LCPC offers abortion pill reversal

An unplanned pregnancy can be scary and many women make decisions to abort due to fear and stress, both financial and emotional, Life Choices Pregnancy Center officials said.

However, they said that many women change their minds about having an abortion — some just before the process, some during the process, and others are faced with regret afterward.

New developments in treating women who have started the abortion pill process have revealed that there is hope for a second chance for life and a second chance at choice, said Janine Shepard, Life Choices Pregnancy Center executive director. 

The process is called an abortion pill reversal or abortion pill rescue.

"Some women have successfully continued their pregnancies and given birth to healthy babies despite taking the first pill (mifepristone) of the two-pill medical abortion," Shepard said.

A natural hormone in a woman’s body, progesterone is necessary to nurture and sustain a pregnancy. Mifepristone, the first step in the abortion pill regimen, blocks progesterone’s actions. By administering additional natural progesterone, Shepard said women may be given a second chance at continuing their pregnancies.

"Based on available evidence, the use of natural progesterone is associated with a significantly higher likelihood that a pregnancy will continue after exposure to mifepristone compared to no intervention," she said.

Statistics show a 64-68% success rate using the abortion bill reversal method. 

"Time is of the essence," Shepard said. "For those seeking to reverse the effects of the abortion pill, the goal is to start the protocol within 24 hours of taking the first abortion pill, mifepristone, or RU-486."

Shepard said there have been many successful reversals when treatment was started within 72 hours of taking the first abortion pill.

However, women should not attempt to reverse the abortion pill without the assistance of a medical professional.

Shepard said those seeking a reversal, can call the clinic's on-call healthcare professional, who will ask several basic questions. The clinic's APR hotline number is 1-877-558-0333. 

"Even after 72 hours you may still have a viable pregnancy," Shepard said. "It may not be too late. If you have taken the first dose of the abortion pill and are having second thoughts, you are not alone. We can help you."

Those who regret taking the abortion bill, but still believe they are unable to keep or raise a baby alone can contact the center and clinic at 208-263-7621 to discuss their options. 7B Care Clinic is a local limited medical clinic offering help and support to pregnant women and their developing babies. 

"Contact us and we can connect you to the support you need to make the best decision possible for you and your baby," Shepard said.

Information: 208-263-7621 or 7bcareclinic.org