The pills cost Rs.1000. However, the medical tests and sonography for the pre and post abortion stages will bring the total cost to around Rs.5000 and above.

Myth Busting

"I can see the embryo."

If your pregnancy is nearing the seventh week, there is a probability that you will see the embryo. However, if you are terminating an early pregnancy, you won't see any embryo. At the most you will see blood clots and a whitish tissue like discharge.

"Taking pills will affect my fertility."

The pills are safe and approved by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration). It will not affect your conception chances in the future if you have had a normal pregnancy.

"The foetus can feel the pain."

This is a highly debatable topic and is still being studied. According to doctors, the foetus is not developed fully in the first seven weeks, therefore the chances of it feeling anything is debatable.

"Medical abortion is safe for all types of pregnancy."

This is not true. It is effective only if you have a normal pregnancy. Any abnormal pregnancy needs to be surgically aborted.

This is precisely the reason why an ultrasound is advised as soon as you test positive for pregnancy.

Avoid the Pills If You:

• Are more than seven weeks pregnant.
  
• Have serious heart related ailments.
  
• Have liver or kidney related problems.
  
• Are HIV+

Remember…

The termination of your pregnancy needs to be on valid grounds as stated in the MTP Act of 1971.

A pregnancy can be terminated only if:

1. It would involve a grave risk to your life or your physical or mental wellbeing.

2. There is a substantial risk that if the child is born, it will suffer from physical or mental handicap.

3. The pregnancy is caused by rape.

4. The pregnancy resulted due to failure of contraception used for family planning.