3 Things to Know if You Are Considering Mail-Order Abortion

Mail-order abortion involves buying the abortion drugs (also known as the “abortion pill”) online instead of getting them from a clinic or pharmacy. However, this choice comes with risks to your health, and the FDA advises against it.

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering buying the abortion drugs online, read on to learn the top three things you need to know beforehand. 

Or, if you want to talk to someone about your pregnancy and options, contact First Concern PRC today. All appointments and resources are free and confidential. 

1. The Abortion Drugs Come with Risks

The abortion drugs are powerful, and buying them online puts your health at risk. 

The abortion drugs you can find online aren’t approved by the FDA. This means that the source, quality, and efficacy of these drugs can’t be verified. This puts your health in jeopardy.

However, it’s important to know that the abortion drugs you can receive from a reputable pharmacy come with risks, including:

• Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

Since the ingredients and effectiveness of the online abortion drugs can’t be guaranteed, other health risks are possible.

2. You Might Not Be Eligible for the Abortion Drugs

Some women aren’t eligible for the abortion drugs because certain situations or medical histories make them more likely to experience a risk. 

If any of the following situations apply to you, you aren’t eligible for the abortion drugs:

• Are further than 10 weeks along in your pregnancy
• Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place
• Have a suspected ectopic pregnancy
• Have certain medical conditions, including bleeding disorders; certain heart or blood vessel diseases; severe liver, kidney, or lung disease; or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.
• Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines.
• Can’t make follow-up visits to your provider or don’t have access to emergency care.
• Have an allergy to the medicine used.

3. Your Pregnancy Details Matter

Before seeking an abortion, it’s critical to get an ultrasound to learn key details about your pregnancy. An ultrasound will help you learn the following details about your pregnancy and will help protect your health:

• Gestational age: This is crucial if you’re considering an abortion, as your pregnancy gestational age will determine what options are available.
• Location: Rarely a pregnancy develops outside the uterus. This is a life-threatening situation called ectopic pregnancy, and it needs emergency medical intervention.
• Viability: Roughly 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, and it’s possible to miscarry without immediate symptoms. If you’ve experienced a miscarriage, you will need medical follow-up to ensure you don’t have complications.

You’re Not Alone

Protect your health before seeking the abortion drugs by getting an ultrasound and learning all you can about your options. At First Concern PRC, we’re here to help. We offer free, limited ultrasounds and a safe space to ask questions. 

Contact us today to learn about all the ways we can help. The Marlborough location provides pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, and the Clinton location provides other resources, support, and education.