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A woman is holding pills symbolizing abortion pill reversal.

Abortion Pill Reversal: What You Need To Know

If you’ve taken the first part of the abortion pill and are now feeling unsure, conflicted, or full of regret, you are not alone. Many women experience a change of heart after beginning a chemical abortion. The good news is that there may still be time. Abortion pill reversal offers a possible way to stop the abortion process and continue the pregnancy.

Abortion pill reversal, often referred to as APR, uses a safe and well-studied medication to counteract the effects of the first abortion pill. In this article, we’ll walk through what abortion pill reversal is, how it works, how effective it can be, and where to turn for help if you’re considering it.

What is Abortion Pill Reversal?

APR is a medical treatment that uses one key ingredient: progesterone.

Progesterone is a natural hormone your body produces every month. During pregnancy, progesterone levels stay high to support the developing baby and maintain the pregnancy. When progesterone levels drop, the pregnancy cannot continue.

Progesterone has been safely prescribed for decades to support pregnancies at risk of miscarriage (1). In abortion pill reversal, progesterone is given to help restore the hormone support that pregnancy needs.

Depending on your medical provider and personal health, progesterone may be administered orally, vaginally, or by injection.

How Does APR Work?

A chemical abortion involves two medications. The first pill, mifepristone, works by blocking progesterone. Without progesterone, the pregnancy can no longer survive.

Abortion pill reversal works by reintroducing progesterone into the body, counteracting the effects of mifepristone. When progesterone levels are restored quickly enough, the pregnancy may continue with little interruption.

Timing is critical. Abortion pill reversal is most effective when started as soon as possible after taking mifepristone. Ideally, treatment begins within 24 hours, but there is still a chance of success up to 72 hours after the first pill (2).

In most cases, progesterone treatment continues through the first trimester to help support the pregnancy during this crucial time.

Is Abortion Pill Reversal Effective?

Current research indicates that abortion pill reversal has a success rate of approximately 64–68% when started promptly and under medical supervision. Success depends on factors such as timing, dosage, and whether the pregnancy is still viable when treatment begins.

An ultrasound is typically performed before progesterone is prescribed to confirm that the pregnancy is ongoing and that APR is a safe option.

What If I’ve Already Taken the Second Abortion Pill?

Abortion pill reversal is only effective if the second abortion pill has not been taken.

The second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. Progesterone cannot stop these contractions once they begin. If you have already taken the second pill, APR will not work.

If you’re unsure which pills you’ve taken or when, seek help immediately.

How Can I Get Abortion Pill Reversal?

While Sanctity of Life Center does not provide abortion pill reversal directly, we can help connect you to trusted providers.

You can contact:

Sanctity of Life Center does offer limited ultrasounds, which are often an important part of the APR process. An ultrasound helps determine whether the pregnancy is still viable and whether progesterone treatment may be effective.

You’re Not Alone

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or second-guessing your decision, know that help is available and time matters. Abortion pill reversal may offer hope, but acting quickly is key. Reach out for support, ask questions, and give yourself the chance to explore every option.

Sources:

(1) Efficacy of progesterone support for pregnancy in women with recurrent miscarriage. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2653415/

(2) Abortion Pill Reversal https://abortionpillreversal.com

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