Considering the Abortion Pill in Maine?
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill (also known as medication abortion) actually consists of two pills: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is taken first. It cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing and eventually dies. Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later. This medication makes the uterus cramp and expel the fetus, which ends the pregnancy.[1]
How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period.[2] If you take the abortion pill later on in your pregnancy, the risk of serious complications increases. You may need emergency surgery to stop heavy bleeding or complete the procedure if it fails or is incomplete.Is Abortion Legal in Maine?
Currently, abortion is legal up until viability in Maine. However, exceptions can be made after viability to save the life of the pregnant woman.[3] Viability refers to the point in pregnancy when a fetus is developed enough to survive outside the womb with medical help. Viability occurs at approximately 24 weeks of pregnancy.[4] We recommend receiving an ultrasound before an abortion. Click here to find out why.Can I Get Abortion Pills Over the Counter?
No, a prescription from a provider or physician who is certified to prescribe the abortion pills is necessary. However, the FDA does permit pharmacies to become certified to dispense the abortion pill with a proper prescription from a certified provider.[5]Can I Order the Abortion Pill Online?
The FDA advises against ordering the abortion pill online. Many online abortion pill providers are located overseas, so the pills they provide may not meet FDA standards.[6] These pills could be counterfeit, expired, or even tampered with.Abortion Pill Information in Portland, ME
When your pregnancy test comes back positive, it can be easy to panic. Don’t let fear make the final decision for you. Get the care and support you deserve at Abba Women’s Choice. We provide free pregnancy resources, so you can make an empowered decision for your unplanned pregnancy:- Free pregnancy tests
- Free ultrasounds
- A safe, non-judgemental place to ask questions, get answers, and explore your pregnancy options
It may not be too late to save your pregnancy
Schedule A Free Appointment
Please be aware that Abba Women’s Choice does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
- See source #1.
- Maine Legislature. (2024, October 1). Chapter 263-B: ABORTIONS. https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/22/title22sec1598.html
- Limits of fetal viability and its enhancement. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11753511/
- See source #1.
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, March 23). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
