative options for your pregnancy
HAVE I CONSIDERED THE ALTERNATIVES?
Abortion may seem like the best option, but you owe it to yourself to consider other choices. Some women who initially think about abortion are ultimately delighted to be parents. Others consider adoption as a solution.
CAN I CHANGE MY MIND?
You have the freedom to change your mind any time before the procedure starts. Women have gotten off the exam table and left. Some regret their decision after taking the first abortion pill. There is still hope. For more information call 877.558.0333 or visit AbortionPillReversal.com.
HAVE I BEEN TESTED?
You may have an STI and not know it because they often don’t have any symptoms, but can still cause damage to your pelvic organs and lead to problems such as infertility and ectopic pregnancy.2 All types of abortions can be complicated by infection.
What do I need to know?
WHY SHOULD I KNOW MY BLOOD TYPE?
Pregnant women who are Rh negative should receive an injection of RhoGAM® to prevent the formation of antibodies that may harm current or future pregnancies.3
AM I ANEMIC?
Abortions can cause heavy bleeding which could require a surgical procedure (D&C) to stop the hemorrhage.4 If you have a low hemoglobin prior to abortion, you may be at increased risk for a blood transfusion afterwards.
WILL I FEEL PAIN?
One survey of women who had local anesthesia (for a surgical abortion) revealed that about half experienced “moderate to severe pain” and the other half, “none to mild pain.”Pain relief options for an in-office abortion may include local anesthesia, sedation, and sometimes, general anesthesia.6 Ask if an anesthesiologist will monitor you. Over-the-counter meds like ibuprofen are typically used for medication abortion.
WHAT DO I KNOW ABOUT THE PROVIDER?
Ask for the name of the doctor in charge. Find out if they are licensed, board-certified, and if there are disciplinary actions or lawsuits against them. Check online at: www.docinfo.org.
DO I KNOW MY RIGHTS AS A MINOR?
No one can legally force you to have an abortion, including your parents.7 If you are being pressured or bullied to get an abortion, call the police or call 210.614.7157, or email info@txjf.org for help.
HOW DOES THE CLINIC HANDLE COMPLICATIONS DURING AND AFTER?
Ask if the abortion provider has admitting privileges to a nearby hospital should you have an emergency. Find out the clinic’s plan for emergency care, should complications arise.
WHAT FEELINGS CAN I EXPECT AFTERWARD?
Many women experience initial relief, but months and even years later, some women and men struggle with deep regret. Visit abortionhealing.org for support from people who understand and are equipped to help.
Scan QR code for references
YOU DECIDE Before What I Need to Know...
About Fetal Development
CONCEPTION (2 WEEKS LMP*)
A unique individual comes into existence. Their hair and eye color, and gender are established.1
5 WEEKS 1 DAY LMP
The baby’s heart begins beating just 22 days after fertilization.2 This is just one week after a missed period.
6 WEEKS LMP
The embryo’s heart activity can be seen during an ultrasound. The brain is dividing into its three main parts.3
8 WEEKS LMP
The embryo begins to make spontaneous movements and bones begin to harden.4
9 WEEKS 4 DAYS LMP
The baby has distinct fingers and can hiccup.5
11 WEEKS LMP6
Thumb sucking begins, and the ability to grasp things, open the mouth, sigh, and stretch. The face, hands, and feet can sense light touch.
12 WEEKS LMP
Unique fingerprints begin to form.7
13 WEEKS LMP
The nose and lips are formed.8
ABOUT ABORTION YOU DECIDE Before What I Need to Know...
The Abortion Pill 9 (Mifexprex,TM Mifepristone)
WHEN Up through 10 weeks LMP
HOW Day 1: Mifepristone taken, eventually causes embryo’s death Day 2 or 3: Misoprostol taken, cramping & bleeding expels baby Day 7-14: Provider follow-up to check for completion & complications
