Online abortion, at-home abortion, medical abortion, the abortion pill – these are all the terms used interchangeably. It can be confusing. Generally known as medical abortion, getting it online (or at home) can pose some safety concerns. There are risks to online abortion due to less medical oversight and less known quality of drugs you are ordering.
What is Medical Abortion?
What is known as medical abortion, also called the abortion pill, is two types of drugs taken a couple of days apart to terminate an existing pregnancy. First, Mifepristone is usually taken in a medical office. It works to decrease the amount of progesterone, a hormone needed for a fetus to grow.
Next, Misoprostol is usually taken at home. It causes cramping, which expels the uterine contents. According to the Mayo Clinic, potential risks of a medical abortion procedure include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Is Online Abortion (At-Home Abortion) Safe?
Like with any major medical decision comes major risks. Not only is online abortion risky, but ordering it online comes with ever more risks. Some risks to consider include:
The Origin of the Abortion Pill
Women ordering the abortion pill online through overseas providers comes with risks. The FDA advises against ordering abortion pills online through unregulated sources as they can’t verify the quality, safety, and even the ingredients of the drugs.
Any Pre-Existing Health Concerns
The Mayo Clinic shares that the abortion pill is not an option for every woman. Women who have an IUD currently in place, are too far along in pregnancy, take a blood thinner, have certain medical conditions, or have an allergy to the drugs should not choose this procedure.
Why Ultrasounds Matter
Ultrasounds alert women of a potential ectopic pregnancy, a non-viable pregnancy that can be life-threatening. An ultrasound can also alert you to a potential miscarriage and determine how many weeks you have been pregnant, which matters for abortion pill eligibility.
Knowing where your pregnancy stands before making a pregnancy decision is important. Schedule a free pregnancy test appointment today with us and learn what’s next. If you do receive a positive test result with us, we offer free ultrasounds and education about all your options.