Can I Buy the Abortion Pill Online?

An unexpected pregnancy can mean a lot of different things to different women. For some women, it causes anxiety, fear, and even desperation. If you’re in that place, are you considering buying the abortion pill online? Get the facts about the procedure, side effects, and potential risks before you click the “Check Out” button.

What Is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is a medical abortion using two powerful drugs to terminate a pregnancy. To have a medical abortion, your pregnancy has to be 70 days or less since your last menstrual period began. 

The first drug is mifepristone, which blocks the hormone progesterone. Progesterone is needed for the pregnancy to remain attached to the uterine lining. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus thins, preventing the pregnancy from remaining attached and growing. 

The second drug is misoprostol which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina. Usually, the two pills are taken within a 24 to 48 hour time period. A follow-up appointment with a doctor is necessary a week or so later to ensure the abortion is complete.

Side Effects and Potential Risks

The news media and politicians talk about abortion laws and rights, but you never hear them talk about the procedures themselves or their side effects and risks. The Mayo Clinic says, “Having a medical abortion is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences. If you’re considering this procedure, make sure you understand what it entails, side effects, possible risks, complications and alternatives.”

Side Effects:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache

Potential Risks:

  • Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
  • An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding
  • Infection
  • Fever
  • Digestive system discomfort

What You Need To Know Before An Abortion

Yes, you can order the abortion pill online. But there are several things you need to know first: 

  • How many days you’ve been pregnant 

Are you confident your pregnancy is 70 days or less? The easiest way to determine how long you’ve been pregnant is with an ultrasound. Options For Women offers no-cost limited ultrasounds

  • If your pregnancy is viable

A viable pregnancy is progressing normally and growing. You could have had a miscarriage (up to 20% of women have a natural miscarriage) so there would be no reason to purchase the abortion pill. Ultrasound will show if you’ve miscarried.

  • If the drugs you’re taking are FDA approved and manufactured safely
    The FDA has strict regulations on the production of mifepristone and misoprostol because they are dangerous. If you order drugs online, pay attention to who manufactures them and where they’re coming from.

We’re Your Best Next Step

An ultrasound will determine if you qualify for the abortion pill. Contact us to schedule your no-cost limited ultrasound. After all, if you’re going to perform an abortion at home, you should have as much information as possible so you’re prepared for the side effects and potential risks.

Our patient advocates will review abortion procedures and other options with you. We want you to be empowered to make a confident decision. You and your future are important to us.  Trust us to take this journey with you.

May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.