Searching “How to Have a Miscarriage”? Get the Facts!

When your pregnancy test comes back positive, it can leave you scrambling. Perhaps you’ve searched “how to have a miscarriage” in an attempt to find a quick and private solution. The first thing to understand is that taking steps to end a pregnancy on purpose is not a miscarriage, it’s an abortion. It’s important to deal with reality, so you can be prepared.

We understand how scary an unplanned pregnancy can be, but you owe it to yourself to get the facts before taking steps that could put your health in danger. Today, we’re exploring the risks of attempting to cause the end of a pregnancy.

The Risks of Trying to Induce a Miscarriage

You may have seen videos on social media talking about how “easy and convenient” it is to “induce a miscarriage” using certain over-the-counter supplements, herbs, or plants. These methods are ineffective at best and deadly at worst.

Vitamins and herbal supplements do not go through the in-depth review process that prescription medications do to become approved by the Food and Drug Administration.1 They aren’t examined as thoroughly or monitored for adverse reactions. Just because they are over-the-counter doesn’t mean that they can’t cause harm–especially if taken in large quantities beyond what the label recommends.

Medical professionals report internal organ system failure and even death from toxicity related to ingesting certain plants.2 Additionally, there isn’t enough scientific evidence available to suggest that they actually work.3

Now What?

Before you try to have a miscarriage at home, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure you can make the best decision for your future.

Stay calm. Take a deep breath. Protect your health. You owe it to yourself to make an informed and empowered decision!

Receive an ultrasound. Do you know for sure that you’re pregnant? An ultrasound can determine if there is a viable pregnancy in your uterus or not. This is critical information because a significant number of pregnancies end on their own in natural miscarriage.4 Also, a small number of pregnancies are ectopic, meaning they are implanted outside of the uterus. Taking herbs, plants, and/or vitamins won’t remove an ectopic pregnancy. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening.5

Explore your options. If your ultrasound confirms that your pregnancy is viable, take some time to explore your pregnancy options. Considering how abortion, adoption, and parenting could each impact your life will help you to make a fully informed decision.

Trying to Have a Miscarriage? Call Pregnancy Decision Line First!

Instead of looking up “how to have a miscarriage”, contact Pregnancy Decision Line. We will connect you with a local pregnancy center that provides free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and pregnancy options education so you can make a fully informed decision. Have questions or just need to talk? We can help with that too.

REFERENCES
  1. Feng, C., Fay, K. E., & Burns, M. M. (2023, June). Toxicities of Herbal Abortifacients. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10192026/ 
  2. Ciganda, C., & Laborde, A. (2003). Herbal infusions used for induced abortion. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12807304/ 
  3. See source #2. 
  4. Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage – Symptoms and Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
  5. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, March 12). Ectopic Pregnancy: Diagnosis & Treatment. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372093  

Call 866-406-9327 and get help now.

All of our services are 100% free and confidential. We exist to provide accurate medical information and support to women and men facing an unplanned pregnancy. Our pregnancy centers do not offer or refer for pregnancy terminations or birth control. Information is provided as an educational service and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.