Are you considering ordering the abortion pill (medical abortion) online, also known as mail-order abortion? Three vital things to know before going about this is:
- Where your pregnancy health stands
- Consider the FDAs advice about ordering by mail
- The risks of the abortion pill (medical abortion)
At Crossroads Women’s Center, we’re here to walk with you and offer insight into your pregnancy details and your options. Get clarity today with both no-cost pregnancy testing and a limited ultrasound with us.
1. Consider Where Your Pregnancy Health Stands
You should know that the FDA only recommends the abortion pill (medical abortion) for women through 10 weeks of pregnancy. This makes it vital to understand how far along you are in your pregnancy through an ultrasound. We can help with this step after receiving positive pregnancy test results.
An ultrasound can also alert you to possible complications that eliminate abortion as an option for you and require other medical treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should double-check with a healthcare provider for the abortion pill if you:
- Are too far along in your pregnancy. You shouldn’t attempt a medical abortion if you’ve been pregnant for more than 11 weeks. A pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last menstrual period.
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place.
- Have a suspected pregnancy outside of the uterus. This is called ectopic pregnancy.
- Have certain medical conditions. These include anemia; some bleeding disorders; chronic adrenal failure; certain heart or blood vessel diseases; severe liver, kidney, or lung disease; or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.
- Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines.
- Can’t reach a healthcare professional by phone or online, or don’t have access to emergency care.
- Have an allergy to the medicine used in a medical abortion.
2. Consider How the FDA Advises Against It
It’s important to understand that the FDA advises against ordering abortion pills online. These pills could possibly not be FDA-approved, which means the FDA can’t guarantee the safety, efficacy, or source of these drugs.
The FDA’s suggestions raise questions about ordering abortion drugs online and put your safety at potential risk. As these drugs fall outside the US supply chain, you can’t know for sure whether the listed dosage or ingredients are correct.
3. Consider the Risks of the Abortion Pill
Mail-order abortion, consisting of two abortion pills (also called medical abortion), comes with risks to your health to consider. You deserve the facts before moving forward with your final decision.
Some of the major risks of the abortion pill (medical abortion) include:
● Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
● An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the medication abortion doesn’t work
● Heavy and prolonged bleeding
● Infection
● Fever, especially serious if longer than 24 hrs.
Gain More Insight
You probably have many more questions as you consider abortion and what’s next for you. You are not alone. Talk to our team today to explore your pregnancy options and get the insight you need to make an informed decision.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.