Plan C

Plan C

A medical abortion, also known as medication abortion, occurs when medically prescribed drugs (medication) are used to bring about an abortion. Medical abortions are an alternative to surgical abortions such as vacuum aspiration or dilation and curettage. Medical abortions are more common than surgical abortions in most places, including Europe, India, China, and the United States.Medical abortions are typically performed by administering a two-drug combination: mifepristone followed by misoprostol. When mifepristone is not available, misoprostol alone may be used in some situations.Medical abortion is both safe and effective throughout a range of gestational ages, including the second and third trimester. In the United States, the mortality rate for medical abortion is 14 times lower than the mortality rate for childbirth. Medical abortion can be administered safely by the patient at home, without assistance, in the first trimester. Starting with the second trimester, it is recommended to take the second drug in a clinic or provider's office.Medical abortion should not be confused with emergency contraception, which typically involves drugs (such as such as Levonorgestrel or "Plan B") taken soon after intercourse to prevent a pregnancy from beginning.

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