January 24, 2016 | Caitlyn Martin | Feminism, Health, Politics

The Facts Every Young Woman Needs To Know About Medication Abortion

On Friday, women across the country commemorated the 43^rd anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the United States. Many noted that despite this legislation, however, abortion remains inaccessible for far too women in this country. A recent medical development, however, has the potential to dramatically empower young women's to make the best reproductive choice possible — but a lack of information as well as perpetuated misinformation keep women from it.

This development is medication abortion, or the abortion pill, which has become available in the United States just the last 15 years. While more discussions about this pill are now emerging — from the media's celebration of its 15^th anniversary in 2015 to an episode of Jessica Jones — more work is needed to ensure young women have the facts about this important option.

Between pervasive abortion-related stigma and the sorry state of sex ed in our country, many young people don’t learn about contraception or abortion before they start having sex. Considering that seven in 10 youths have had sex by their 19th birthday, though, it’s critical that young women know what their options are should they experience unintended pregnancy, no matter what choices they ultimately make about their own bodies and futures.

First, regardless of the myths and misinformation spread by anti-abortion extremists, it's important to note that the abortion pill and emergency contraception are two different things. Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy while medication abortion is a relatively simple, highly effective, and medically proven way to end a pregnancy.

The process of medication abortion itself involves two medications, which are taken at different times, as well as multiple visits to a clinic. After an initial exam, which usually involves an ultrasound, a dose of Mifepristone (which blocks progesterone from the uterine lining, causing it to break down) is given orally. Thirty-six to seventy-two hours later, Misoprostol tablets are taken either orally or vaginally, which can be done either at-home or in-clinic. The pain involved varies, from mild to very strong cramping off and on throughout the abortion (commonly a 1 to 3-hour period). Pain pills may be provided for use as needed and within two weeks, a follow-up visit is needed to make sure the abortion is complete. Medication abortion is highly effective with a success rate of over 90%, but should the abortion fail, an aspiration abortion—a type of in-clinic abortion procedure—must be performed.

There are many reasons one might prefer an medication abortion. For example, this type of abortion can occur early, during the first nine weeks (although a few states limit this to the first seven weeks — a pertinent example of how politicians interfere with reproductive health care) and can be completed at home, where women may have better support and/or privacy.

Medication abortion is also often more affordable than other methods, which is particularly important if you are enrolled in Medicaid and denied insurance coverage for abortion due to the Hyde Amendment. Out-of-pocket cost for a medication abortion can be up to $800, but can be less ($400-500) and may be covered by insurance. Other methods of abortion, or abortion later in pregnancy, may cost significantly more.

Medication abortion clearly provides a safe, effective, often more affordable method to end a pregnancy — yet it didn't take long for U.S. politicians to start passing laws making it harder to obtain after the medication was introduced. For example, eighteen states require a clinician to be in the “physical presence” of their patient, prohibiting the use of telemedicine and thus restricting access for patients in rural areas or forcing them to drive long distances for their appointments. Other states have laws about how doctors can prescribe the medication, which may go against the best medical practice or the provider’s recommendation for their patient. Other laws still specifically target young people: In fact, 38 states require a young person (minor) who has decided to end a pregnancy to involve their parent(s), which can be a serious barrier for a range of reasons.

These laws do nothing to keep women safe and in fact only make it harder for anyone who experiences an unintended pregnancy to choose an option potentially best for them. The fight to empower women to end a pregnancy safely, effectively, and without obstacles feels like taking two steps forward, one step back. Safe and effective medical advancement do little to help women when politicians make them effectively inaccessible. Yet the truth remains: Every young person who needs an abortion should be able to get one, without stigma or penalties based on her age, income, or where she lives.

This is exactly why it’s so important that young women learn about their available options as well as about the laws in their state. Armed with these facts, young women can speak up for policies and options that best reflect their own needs, priorities, and real lives. Furthermore, by sharing this information, we’ll all be better equipped to make our own, fact-based decisions about abortion.

For more information about abortion with medication and other options check out these links in this article and these resources below:

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