AboutDanielle Expertise I can answer questions regarding medical and surgical abortion, questions about abortion in general, like moral and religious issues concerning the procedure. I'm happy to answer questions, have discussions, and provide further information, like pro-choice websites and organizations.
Experience I have people close to me who have gotten abortions, I know the current abortion issues, and I have researched abortion in depth for a long time.
Expert: Danielle Date: 8/4/2008 Subject: Medical abortion
Question Hi. Someone who claims to be "pro choice" recently told me a story that I am very skeptical about. I myself am one hundred percent pro-choice, and I know that some anti-choice people will pretend to be pro-choice and give women misinformation.
She told me a friend of hers had a medical abortion(she had to take two pills, then come back and have a suppository inserted in her vagina) then went home to miscarry. She was under seven weeks pregnant. I guess she had retained tissue, and she started to hemmorhage and almost DIED! Can this actually happen? Then she made a comment(the reason for my skepticism) she said "the baby was hanging in there". She is one of those "spiritual" people who believes that everything happens for a reason, and she saw that as a sign that the baby wanted to live. Which in my opinion villanized the woman. What do you think?
Honestly, if I were going to have an abortion I would rather have a surgical abortion. I wouldn't feel comfortable going through that at home. I would be too scared. What is your opinion of medical abortion?
Thanks.
Reese
Answer Hi Reese :)
Medical abortion can involve 2 pills. In countries where it is illegal though, women will rely on only one. Mifepristone (RU-486) blocks progesterone, which is necessary for the continuation of the pregnancy. When it's blocked, the lining of the uterus starts to break down, the cervix softens, and then some bleeding may begin. Methotrexate can be used in very early abortions in the form of pill or injection, to stop the implantation process. The second drug taken (when the procedure is done legally) is misopristol-which can be taken orally, or by insertion of the tablet into the vagina-induces contractions in the uterus, thus dispelling the pregnancy.
It IS possible to have serious complications, hemorrhage, and even die. However, these cases are extremely rare. There are only 6 reported deaths in the U.S. due to sepsis from a medical abortion. In the U.S and Canada, death from toxic shock following an infection is reported in less than 0.001% of cases. Excessive bleeding happens in less than 1%. So yes, incidents like this can happen, but are extremely, extremely rare. Also, sometimes women may think the bleeding will get better, but it fails to do so, so there is a huge loss of blood. Being aware of warning signs can help reduce some of these incidents. But there are SO MANY women who do not have easy access to such services, and are left in a dangerous situation. Improving health care access, preventative care, and education can help reduce the possibility of risks.
The "baby hanging in there" thing is ridiculous. It was a serious complication that had to do with the medication, not an embryo wanting to "live". I think medical abortion is a good option for some women who would prefer the privacy/don't have the time to spend hours at a clinic. As long as it is done safely and women know the possible complications and warning signs to look for, it is a necessary option.
