An unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming. It’s crucial to make an informed decision about your pregnancy options, especially when considering the abortion pill. This article explores:
- How the abortion pill works
- The risks of the abortion pill
- Washington abortion law
- How to make the best choice for your health and future
What is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill (medication abortion) is a two-drug regimen used to end a pregnancy in its early stages. It consists of two medications:
- Mifepristone: The first pill blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary to sustain the pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot continue, and the embryo stops growing.
- Misoprostol: The second pill is taken 24-48 hours after mifepristone. It causes contractions to expel the pregnancy tissue.
By understanding how the abortion pill works, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.
How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill is FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks gestation (or 70 days or less since the first day of your last menstrual period).[1]
Taking the medication beyond this timeframe increases the risk of complications, such as excessive bleeding or incomplete abortion, which may require emergency surgery to address.[2]
Is the Abortion Pill Legal in Washington?
Yes. Currently, abortion is legal up until viability in Washington.[3]
Viability refers to the point in pregnancy when a fetus is developed enough to survive outside the womb with medical help (approximately 24 weeks of pregnancy). This is determined on a case-by-case basis.[4]
However, as mentioned above, the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period.
Do I Need an Ultrasound Before Taking the Abortion Pill?
Ultrasounds generally aren’t required before taking the abortion pill in Washington. However, we strongly recommend receiving one to determine your gestational age (how far along you are).
It’s important to know how far along you are because taking the abortion pill beyond the FDA-approved limit increases the risk of serious, potentially life-threatending complications.[5]
Sparrow offers free ultrasounds to ensure you have all the information needed to make a fully informed decision. Contact us to see if you qualify.
*Important note: Please be aware that this article is not meant to substitute for medical advice or treatment. The purpose of our limited ultrasound exams is to identify a pregnancy inside the uterus, detect the fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along you are. If there is no detectable heartbeat, it may indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is occurring. If we cannot detect a fetal heartbeat during your appointment, we will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care and treatment.
Can I Get Abortion Pills Over the Counter?
While the FDA has approved certain pharmacies to dispense the abortion pill with a prescription, you cannot obtain it over the counter. The process still requires a medical consultation and prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to ensure your safety.[6]
Can I Order the Abortion Pill Online?
Ordering the abortion pill online from unregulated sources is risky. The FDA warns against purchasing abortion pills from overseas or unverified online platforms, as these pills may be expired, counterfeit, or contaminated.[6]
Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider to ensure you receive FDA-approved medications.
What are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?
Like any medical procedure, the abortion pill can have side effects, ranging from mild to severe.
Common side effects[7]:
- Bleeding that can last up to a month
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea and digestive pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Abdominal cramping (caused by the misoprostol)
Severe side effects (seek medical attention immediately):
- Allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock)[8]
- Hemorrhaging (excessive bleeding)[9]
- Incomplete abortion (remaining pregnancy tissue)[10]
- Infection (fever lasting more than 24 hours)[7]
Abortion Pill Information in Ellensburg, Washington
At Sparrow, we understand that facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming. We’re here to provide you with the facts about the abortion pill and guide you through every step of the process.
Our services are confidential, free of charge, and designed to help you make the best decision for your health and future. Give us a call at (509) 925-2273 or schedule your appointment online today.
Please be aware that Sparrow does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- FDA. (2025, February 11). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
- Redinger, A., & Nguyen, H. (2022, June 27). Incomplete Abortions. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559071/
- Washington State Legislature. (2022). Chapter 9.02 RCW: Abortion. RCW § 9.02. https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.02&full=true
- Breborowicz, G. (2001, January). Limits of fetal viability and its enhancement. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11753511/
- Kapp N, Andersen K, Griffin R, et al. (2021, January 25). Medical abortion at 13 or more weeks gestation provided through telemedicine: A retrospective review of services. Contracept X. 2021;3:100057. doi:10.1016/j.conx.2021.100057. PMCID: PMC7881210. PMID: 33615210. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7881210/
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2025, January 17). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html
- Shin, Hyun Joo, et al. “Anaphylactic Shock to Vaginal Misoprostol: A Rare Adverse Reaction to a Frequently Used Drug.” PubMed Central (PMC), 9 Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137020
- FDA. (2019, July). Prescribing Information for Mifeprex. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/022348s014lbl.pdf
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687