Kentucky Abortion Pill Information
Abortion Pill
The abortion pill is a medical abortion. This type of abortion uses two drugs. The first medication (Mifepristone ) blocks the progesterone hormone which is needed for pregnancy to continue. When used together with the second medication (Misoprostol), it will end an early pregnancy (70 days or less since the first day of the last menstrual period or 10 wks LMP) and is considered unsafe beyond that time.
The pill, mifepristone, causes an abortion by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for pregnancy to continue. The abortion pill is administered in three doses, along with another drug, misoprostol, and typically requires three clinic visits.
On the first visit, the woman takes three mifepristone abortion pills, which results in the death of the fetus.
On Day 3, she takes the second abortion pill, misoprostol, which will cause cramping to expel the fetus.
A follow-up visit is required two weeks after taking the abortion pill to ensure that the pregnancy has terminated. If an ultrasound scan shows that the fetus has not been expelled, a surgical abortion will be required, typically at an additional cost.
Other names for the abortion pill (Ru486):
Mifepristone is the generic name for RU-486. In the U.S., RU486 is sold under the brand names Mifeprex® and Early Option®.
The abortion pill involves two drugs:
When taken alone, RU486 results in a complete abortion only about 60% of the time. A second drug, a prostaglandin, is given 48 hours later to increase the abortion pill’s effectiveness. The prostaglandin causes uterine contractions to help expel the fetus. Misoprostol (brand name Cytotec) is the prostaglandin used with RU-486 in the U.S.
In Kentucky the Abortion Pill is now available by mail. Before taking the Abortion Pill or any other medication, get information from a trusted source so that you understand how it works and the possible side effects.
Who Should not take the abortion pill (ru486):
The FDA advises that the Medication abortion pill (RU486) should NOT be taken if any one of the following circumstances apply:
- It has been more than 49 days since your last menstrual period began.
- You have an IUD, which must be removed before taking the pill.
- Your healthcare provider has told you that you have an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus). Note: About 2% of pregnancies are ectopic.
- You have problems with your adrenal glands (chronic adrenal failure).
- You take a medicine to thin your blood.
- You have a bleeding problem.
- You take certain steroid medications.
- You cannot return for the necessary follow-up visits (2 days and 14 days after taking RU-486).
- You cannot easily access emergency medical help, including blood transfusions and emergency resuscitation, in the 2 weeks after taking the medication abortion pill.
- You are allergic to mifepristone [RU-486], misoprostol, or medicines that contain misoprostol such as Cytotec or Arthrotec.
Adverse events and side effects of the abortion pill:
In U.S. trials of RU486/misoprostol, at least 99% of patients experienced at least one of the following medication abortion pill side effects:
- Abdominal pain (cramping) (97%)
- Nausea (67%)
- Headache (32%)
- Vomiting (34%)
- Diarrhea (23%)
- Dizziness (12%)
- Fatigue (9%)
- Back pain (9%)
- Uterine hemorrhage (7%)
- Fever (4%)
- Viral infections (4%)
- Vaginitis (4%)
- Rigors (chills/shaking)(3%)
More than one adverse event was reported for most patients. Approximately 23% of the adverse events were judged to be “severe.”
The FDA is aware of women in the United States who died from sepsis (severe illness caused by infection of the bloodstream) after medical abortion with Mifeprex and misoprostol.
Calculating the Length of Pregnancy:
Doctors calculate the length of pregnancy by counting from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP), approximately two weeks prior to conception (fertilization). So “up to 49 days LMP” means up to 5 weeks after conception.
Understanding the details and implications of choosing the medication abortion pill is crucial for anyone considering this option. It’s important to be fully aware of the time constraints, procedure, potential side effects, and risks involved with this form of abortion. The use of RU486, coupled with misoprostol, is a significant medical decision that should be made with comprehensive knowledge and under professional medical guidance.
For those considering this option, it’s vital to consult with healthcare professionals to ensure safety and to discuss any concerns or questions you might have. It’s equally important to understand the legal and health criteria that determine eligibility for taking the medication abortion pill. Remember, this decision is not just about the immediate termination of pregnancy but also involves considering your long-term health and well-being.
If you or someone you know is facing an unplanned pregnancy and contemplating a medication abortion, consider reaching out to your local Kentucky pregnancy center for detailed information and support. Making an informed decision is essential, and it’s important to have access to all the facts and support systems available. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources and people ready to help you through this process.
Abortion Pill Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How Much Does the Abortion Pill Cost?
Answer:
The typical cost of the abortion pill ranges from $350 to $700, and it may be even higher depending on the provider. For the information you need, determine how far along you are in your pregnancy with our complimentary ultrasound services.
Question: How Can I Get the Abortion Pill?
Answer: You can get an abortion pill either through an abortion provider’s clinic or by an online mail source. For mail order, in most cases, a telehealth appointment is required and the medication for the abortion is sent directly to you without an in-person physical examination. A physical examination is important because it dates the pregnancy, rules out ectopic pregnancy, and determines viability (if you are at risk for miscarriage).
Question: What are “Missed Period Pills?
Answer: sed period pill is another name for the abortion pill. Some people may think it might help them psychologically if they’re unsure about abortion. Regardless of its name, you should know that it is an abortion.
Kentucky Pregnancy Centers
Kentucky pregnancy centers are located in all major cities including Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Covington, Richmond, Georgetown, Florence, Hopkinsville, Nicholasville, and even many smaller cities.
Most Kentucky pregnancy centers listed offer free and confidential services including medical grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound exams.
2200 29th Street
Ashland, KY 41101
606 325-7654
The New Life Center
202 E. Stephen Foster Ave
Bardstown, KY 40004
502 233-8003
Hope Clinic
1100 Olive St
Benton, KY 42025
270-527-4111
Pregnancy Support Center
1873 Christian Care Way
Bowling Green, KY 42104
270 282-0255
Hope Pregnancy Center of Taylor County
319 E. Maple Street
Campbellsville, KY 42719
270 465-4330
Haven of Hope Pregnancy Services
1209 Highland Ave Suite K
Carrollton, KY 41008
502 525-3216
CareNet Pregnancy Services of Northern Kentucky
3700 Alexandria Pike #A
Cold Springs, KY 41076
859-781-9878
Agape House Pregnancy Resource Center
114 Office park Dr
Columbia, KY 42728
270-380-1699
AA Women's Services
301 US Hwy. 25
Corbin, KY 40702
606 523-1113
New Hope Pregnancy Center
2501 Madison Ave
Covington, KY 41014
859 341-0766
New Hope Pregnancy Center
228 Thomas More Pkway
Crestview Hills, KY 41017
859 341-0766
H.O.P.E. Clinic
260 E. Commerce Street
Eddyville, KY 42038
270 601-5075
Clarity Solutions for Women
105 Memorial Dr
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
270-449-0438
New Hope Pregnancy Center
707 W. Shelby St
Falmouth, KY 41040
859 341-0766
CareNet Pregnancy Services of Northern Kentucky
7129 Price Pike
Florence, KY 41042
958-659-6467
Avenues for Women
73 C. Michael Davenport Blvd Ste. 5
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-695-0500
Not Alone Pregnancy Center
102 E. Main Street, Suite 101
Georgetown, KY 40324
502-370-4377
Crossroads Pregnancy Center
123 E. Washington St
Glasgow, KY 42142
270 651-2299
Pathway of Hope
210 S. Boggess Avenue
Greenville, KY 42345
270-377-0045
Marsha's Place Pregnancy Resource Center
235 N. Elm Street
Henderson, KY 42420
270-826-9674
Alpha Alternatives PCC
500 N. Main Street
Hopkinsville, KY 42240
270 885-3820
Crossroads Pregnancy Center
120 E. Adams St
LaGrange, KY 40031
502-222-7700
830 S. Main Street, Suite 4
London, KY 40741
606 877-1717
Beside U Pregnancy Center
701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd
Louisville, KY 40203
502-589-9400
Little Way Pregnancy Resource Center
515 W. Oak Street
Louisville, KY 40203
502-532-2858
Door of Hope
1805 S. Main Street
Madisonville, KY 42431
270-821-9825
Hope Center
1216 Paris Road
Mayfield, KY 42066
339 224-4636
Help Pregnancy Care Center
200 N. Main Street
Monticello, KY 42633
606 348-1981
Hope Pregnancy Care Center
167 East Main Street
Morehead, KY 40351
606-784-2488
Crossroads Pregnancy Center
1226 Main St
Munfordville, KY 42765
270-524-1994
LifeHouse Care Center For Women
602 Poplar Street
Murray, KY 42071
270 753-0700
CareNet Pregnancy Center
425 E. 18th St
Owensboro, KY 42303
270-372-2352
Hope Unlimited Family Care Center
1101 Jefferson Street
Paducah, KY 42001
270-442-1166
Women's Care Center
1505 Lexington Road
Richmond, KY 40475
859-985-5076
Pregnancy Help Center
227 W. Irvine St
Richmond, KY 40475
859 624-3942
Life Choice
210 S. Bethel Street
Russelville, KY 42276
270-479-8308
ALC Pregnancy Resource Center
711 Henry Clay St
Shelbyville, KY 40065
502-647-0300
ALC Pregnancy Resource Center
368 N. Buckman St
Shepherdsville, KY 40066
502-212-2535
First Choice Clinic of Somerset
111 S. Church St
Somerset, KY 42502
606 678-0335
House of Hope
226 W. Main Street
Springfield, KY 40069
859 336-0140
Pregnancy Center
100 Lacy St
Stanford, KY 40484
606-661-0000
CareNet Pregnancy Services of Northern Kentucky
103 Barnes Rd, Suite E
Williamstown, KY 41097
859-824-0123
New Beginnings of Winchester
139 Jefferson Street
Winchester, KY 40391
859-744-5688
Kentucky is located in the eastern United States and is known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and significant contributions to American history. The largest city is Louisville. Kentucky features a varied geography that includes rolling hills, fertile farmlands, and the Appalachian Mountains. The climate is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. As of 2022, the population of Kentucky is projected to be 4.512 million. Universities in Kentucky include: University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Western Kentucky University, and many other colleges and universities. The capital is Frankfort, Kentucky
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Do I need an appointment?
Answer: Walk-ins are welcome. However, it is best to make an appointment to minimize your office wait time.
Question: What is the cost?
Answer: All services are free and confidential.
Question: What should I expect when I come for my visit?
Answer: Upon your arrival, a friendly receptionist will guide you to meet your client advocate. This advocate will offer you a judgment-free space to talk, followed by essential information and a pregnancy test. In the event of a positive test result, a dedicated medical professional will perform a limited ultrasound to verify the pregnancy's viability and estimate the age of the fetus.
Question: How long after sex does it take for a pregnancy test to work and how accurate is the test?
Answer: Pregnancy tests can be performed 7 to 10 days after conception. A client with a negative result may be invited to return within 2 weeks for a repeat test if she has not had her period.
If you have taken a home pregnancy test, you may want to confirm results with a laboratory-quality test at your local pregnancy center. These pregnancy tests detect HCg levels within 7 to 10 after conception.
Question: Will you tell anyone about my visit?
Answer: Pregnancy centers maintain a rigorous privacy and confidentiality policy. Clients' information is safeguarded against unauthorized disclosure, respecting their right to privacy, except in instances mandated by law. This includes situations necessary for public health, preventing harm to the client or others, or in specific circumstances where the use or disclosure of information is justified without prior consent, such as in cases of abuse reporting or suicide/homicide prevention.
Question: When should I schedule an appointment?
Answer: High-quality, medical-grade pregnancy tests are capable of detecting pregnancy from the first day after your initial missed period. We advise scheduling an appointment if you've missed a period, have any queries related to pregnancy, or suspect that you might be pregnant.
Question: How far along do I have to be to get a free ultrasound?
Answer: After an initial consultation with a client advocate, many pregnancy centers offer on-site ultrasound scans. These limited ultrasounds are conducted by a licensed nurse sonographer or a registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS) and are subsequently reviewed by a licensed physician. The purpose of an ultrasound is to confirm the viability of the pregnancy and to establish the gestational age.
Question: I already know I'm pregnant and I want an abortion, what's next?
Answer: It is advisable to have an ultrasound to confirm the viability of your pregnancy and to ensure it is located within the uterus, as 20% to 25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Moreover, the ultrasound helps in determining the stage of your pregnancy, which is essential in making an informed decision about the type of abortion procedure you may consider. Many pregnancy centers offer a limited ultrasound free of charge.