Mail-order abortion, also known as online abortion, is a method of receiving the abortion pill (medical abortion) by mail through an online provider.
It’s important to confirm your pregnancy details before deciding about this pregnancy option. There are also risks to consider regarding the abortion pill and receiving it through an online provider. Keep reading to learn the facts.
1. You may not be eligible
The FDA only recommends the abortion pill for women through 10 weeks of pregnancy. Otherwise, a surgical abortion may be your only other abortion option.
To know how far along you are in your pregnancy, an ultrasound is needed. An ultrasound can also alert you to any complications that may disqualify you from abortion and require other medical treatment.
According to the Mayo Clinic, you are not eligible for the abortion pill if you:
- Are too far along in your pregnancy. You shouldn’t attempt a medical abortion if you’ve been pregnant for more than 11 weeks. A pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last menstrual period.
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place.
- Have a suspected pregnancy outside of the uterus. This is called ectopic pregnancy.
- Have certain medical conditions. These include anemia; some bleeding disorders; chronic adrenal failure; 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 reach a healthcare professional by phone or online, or don’t have access to emergency care.
- Have an allergy to the medicine used in a medical abortion.
2. There are risks to the abortion pill
Also known as medical abortion, the abortion pill method consists of two different abortion drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. These drugs work together to terminate an existing pregnancy. It comes with physical risks, including:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion.
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work.
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
- Infection.
- Fever.
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.
3. There are risks to ordering online
Along with the risks of the abortion pill (medical abortion), there are risks to mail-order abortion. These risks include:
- Unverified chemicals that could be in the abortion pills from online
- A lack of a pre-abortion screening process (putting your health in danger)
- Possible unverified dosage (could lead to an incomplete abortion and life-threatening effects)
- Potential unlisted risks and side effects with abortion pills online (since a lot are overseas and do not meet the FDA guidelines)
Free Pregnancy Services & Support
At the Pregnancy Help Center of Galveston, our staff offers no-cost and confidential pregnancy services, including ultrasounds, so you can get the answers you need to determine your pregnancy options.
It’s vital to not rush this process as it will greatly impact your future and potentially your health. We’re here to help you learn your pregnancy details and answer your questions about mail-order abortion and your other pregnancy options.
Schedule a no-cost and confidential pregnancy appointment to get started.