Is an Online Abortion or At-Home Abortion Safe?

Ordering the abortion pill online has become a more common phenomenon recently – but is it truly safe? If you find yourself unexpectedly pregnant and are considering abortion, be sure you are making a confident choice with your next steps with all the facts about online abortion. 

Regardless of where you obtain it, abortion is a serious medical undertaking. To put your health and safety first, learn the risks of abortion – and specifically, how ordering an online abortion pill might put you at further risk. 

Are There Any Risks With Using Abortion Pills From Online?

While commonly referred to as the “abortion pill,” medical or medication abortion actually involves two separate doses of medication. First, Mifeprex (or mifepristone) stops the pregnancy from growing and causes it to detach from the uterus. Then, the second dose, misoprostol, typically taken a day later, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina. 

No matter where someone obtains the abortion pill, whether in a clinic or as an online abortion, it is a medical procedure that involves potential physical risks and side effects.

The Mayo Clinic quotes the following potential physical risks: 

• 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

Is It Safe to Order Abortion Pills Online?

Have you ever ordered something online and had it arrive looking completely different from what you were expecting? As with ordering clothing or other goods online, there is always an increased level of risk when ordering medications online, particularly in that the source you are ordering from can only have so much visibility on your unique medical situation. 

Despite some changes in the availability of online abortion pills recently, the FDA continues to recommend caution to consumers ordering medication from online pharmacies. Simply put, the potential for receiving sub-standard medications or unexpected ingredients is higher when ordering from an unknown online source.

Why Should You Consult a Doctor Before Using Abortion Pills?

While some screening questions may be involved when ordering from an online pharmacy, nothing can replace the personalized care from a medical professional in person to evaluate your unique medical needs and potential differences in your expectations.

For instance, it is highly possible that the dating of your pregnancy based on your last period may be incorrect – potentially putting you at risk. The FDA approves the use of the abortion pill to terminate pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestation – taking the pill past this point may result in incomplete abortion or other complications. 

Additionally, without an in-person medical exam, it is very difficult to accurately diagnose or look for potential medical complications such as ectopic pregnancy. If this is a concern for you, you would need immediate medical attention outside of abortion care. Taking the abortion pill, even the online abortion pill, would not resolve this complication. 

How Do I Know What My Pregnancy Options Are? 

In-person care, such as an ultrasound exam, can provide key information about your unique pregnancy situation that is crucial to your health and safety as you make your next medical steps. 

The best way to prioritize your health is to get the facts about your unique needs first. You may also find it valuable to discuss your pregnancy options with a medical professional in the context of your personalized situation. You can rest assured that you are making a confident choice with all the information at your disposal. 

At Life Line, our professional medical team can answer your questions and provide specialized care. Schedule your free appointment today to prioritize your health.