Frequently Asked Questions
What is the treatment to reverse the abortion pill?
An ultrasound will be done as soon as possible to confirm heart rate, placement, and dating of the pregnancy. The doctor or another medical provider will prescribe progesterone, given as a pill to be taken orally or vaginally or possibly by intramuscular injection. The treatment will usually continue through the first trimester of pregnancy.
What is the success rate of abortion pill reversal?
Initial studies of APR have shown it has a 64-68% success rate.
Without the APR treatment, mifepristone may fail to abort the pregnancy on its own. In other words, your pregnancy may continue even without APR if you decide not to take misoprostol, the second abortion drug likely prescribed or provided to you. APR has been shown to increase the chances of allowing the pregnancy to continue. However, the outcome of your particular reversal attempt cannot be guaranteed.
Why is progesterone used in the reversal?
Progesterone is the natural hormone in a woman’s body that is necessary to nurture and sustain a pregnancy. By giving extra progesterone, we hope to outnumber and outcompete the mifepristone in order to reverse the effects of the abortion pill (also known as mifepristone). Mifepristone blocks progesterone’s actions by binding to progesterone receptors in the uterus and the placenta.
What are the possible side effects of progesterone?
For some women progesterone may cause sleepiness, lack of energy, lightheadedness, dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort and headaches. Increased fluid intake might help relieve these symptoms.
It is important that you follow all of the instructions of your APR provider carefully. If you have any questions, contact your provider.
How does someone start the abortion pill reversal process?
- Call our hotline 877.558.0333 or connect with us via the chat feature at the bottom of your screen.
- Our on-call Healthcare Professional will ask you some basic questions to see if a reversal is possible.
- The Healthcare Professional will then connect you with a doctor or medical provider in your area to start treatment if that is your choice.
When should someone start the reversal process?
Time is of the essence. For those seeking to reverse the effects of the abortion pill (also known as a chemical abortion or a medical abortion), the goal is to start the protocol within 24 hours of taking the first abortion pill, mifepristone, or RU-486. However, there have been many successful reversals when treatment was started within 72 hours of taking the first abortion pill.
Even if 72 hours have passed, call our hotline 877.558.0333. We are here to help. It may not be too late.
How much does reversal cost?
Cost of the treatment varies depending on the progesterone used. Insurance plans may cover treatment. Women who do not have insurance or financial means to pay for treatment should discuss this with their medical provider.
In cases of financial hardship, APRN will help you find ways to reduce the cost of the treatment.
What about birth defects?
Neither Mifepristone nor progesterone are associated with birth defects.
The American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stated in its Practice Bulletin 143, March 2014 (reaffirmed 2016): “No evidence exists to date of a teratogenic effect of mifepristone.” In other words, it does not appear that mifepristone, RU-486, causes birth defects.
Progesterone, used in the reversal process, has been safely used in pregnancy for over 50 years. Initial studies have found that the birth defect rate in babies born after the APR is less or equal to the rate in the general population.
A 1999 FDA review revealed no increased risk of birth defects in pregnant women taking progesterone. After more than 25 years of progesterone support in pregnancy, the Pope Paul VI Institute has stated, “All of the available evidence strongly supports its safety when used in pregnancy.”
Are the abortion pill and the morning-after pill the same thing?
No, they are different. The “morning-after pill” is marketed as an emergency contraception method. The most commonly used preparation contains a high level of progestin and can be taken up to 72 hours after sexual intercourse. New insights into how it works make it clear that it can prevent implantation of the young human embryo into the lining of the uterus. This is a contragestational or abortifacient effect, not a contraceptive effect.
The abortion pill, mifepristone, is taken up 70 days (10 weeks) into a pregnancy with the intention of causing an abortion. It works by blocking progesterone receptors. Progesterone is the necessary hormone that nurtures and supports a pregnancy.
The newest morning after pill, Ella, is very similar to mifepristone in its action in that it blocks progesterone receptors. It is approved by the FDA for use up to five days after intercourse and also has abortifacient effects.
Does your organization provide the abortion pill to women or perform surgical abortions?
The Abortion Pill Rescue Network provides compassionate support for women during their pregnancies and does not provide or refer for abortion services. We work diligently to provide women seeking reversal with information and resources to make healthy choices for their pregnancies.
What professional organizations support Abortion Pill Reversal?
The American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a 2500-member organization, supports offering Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) to women who regret initiating the abortion pill process, after appropriate informed consent.
> View the AAPLOG statement here
The information presented on this website and given through contacting Abortion Pill Rescue is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.
What is the difference between Abortion Pill Reversal and the Abortion Pill Rescue Network?
Abortion Pill Reversal is the protocol used to reverse the effects of the Abortion Pill (RU-486). Abortion Pill Rescue Network includes all aspects of the protocol; the trained consultants answering the calls, the medical professionals prescribing the medication, and the support team that works with the woman throughout the entire process.
How can I share this information with my community?
You can also purchase handouts, brochures and yard signs promoting Abortion Pill Reversal here.
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