MEDICAL ABORTION

We offer the option of the medical abortion, also known as the French abortion pill or RU-486, as an alternative to the surgical abortion procedure. You can have a medical abortion (using medications instead of surgery) up to 63 days from the first day of your last normal menstrual period.

Two medicines are used to complete the abortion. The first medicine, Mifeprex, is given by mouth and causes the pregnancy to separate from the uterus. The second medicine, Misoprostol, is inserted into the vagina and causes the uterus to contract and push the pregnancy out.

The medical abortion requires three clinic visits on three separate days. On the first visit, you complete the state-mandated counseling and determine whether or not you can have a medical abortion. Our physician and counselors will answer any questions you may have about the process.

On the second visit, you will sign your consent papers, have a pelvic exam, meet with the physician, and swallow the Mifeprex pills. You will receive Misoprostol tablet to take home and insert later. You'll also receive detailed instructions and pain medications.

During a medical abortion, you can expect cramping, heavy bleeding, and clots. The process can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours.

At the third visit, a few days later, you will need a follow-up ultrasound to make sure that you've passed the pregnancy and are no longer pregnant.

If you have a problem or an emergency during or after your medical abortion, you can speak with our on-call medical staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Comparison of Medical vs. Surgical Abortion

Medical
Must be 63 days or earlier from last menstrual period (LMP)
The woman controls the abortion
Requires 3 visits to the clinic
Requires a pelvic examination on day medication is given
Complications are rare
May take several hours to a few days to complete
Bleeding is heavy with clots and cramping
Non-invasive, as medications cause the abortion
No activity restrictions
Considerations for Medical:
a. Living arrangements/support person(s)
b. Work/school schedules
c. Travel/vacation plans
d. Parenting responsibilities
e. Ability to swallow a large pill
f. Ability to insert tablets into your vagina
g. You may have issues that prevent you from having a medical procedure
Surgical
Beyond 63 days, surgical abortion is the only option
The physician performs surgery
Requires 2 visits to the clinic
Requires a pelvic examination on surgery day
Complications are rare
Surgery completed in one day
Bleeding is light to moderate with few clots and some cramping
Invasive procedure, as instruments are within the uterus
Activity restrictions for 2 weeks
Considerations for Surgical:
a. Living arrangements/support person(s)
b. Work/school schedules
c. Travel/vacation plans
d. Parenting responsibilities
e. You may have issues that prevent you from having a surgical procedure

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Affiliated Medical Services
1428 N. Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202
(800) 498-0424 | (414) 278-0424

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