Is it safe to order the abortion pill online?
Just about everything is available online these days, but is it safe to order the abortion pill online? If you’re unexpectedly pregnant, you’re facing some big decisions. They might even feel scary (and that’s totally normal)! If you’ve found your way to this blog, you’re probably searching for options, and we’re happy to discuss them with you. (You can schedule a free appointment here.) You should feel confident about the decisions you make, and confidence comes from knowing the facts. (Want to learn more about the abortion pill? Check out this quick video.)
Let’s look at some facts about the abortion pill and getting it online:
Medical Oversight
Lack of one-on-one medical supervision is one of the largest risks of getting the pill online. The abortion pill comes with a list of warnings and possible serious side effects, so just like with any other new medication you take, it’s very important to be under the care of a medical professional to ensure your health and well-being.
Quality Control
We’ve all seen those “What I Ordered vs. What I Got” posts. You don’t want to take risks when it comes to medication and your health. The FDA has issued warnings and taken legal action[1] against companies who said they were selling reputable abortion pills but were actually sending medications that had not been approved by the FDA. If you order the abortion pill online, you’re not guaranteed to receive FDA-approved medications or even medications that have been produced in places where the FDA has oversight.
Health Risks
It’s important to have an ultrasound before making any decisions in order to determine how far along you are. The abortion pill is only approved for pregnancies that are less than 10 weeks along. Even in women who have regular periods, it’s possible to be off by days or even weeks when relying on the date of your last period to determine how far along you are.
An ultrasound will also rule out ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is when a pregnancy implants outside of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies can cause life-threatening complications for a woman, so it’s important for them to be discovered and treated early on. The abortion pill is not an effective treatment for an ectopic pregnancy. It’s really important to have an ultrasound to ensure your health and safety.
Additional potential risks[2] of the abortion pill include (but are not limited to):
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- Ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
How can we help?
At PLL, we can confirm your pregnancy (at no cost to you) with a medical-grade pregnancy test and perform an ultrasound to see where your pregnancy is located and how far along you are. We can discuss your options and help you feel more knowledgeable and comfortable with your situation. We want you to make an informed decision about your body and your pregnancy and know all the resources that are available to you.
Our woman-centered approach to unplanned pregnancy helps clear the clutter, giving peace of mind and confidence when it’s needed most. Click here to set up an appointment at your convenience. We’re here to help you choose the best next steps for your life. Please note that our office doesn’t provide or perform abortions but can provide the abortion information you need.
Disclaimer: This website and blog do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided here is only for general understanding. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Please be aware that PLL does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources:
- Warning Letter. FDA. (2019, March 8). https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/aidaccessorg-575658-03082019
- Medical Abortion. Mayo Clinic. (2024, June 28). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687