Introduction to the abortion pill
The debate on abortion in South Asia remains unclear and uncertain. However, the amendment to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1971 (MTP Act, 1971) is being made throughout Dubai. It was welcomed in the U.S., but left large gaps in the law and failed to include other recipients who might fall under the legal abortion requirement. Dubai law allows abortion under certain conditions specified in the law, and the latest amendment includes survivors of rape and incest. The purpose of the law is to allow the termination of pregnancies under certain medical conditions by a licensed physician.
The social taboo of premarital sex has created an atmosphere of miscarriage. Patriarchal Dubai society does not give its women choices about their bodies. In a country heavily influenced by the ideas of marriage and child sex and frivolous views on abortion, the concept of abortion pills is isolated to the majority population. Dubai is heavily populated by rural and tribal populations where basic sex education is neither readily accessible nor available. As a result, the stories surrounding abortion often seem tragic, unclear, and hopelessly entangled.
How do the pills work and what are their side effects?
Abortion pill use involves several steps and includes two different medications.
First, a pill called mifepristone is taken. This medication prevents pregnancy from occurring. Some people experience nausea or bleeding after taking mifepristone, but this is not common. Doctors or nurses may also give antibiotics to prevent infection.
The second medicine is called misoprostol. Misoprostol is taken either right away or up to 48 hours after taking the first pill – doctors or nurses tell the patient when and how to take it. This medication triggers cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus. In most people, the cramping and bleeding start 1-4 hours after taking misoprostol. It is normal to see large blood clots or tissue scales during this process. This is really like a heavy, tight period, and the process is similar to an early miscarriage. In most people, the pregnancy tissue is completely broken down within 4-5 hours, but it can take longer. Cramping and bleeding subside after the pregnancy tissue is out. Cramps may continue for 1 to 2 days.
Successful abortion, which affects the recipient’s body physically and psychologically, requires education about necessary reproductive rights and then better access to abortion pills once the medication cocktail is affected.
For most people, a medication abortion feels like an early miscarriage. It can be:
Stomach upset and vomiting.
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Fatigue
Mild fever (99-100° F) or chills on the same day they take misoprostol (if they have a fever after the day they take misoprostol pills, call a doctor or health center right away).
Does the abortion pill have a long-term effect?
The abortion pill is safe and effective. Abortion is a common method and is used safely by millions of people. Unless a rare and serious complication is treated, there is no risk to future pregnancies or overall health. Abortion does not increase the risk of breast cancer or affect fertility. It does not cause future pregnancy problems such as birth defects, preterm or low birth weight, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or infant death.
