Expert: Pat G - 1/27/2011

Question
Dear Doctor,

Please help me to get answers for two things:

1) Till how many weeks of pregnancy can a women get abortion by taking just a single oral medicine dose at home (any medicine) ?

2) Is it possible for a 14 week pregnancy to be terminated at home by taking just a single dose of oral medicines? Common knowledge is that it can't be done without surgical equipment’s at a doctor clinic. Can you please elaborate and confirm.

I would be grateful for your earliest reply. There is no clear information about this and lot of people are being misguided about this.

Please reply asap.

Answer
Hello, Gupta,

Please know that I am not a doctor. I am a medical researcher.

The latest a woman can take pills and have them work is about 7 weeks after her last menstrual period. It doesn't even always work that late. I assume you are talking about yourself. In that case, you are far past that point. It is dangerous to terminate a 14 week pregnancy by any means. It is even unlikely most medical people in your area will agree to do one on a woman that far along.

I assume that you are asking because you would like to have an abortion. Is that the case? You can answer privately if you like. Let me know what problems you are facing that make abortion seem attractive. Abortion is actually very dangerous and can kill a woman, and there are a lot of women in India bleeding to death after a pill abortion. Also, let me know what part of India you are in, because there may be help near you. People are willing to help meet your needs so that abortion isn't necessary.

Please don't hurt yourself. You deserve better. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know, and please stay safe and keep in touch.