What to know before you take the abortion pill

Because you deserve to have all the facts first

If you’re considering taking the abortion pill, you may feel like everything is happening too fast and you just want a quick solution. You’re not alone. Many women feel overwhelmed when facing an unexpected pregnancy. At AVA Care of Harrisonburg, we believe every woman deserves to be empowered to make informed decisions about their pregnancy.

Before you move forward with a medication abortion (also known as the abortion pill), there are a few important things you should consider to protect yourself and make a confident, unrushed decision.

1. Make sure you’re really pregnant

It might sound obvious, but the first step is confirming that you are actually pregnant. At-home pregnancy tests are a helpful start, but they can sometimes give false results, especially if taken too early. Confirming your pregnancy with a medical professional is the first step toward clarity. At AVA Care, we offer urine pregnancy tests, administered by a licensed medical professional, at no cost to you.

2. Get an ultrasound first

Even if you’re considering an abortion, an ultrasound is a critical part of having informed consent before taking the abortion pill. Here's why:

It confirms whether the pregnancy is viable (heartbeat is detected). If not viable, the pregnancy could be ending naturally in miscarriage, and the abortion pill is not needed.
It shows how far along you are, which determines if the abortion pill is even an option.
It helps identify an ectopic pregnancy which is a condition where the pregnancy develops outside the uterus making it a medical emergency. This cannot be treated with the abortion pill and requires immediate medical attention at your nearest emergency room.

AVA Care provides pre-abortion ultrasounds to support informed consent and answer all of these questions, so you can be well-informed before making your decision.

3. Understand the process, risks, and side effects

While some women may think of it as a quick fix, it's important to understand that this is a medical process that can have physical and emotional effects. It’s important to discuss this process and any potential risks with a medical professional.

4. Consider your emotional well-being

Many women report a range of feelings after taking the abortion pill — from relief to regret, from peace to grief. What you feel is valid and personal, but speaking with someone can help provide clarity in making your decision.

Just take one step forward

If you’re considering the abortion pill, start with a pre-abortion ultrasound at AVA Care of Harrisonburg. No cost. No pressure. Just answers. We’re here to walk with you and provide support—no matter what you decide.

Schedule your appointment today.