If you’re unexpectedly pregnant and are not sure where to turn, it may seem like ordering the abortion pill online is an easy answer to your problems. But before you make up your mind and take the leap, be sure you know all the information about the abortion pill and what it entails so you prioritize what’s best for your health.
Abortion is a serious medical procedure, even when ordering the pill online. To prioritize your safety, make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
The Abortion Pill Comes with Risks
The abortion pill, also known as medical or medication abortion, is actually a two-medication process. The first dose, Mifeprex, keeps the pregnancy from progressing and causes it to detach from the uterus. The second pill, misoprostol, often taken many hours or sometimes a day later, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy and tissue through the vagina.
As with other medications or medical procedures, the abortion pill is a serious medical undertaking and has associated risks and possible side effects. The Mayo Clinic lists the following physical risks of the abortion pill:
- 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
Regulations Of Medications Are Important but Not Universal
Ever ordered something online and were shocked when it arrived looking nothing like what you thought you ordered? There is always an inherent risk in ordering medication online and obtaining a medical product from a source that is not evaluating your unique situation in person.
Regulations surrounding the abortion pill have shifted some in recent years. However, the FDA still recommends caution to consumers ordering from online pharmacies, as the potential for receiving medications with substandard ingredients or varied potency is higher, and there is potential for medical complications or side effects as a result.
In-Person Care Makes a Difference
Seeing a medical professional in person makes a big difference to answer specific questions and receive personalized care. Instead, receiving medication from a rather anonymous source online does not allow for the diagnosis of your unique medical needs.
If medical complications are present, or if the abortion pill is not a solution for your unique needs—such as in the case of ectopic pregnancy—you may need immediate emergency medical care.
The entity prescribing the abortion pill online has no way to answer key details about your unique situation without seeing you in person, such as confirming how far along you are and as such, if taking the abortion pill is safe. The FDA only approves and recommends the abortion pill for the termination of early pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestational age; taking it past that point in pregnancy could put you at risk for incomplete abortion or other complications.
How Do I Know What My Pregnancy Options Are?
Without in-person care such as an ultrasound, you may be missing key information about your medical needs. If you may be experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, or if your pregnancy is farther along than you think, you may be at risk for serious medical complications if you take the abortion pill without medical supervision.
The best way to protect your health and safety is to get the facts about your unique needs first with an ultrasound exam. You can also discuss your options and get your questions answered by a medical professional, to be completely informed on your choice and know that you are getting the best care possible.
At First Care Clinic, our medical team would be honored to get you scheduled for a no-cost appointment to answer your questions. Schedule your appointment today to put your health and safety first.