Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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.
Pennsylvania Pregnancy Centers
Pennsylvania pregnancy centers are located in all major cities including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading, Upper Darby, Scranton, Lower Merion, Bensalem, Abington, and even many smaller cities.
Most Pennsylvania pregnancy centers listed offer free and confidential services including medical grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound exams.
2200 Hamilton St, Suite 103
Allentown, PA 18104
610-821-4000
Precious Life of Blair County
1716 12th Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601
814-944-2669
Crossroads Pregnancy Center
212 Frankstown Road
Altoona, PA
814-201-2147
Endless Mountains Pregnancy Care Center
116 Walnut Street
Athens, PA 18810
570-731-3227
Precious Life of Blair County
215 S. Juliana St
Bedford, PA 15522
814-494-0069
Your Loving Choices
904 Market Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
570-784-3143
Bright Alternatives
3 Mechanic St
Bradford, PA 16701
814-368-3388
Community Women's Center
712 New Rodgers Road
Bristol, PA 19007
215-826-8090
Butler My Choice Medical
118 S. Church Street
Butler, PA 16001
877-223-7558
New Life Options
425 5th Street
California, PA 15419
724-258-7277
Capital Area Pregnancy Center
2515 Gettysburg Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
717-761-4410
Carlisle Area Family Life Center
155 N Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
717-243-1918
Pregnancy Ministries Inc.
455 Phoenix Drive
Chambersburg, PA 17201
717-267-3738
Delware County Pregnancy Center
2508 Edgmont Ave
Chester, PA 19013
610-872-2229
Next Step Pregnancy Solutions & Services
140 Greenville Avenue
Clarion, PA 16214
814-226-7007
Living Hope Pregnancy Center
126 N. 3rd Street
Clearfield, PA 16830
814-343-0630
Chester County Connect Care
1028 E Lincoln Hwy.
Coatesville, PA 19320
610-383-0930
A Baby's Breath
78 2nd Avenue
Collegeville, PA 19426
610-489-0083
Align Pregnancy Services
462 Chestnut
Columbia, PA 17512
717-684-3400
Pregnancy Support Center
6 Frank Gallo Lane
Connellsville, PA 15425
724-628-5555
LifeCare Ministries
127 N Center St Suite 2
Corry, PA 16407
814-664-9318
Amnion Pregnancy Center
2251 Garrett Road
Dexel Hill, PA 19026
610-662-9957
Southern Tier Pregnancy Center
375 W Water Street
Elmira, PA 14905
607.732.2111
Southern Tier Pregnancy Center
224 William Street
Elmira, PA 14901
607.732.2111
Mosaic
One Park Place
Elmira, PA 14901
607.732.2111
Align Pregnancy Services
112 W Main Street
Ephrata, PA 17522
717-733-9440
Women's Care Center
4408 Peach Street, Suite 202
Erie, PA 16509
814-836-7505
Women's Care Center
27 W. 8th Street
Erie, PA 16501
814-455-2247
Care Net PC of NEPA
528 Main St
Forest City, PA 18421
570-785-2672
Her Life Center
323 13th Street
Franklin, PA 16323
814-432-2229
Cornerstone Reproductive Health
5380 Lincoln Highway
Gap, PA 17527
717-442-3111
Tender Care Pregnancy Center
1844 York Road
Gettysburg, PA 17331
717-334-8613
Life Choices
326 State St
Hamburg, PA 19526
484-660-3526
Morning Star Pregnancy Services
2509 N. Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-901-2799
Willow Women's Center
295 N. Kerrwood Dr., Suite 106
Hermitage, PA 16148
724-854-9455
Living Hope Pregnancy Center
800 Hannah St
Houtzdale, PA 16651
814-343-0630
Crossroads Pregnancy Center
424 Washington Street
Huntingdon, PA 16652
814-643-3570
Life-Way Pregnancy Center
31 S. 3rd Street
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-5307
My Choice Medical Clinic
1205 Maple St. Suite A
Indiana, PA 15701
877-223-7558
A Baby's Breath
2062 W Main St
Jeffersonville, PA 19403
610-630-9630
Precious Life of Cambria County
1062 Bedford Street
Johnstown, PA 15902
814-269-4391
Pathways Unplanned Pregnancy Help Center
417 Market Street Front
Kingston, PA 18704
570-714-4673
Life Choices
314 S. Water St
Kittanning, PA 16201
877-223-7558
Life Choices
443 W. Main Street
Kutztown, PA 19530
610-583-8000
A Woman's Concern
1102 Millersville Pike
Lancaster, PA 17603
717-394-1561
North Care Women's Clinic
311 N. Broad Street
Landsdale, PA 19446
215-855-2424
Life-Way Pregnancy Center
1516 Ligonier Street
Latrobe, PA 15650
866-549-6636
Align Pregnancy Services
132 South 8th Street
Lebanon, PA 17042
717-274-0600
Care Net of Carbon County
531 Mahoning Street
Lehighton, PA 18235
610-379-0411
ChoiceOne Pregnancy
2222 Trenton Road
Levittown, PA 19056
267-217-3430
Expectations Women's Center
776 Bull Run Crossing
Lewisburg, PA 17837
570-523-6872
Crossroads Pregnancy Center
1130 W. 4th Street, Suite 1
Lewistown, PA 17044
717--242-0301
1155 Wildlife Lodge Road
Lower Burrell, PA 15068
724-339-9399
Center of Meadville
657 Pine Street
Meadville, PA 16335
814-333-6567
Care Net of Carbon County
250 W. Catawissa St
Mesqehoning, PA 18240
610-379-0411
Crossroads Pregnancy Center
1856 Butcher Shope Road
Mifflintown, PA 17058
717-436-0024
Tri-State Pregnancy Center
105 Wheatfield Dr., Suite 4
Milford, PA 18377
570-491-5151
Lifeline Pregnancy Center
403 Union Street
Millersburg, PA 17061
717-692-2183
Heartbeat Community Services
705 E. Sunbury Street
Millerstown, PA 17602
717-589-7208
Choices
110 Christy Drive
Monaca, PA 15061
412-264-0200
New Life Options
308 Chess Street
Monongahela, PA 15063
724-258-7277
Women's Choice Network
4075 Monroeville Blvd Bldg 2 Ste 100
Monroeville, PA 15146
412-373-2775
Care Net PC of NEPA
498 S. Main St. Suite B, Tannery Place
Montrose, PA 18801
570-278-0194
Choices Pregnancy Services
1009 Beaver Grade Road
Moon Township, PA 15108
412-264-0200
Crossroads Pregnancy Center
119 S. Division Street
Mount Union, PA 17066
814-542-2880
Care Net of Carbon County
250 W. Catawissa St
Nesquehoning, PA 18240
570-273-5678
Morning Star Pregnancy Services
503 Bridge St
New Cumberland, PA 17070
717-901-5433
Amnion Pregnancy Center
832 DeKalb St
Norristown, PA 19401
610-662-9957
Bright Alternatives
541 S. Union Street
Olean, PA 14760
814-368-3388
Crossroads Pregnancy Care
1401 N 5th St
Perkasie, PA 18944
215-876-2552
Alpha Care
3807 Lancaster Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-546-8686
HOPE Pregnancy Center
716 N Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130
267-546-3600
Community Women's Center
1202 Locust Street, 3rd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
267-239-0753
A Baby's Breath
152 Church St
Phoenixville, PA 19460
610-933-5182
Choices Pregnancy Services
2429 E. Carson St, Suite 301
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-264-0200
Women's Choice Network - Northside
425 E. Ohio St
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
412-709-6192
Women's Choice Network
4615 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-687-7767
Genesis Pregnancy Care Center
888 E. High Street
Pottstown, PA 19464
610-970-8089
We Care Pregnancy Center
1464 North Main Street, Suite 11
Punxsutayney, PA 15767
814-938-4024
Crossroads Pregnancy Care
256 Trumbauersville Road
Quakertown, PA 18951
215-876-2552
Mercy Community Crisis Pregnancy Center
105 S. 5th Street
Reading, PA 19602
610-376-0828
First Look Pregnancy Center
209 W. Lockart St.
Sayre, PA 18840
570-886-2090
Options Womens Center
1329 Wyoming Avenue
Scranton, PA 18509
507-207-1907
Corner of Hope Family Resource Center
150 South Market Street
Shamokin, PA 17872
570-648-5780
PMI Pregnancy Resource Center
20 E. Burd Street #4
Shippensburg, PA 17257
717-532-4446
Alpha Omega Center
247 S. Main Street
Slippery Rock, PA 16057
724-698-2689
A Woman's Concern Pregnancy Resource Center
423 South Pugh Street
State College, PA 16801
814-234-7340
Pregnancy Resource Center of the Poconos
25 B N. 8th Street
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
570-424-1113
Endless Mountains Pregnancy Care Center
13 State Street
Towanda, PA 18848
570-265-0550
Care Net PC of NEPA
528 Main St
Tunkhannock, PA 18657
570-836-2220
ELM Pregnancy Center
1351 Logan Ave
Tyrone, PA 16686
814-650-7899
Alternatives.Yes Pregnancy Support Center
17 Gilmore St
Uniontown, PA 15401
724-628-5555
Community Women's Center
600 Louis Drive, Suite 100A
Warminster, PA 18974
267-961-7100
A Baby's Breath
65 W. Street
Warminster, PA 18974
215-442-0442
Women's Care Center
203 W. Third St
Warren, PA 16365
814-723-4357
A Baby's Breath
121 N Wayne Ave, Suite 103
Wayne, PA 19087
484-580-6436
PMI Pregnancy Resource Center
245 S. Potomac St
Waynesboro, PA 17268
717-655-5603
Crisis Pregnancy Center of Greene County
50 W. Franklin St
Waynesburg, PA 15370
724-627-6819
Bright Alternatives
68 1/2 N. Main St
Wellsville, PA 14895
814-368-3388
North Star Women's Center
612 Reading Avenue
West Reading, PA 19611
610-374-8545
Expectations Women's Center
500 Pine Street, Unit 1
Williamsport, PA 17701
570-321-8240
Human Life Services
742 South George Street
York, PA 17401
717-846-2384
Pregnancy & Family Resouce Center
40 S. Richland Avenue
York, PA 17404
717-854-6285
Pennsylvania, located in the northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, is known for its rich history, diverse geography, and significant cultural contributions. Philadelphia is its largest city and a major historical and cultural hub. Pennsylvania features a varied landscape that includes the Appalachian Mountains, rolling hills, and fertile valleys, with a climate that includes cold winters and warm summers. As of 2022, the population of Pennsylvania is projected to be 12.97 million. Universities in Pennsylvania include: University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University - PennState, Temple University, and many other colleges and universities. The capital is Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
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.