If you’ve taken mifepristone, the first drug in the abortion pill regimen, and you’re having second thoughts, help is available. You may be able to continue your pregnancy with a protocol called Abortion Pill Reversal.
Experiencing regret can happen, but there is hope. Though we cannot provide APR in Vermont, we can refer you to other states that can help. You can also contact the Abortion Pill Rescue Network’s 24/7 Helpline for assistance in finding providers and support.
How Does APR Work?
To understand how APR can potentially help you to continue your pregnancy, you should first learn how abortion drugs work.
The abortion pill (also known as medical abortion) uses drugs to end a pregnancy through 10 weeks gestation.
The first drug is mifepristone, which blocks a hormone called progesterone. Progesterone supports the pregnancy’s growth and development, so without this hormone, the pregnancy detaches from the uterine lining and ends.
Next, a drug called misoprostol is taken. Misoprostol causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy from the body. If you’ve taken this drug, APR will not work.
When a woman decides to try APR, a provider will administer doses of progesterone to try to outnumber and outcompete the effects of mifepristone. These doses can be provided orally, vaginally, or by injection.
APR is most successful if started within 24-48 hours after taking mifepristone, though it may be effective up to 72 hours after. Timing is crucial; the sooner you begin the protocol, the greater your chances of continuing the pregnancy.
Progesterone: A Practical Method
Progesterone has been used to reduce the risk of miscarriage and support pregnancy development for over 50 years, making it a good option for women wanting to continue their pregnancies.
Though APR isn’t guaranteed to work, one research study has shown that it allowed women to continue their pregnancies in 64-68% of cases. That same study found no apparent increased risk of birth defects, making this protocol a trusted option.
If you’re interested in APR, support is available. We’ll help you get the information and referrals you need.
Act Quickly
The sooner you get connected with a provider, the higher the likelihood of continuing your pregnancy with Abortion Pill Reversal. We know this time can feel overwhelming, so we’ll walk you through your next steps.
Though we cannot perform APR in Vermont, other states can help you get the necessary care. Contact Branches Family Resource Center at 802-254-6734 to get referrals and information.
You can also call the Abortion Pill Rescue Network’s 24/7 Helpline at 1-877-558-0333.
It may not be too late to continue your pregnancy. We can help.