If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering an online abortion, it is essential to understand the associated risks. An online abortion often involves receiving the abortion drugs by mail without visiting a doctor in person, and then taking the drugs at home without the guidance of a physician.
This article provides important facts you need to know before seeking an online abortion.
How Does an Online Abortion Work?
An online abortion, also known as the “abortion pill,” involves taking two different drugs that work together to terminate and expel the pregnancy through the vagina. The first drug, mifepristone, terminates the pregnancy by blocking the hormone progesterone which nourishes the pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, induces cramping to expel the pregnancy from the uterus.
These drugs can often be obtained after a telemedicine appointment, which means you will take them at home without having first been evaluated in person by a doctor.
This presents serious risks, especially since the drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is under 10 weeks. You will not know the exact age of your pregnancy unless you have been seen by a medical professional and received an ultrasound.
Risks of Ordering the Abortion Pill Online
The abortion pill drugs may be readily available online, but the FDA warns against seeking them this way. This is because when you buy abortion pill drugs online, you cannot verify where they are coming from, and the FDA cannot guarantee their safety.
When you buy abortion pill drugs online, you are putting your health and safety at risk. Before seeking the abortion pill drugs, meeting in person with a qualified health professional and receiving an ultrasound are essential.
Online Abortion Is Not for Everyone
According to Mayo Clinic, the drugs used in an online abortion are not for everyone. If you meet the following criteria, pursuing an online abortion is not recommended:
- Are too far along in your pregnancy
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place
- Have a suspected ectopic pregnancy, which is when the pregnancy is developing outside the uterus
- Have certain medical conditions or are on specific medications
- Cannot make follow-up visits to your provider or do not have access to emergency care
- Have an allergy to the medicine used
Next Steps
If you are considering an online abortion, it’s crucial for your safety to receive an ultrasound. This scan can help determine the age, location, and viability of your pregnancy, which is essential information before seeking an online abortion. You will also want to discuss your health history to make sure you don’t have a pre-existing condition that would make the abortion pill especially dangerous.
Contact us today to speak confidentially to a professional about your pregnancy options. At Waterleaf Women’s Center, we offer no-cost ultrasounds and a medical team who can walk you through your information, questions, and pregnancy options. We are here for you!