With all the unknowns that come with an unplanned pregnancy, the safety risks of an at-home abortion should not be one of them. Read this article to learn about the risks that come with undergoing an abortion at home and what preventive measures you can take.
An at-home abortion involves purchasing abortion drugs online. They’re delivered to your address, and you take them at home–usually without medical supervision.
You deserve to protect your health. Keep reading to learn more about the potential impacts of an at-home abortion. You can also make a free and confidential appointment at Crossroads Women’s Center to learn more about your pregnancy.
Ordering Online Skips Important Health Screenings
One significant drawback to an at-home abortion is the lack of medical screenings, such as a pregnancy test and an ultrasound.
An ultrasound is essential for several reasons. First, it helps determine the gestational age of the pregnancy. The abortion pill is only approved by the FDA for use through 10 weeks of pregnancy. Without an ultrasound, there is a risk of taking the drugs after the cut-off period.
As many as 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, which may require treatment. This treatment is not the same as an elective abortion. Knowing the viability of your pregnancy will also give you peace of mind on how to move forward.
You May Not Qualify for the Abortion Pill
Even after confirming the pregnancy is viable and knowing its gestational age, there are still several situations that may disqualify someone from using the abortion pill method.
According to the Mayo Clinic, these disqualifying factors include:
- Having an intrauterine device (IUD) in place
- Certain pre-existing medical conditions
- Taking blood thinners or specific steroid medications
- Inability to access emergency care
- Allergies to the abortion drugs
Without speaking with a healthcare provider, you may not know whether you qualify. Often, abortion drugs are prescribed online with a single telehealth appointment.
Abortion Pill Risks
According to the Mayo Clinic, some abortion pill-related risks include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may require follow-up treatment
- An ongoing pregnancy if the abortion is unsuccessful
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
If you take abortion drugs at home and don’t receive proper medical oversight, you may not know when you are experiencing a risk.
Free Pregnancy Screenings
If you’re unsure whether you’re pregnant, Crossroads Women’s Center offers free pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds. Once your pregnancy has been confirmed, we’ll discuss your options so you can make an educated decision.
Taking these steps protects your health and ensures you understand abortion, adoption, and parenting.
In a safe, compassionate environment, we can answer your questions and help you feel confident in your next steps. Contact us today to make an appointment!