An unexpected pregnancy can understandably bring out a whole range of emotions. As you consider your options, you may have wondered about the abortion pill by mail. Let’s take a look at what the abortion pill is, what risks are involved, and what are important first steps.
What is the abortion pill?
The abortion pill is a combination of two sets of pills to end an early pregnancy. The first pill is mifepristone, which ends your pregnancy by blocking the nourishment your pregnancy needs to continue. The second “pill” is a set of multiple pills, called misoprostol, which cause bleeding and contractions to expel your pregnancy. The second set of pills is usually taken 24-48 hours after taking the first abortion pill.
What are risks of buying the abortion pill by mail?
One of the risks to be aware of is the possibility of scam websites claiming to sell the abortion pill. Instead, they may sell lower dosage pills or counterfeits that could be dangerous to you.
The FDA warns: “FDA Does Not Recommend Buying Mifepristone Online” nor “personally transporting it from a foreign country.”The FDA cannot verify the “safety, effectiveness, and quality” of such drugs.
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy reports “nearly 95% of websites offering prescription-only drugs online operate illegally.”They also cite the ASOP Global Foundation survey that 24% of Americans who have used an online pharmacy have been exposed to “harmful, counterfeit, or substandard medication.” Scam Adviser has identified multiple online abortion pill vendors who are selling the drug illegally.
The amount of time it takes to receive the abortion pill by mail can also increase your risks. For example, one study reported that women received the abortion pill usually within 3 weeks, but in as many as 5 weeks. That means your pregnancy will have continued for 21-35 more days before you take the pill. This can be especially risky to you if your pregnancy is more developed than you thought. The FDA approves the abortion pill only up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. Taking the abortion pill beyond the recommended timeframe could put your health at risk even more. The risk of needing additional surgery after taking the abortion pill increases the further along the pregnancy is.
There are also risks whether you obtain the abortion pill by mail or through a local provider. The FDA identifies many side effects of the abortion pill such as nausea, weakness, fever/chills, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, and dizziness.
More serious side effects of the abortion pill include serious infection or an incomplete abortion, meaning some of the contents of your pregnancy remain in your uterus. Studies have observed that incomplete abortion can occur between 1.8 – 10% of the time. In these cases you would be advised to seek immediate medical attention and may require surgery.
Obtain an ultrasound before ordering the abortion pill by mail
Some abortion pill vendors will send the pills without the buyer having obtained an in-person medical visit. Obtaining a pregnancy screening and ultrasound is an important step whether you plan to take the abortion pill or not. Here’s why. The ultrasound reveals information about:
- The location of your pregnancy. If your pregnancy has implanted anywhere outside the uterus, you could have an ectopic pregnancy. In this instance, you would be advised to seek immediate medical attention. If you are considering taking the abortion pill, it could be especially dangerous if the pregnancy is ectopic. The FDA warns the abortion pill “will not be effective to terminate an ectopic pregnancy.” Ectopic pregnancies occur in about 2% of pregnancies and have been increasing in recent years, especially among young women.
- The gestational age of your pregnancy. This is determined by measuring the dimensions of your pregnancy. The abortion pill is FDA approved only through 10 weeks of pregnancy.
- The viability of the pregnancy. If a heartbeat cannot be detected, it is possible you may naturally miscarry. In this case, you would be advised to follow up with your physician and avoid taking unnecessary abortion pills.
What is my next step?
Your first step before taking an abortion pill by mail is to make an appointment for an ultrasound. Here at Waterleaf Women’s Center, we offer pregnancy screening and ultrasound for free and no insurance is required. Our medical professionals will answer your questions and provide you with non-judgmental compassionate care. Your health and safety matters! Call or text us confidentially at 630-360-2256 or contact us online.