FAQ: The Abortion Pill Mifegymiso | Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights
FAQ: The Abortion Pill Mifegymiso
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Mifegymiso and medical abortion.
On 29 July 2015, Health Canada approved the use of the medical abortion drug RU-486 (also known as Mifepristone). In Canada, the Mifepristone (RU-486) and Misoprostol drug regimen is sold under the name Mifegymiso. The medication started to become available to the public in January 2017.
What is medical abortion?
Medical abortion uses medication rather than an internal procedure to end a pregnancy.
Where can I obtain a medical abortion (the abortion pill)?
Visit our directory to find your nearest provider or call Action Canada’s toll-free Access Line at 1–888–642–6545. What is Mifepristone?
Mifepristone is an anti-hormone used to end a pregnancy. The Mifepristone and Misoprostol regimen is on the World Health Organization’s list of essential drugs. It is considered the “gold standard” for medical abortion.
How does Mifepristone work?
Mifegymiso is the Canadian brand name for the combination of the medications Mifepristone and Misoprostol. Mifepristone is a medication that blocks the effect of progesterone, a hormone that is needed for a pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol is a prostaglandin and causes contractions of the uterus and relaxation of the cervix. This helps push out the contents of the uterus. Mifepristone and Misoprostol work together to end a pregnancy.
In Canada, Mifepristone is packaged in a combination box, 1- Mifepristone 200Mg tablet and 4–0.2Mg Misoprostol tablets. First a Mifepristone tablet is taken and then 24 to 48 hours later, Misoprostol tablets are taken. 4 Misoprostol tablets are taken at the same time.
The Mifepristone and Misoprostol regimen is on the World Health Organization’s list of essential drugs. It is considered the “gold standard” for medical abortion.
Is Mifepristone safe?
Mifepristone is already available in 60 countries. Its use was approved in France and in China since 1988 (almost 30 years ago) and has maintained an outstanding safety record throughout the world. In many countries, it is used safely up to 10 weeks of pregnancy and beyond. Just like surgical abortion, trained providers offer the procedure under high quality conditions, which highly diminish the risk of possible complications.
When can I use Mifepristone?
In Canada, Mifegymiso can currently be prescribed up until 9 weeks gestation for on-label use. Physicians can prescribe it off-label up to 10 weeks of gestation as it has been used safely and effectively up to that gestational age and beyond.
How much does it cost?
Without provincial health coverage, the cost of Mifegymiso ranges between $300-$450 per package.
Who covers the cost?
The cost of the medication is covered by all provincial health insurance programs.
Do I need a prescription? Need Immediate Help?
For information about sexual and reproductive health, including pregnancy options, and for referrals to clinics and hospitals that provide reproductive health services, including abortion, anywhere in Canada, please call the confidential toll-free information and referral line Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights is a progressive, pro-choice charitable organization committed to advancing and upholding sexual and reproductive health and rights in Canada and globally.
Action Canada is building on the 50-year legacy of our predecessor organizations. We are: The Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada, Canadians for Choice, the Canadian Federation for Sexual Health, and Action Canada for Population and Development.Resources
On this page you will find policy and advocacy resources such as reports and analysis, factsheets, policy briefs, and tools, sexual health resources such as our sexual health information hub, our directory of sexual health providers, our toll-free access line, and information on Beyond the Basics, our sex-ed resource for educators.Abortion Access and Indigenous Peoples in Canada
Prior to colonization, land-based and traditional medicines were commonly used to prevent or end pregnancies. This reproductive knowledge was discounted and made illegal by early settlers, forcing those who held this knowledge to bring it ‘underground’ for safety.
Knowledge around practicing reproductive freedoms still exists within Indigenous communities today. Check out this infographic by researchers Dr. Renée Monchalin and Willow Paul of the University of Victoria for a snapshot of abortion access and Indigenous peoples in Canada.Medication Abortion (Mifepristone & Misoprostol)
Medication abortion includes two medications: 1mifepristone pill and 4 misoprostol pills. taken 24 hours apart. It can take a few days to work and involves heavy bleeding cramping and expelling the tissue at home. In Canada, primary care providers (GP, NP) are authorized to prescribe Mifepristone. Midwives in Quebec as also are also authorized to prescribe Mifepristone. The medication is publicly funded for people who have a health card. Due to COVID-19, many providers started using telemedicine to provide what is called ‘no touch’ or ‘low touch’ abortion- meaning you don’t have a physical appointment. just a phone call and you can receive medication at your pharmacy after.Aspiration (Surgical) Abortion
Aspiration abortion in the first trimester is a short procedure: first. the cervix is frozen with regional anesthetic. then dilators are used to open the cervix. and then a small tube is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. and suction is used to remove the tissue. Pain relief is provided. It can be performed by family physicians or obstetrician-gynecologists in either a clinic or a hospital. In the second trimester and beyond. the procedure takes longer.Abortion Training
So much of access depends on the skill set of providers. It is so important that nurses, nurse practitioners, midwives, physicians and pharmacists all train in abortion care and work to the max of our scope. For info on how to become a provider visi https://www.dhakatribune.com/