04 Jun How Effective is Abortion Pill Reversal?
If you’ve taken the first abortion drug, mifepristone, and are now rethinking your decision, you may feel anxious or unsure about what to do next. The good news is that it may not be too late. A protocol known as abortion pill reversal (APR) has helped many women successfully continue their pregnancies after taking mifepristone.
Timing is critical because reaching out quickly gives you the best chance of success. Continue reading to learn more about the effectiveness of APR and where to find help.
How the Abortion Pill Works
A medical abortion typically uses two drugs to end the pregnancy. The first, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone your body naturally produces to support a developing pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot continue.
The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue.
APR works by giving your body more progesterone to counteract the effects of mifepristone. It will not work if you have already taken misoprostol.
APR’s Success Rate
If you begin APR within 24 to 48 hours of taking mifepristone, there’s a strong chance the pregnancy can continue. However, the protocol may be successful even if you are past that timeframe.
APR involves receiving doses of progesterone—either orally, vaginally, or through an injection. One study showed that APR can be effective in 64–68% of cases when administered in time. That means more than half of the women who began the protocol were able to carry their pregnancies to term.
It’s also important to know that progesterone has been safely used in pregnancy for over five decades and has not been associated with birth defects beyond the general population rate.
Where to Turn for Help
If you’re feeling regret after taking mifepristone, you’re not alone. Help is available 24/7 through the Abortion Pill Rescue Network. Their team can connect you with a provider who offers APR and answer any questions you may have about the process.
At Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center, we’re here for you. No matter your situation, you deserve access to factual information and non-judgmental support. Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment today to get your questions answered.
Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions.