For those who have taken the first step in a medication abortion and then changed their mind, abortion pill reversal (APR) has been offered as an option to potentially continue the pregnancy. For individuals who are seeking to halt a medication abortion, APR is presented as a possible solution. Below are four things you should know about abortion pill reversal.
How Abortion Pill Reversal Works
Abortion pill reversal is a procedure designed to counteract the effects of the first medication in a two-step medication abortion process. In this process, the first pill, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone, which is essential for maintaining a pregnancy. Abortion pill reversal aims to reverse this by administering a high dose of progesterone after mifepristone has been taken, but before the second pill, misoprostol, is used. By providing supplemental progesterone, the idea is to counteract the effects of mifepristone, helping to maintain the pregnancy.
Timing Matters—When to Use APR
APR is most effective when it is used within 24 hours after taking mifepristone, but before taking misoprostol. The earlier it is administered, the better the chances are that it will help continue the pregnancy. It can be administered up to 72 hours after consuming mifepristone.
The Role of Progesterone in APR
The hormone used in APR—progesterone—is a naturally occurring hormone that plays a key role in pregnancy. In fact, progesterone therapy is often used in fertility treatments and for women at risk of miscarriage, so its use in APR is based on its well-established role in maintaining pregnancy.
Where to Find Support for Abortion Pill Reversal
You can access a 24/7 hotline to talk with someone about whether or not you qualify for abortion pill reversal. Visit https://www.abortionpillreversal.com/ for more information.
