When facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be looking for a fast, private solution. Ordering the abortion pill online might seem convenient, but it comes with serious risks that are often overlooked. Without medical supervision, you may not have important information about your pregnancy or the potential health complications that could arise.
A medical abortion is a significant procedure, not just a simple prescription. Skipping essential steps like getting an ultrasound can lead to dangerous outcomes, including taking the drugs too late in pregnancy, putting your health at risk, or missing serious conditions such as an ectopic pregnancy.
Understanding the Abortion Pill and Its Risks
A medical abortion (the abortion pill) involves two drugs: mifepristone, which blocks the hormone needed to maintain a pregnancy, and misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy
This process carries risks you need to be aware of, including:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, which is also called an incomplete abortion (this may require a surgical procedure)
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive symptoms such as an upset stomach
The FDA approves the abortion pill for use through ten weeks gestation, which means getting an ultrasound is necessary to know how far along you are and whether this option is medically appropriate for you.
The Dangers of Ordering Online
Ordering abortion pills online bypasses critical health and safety precautions. Without medical guidance, there is no way to confirm:
- The gestational age of your pregnancy, which is crucial for determining whether the abortion pill will be effective
- If you have an ectopic pregnancy, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention and cannot be treated with the abortion pill
- Whether the pills you receive are the correct drugs—many online vendors, especially from outside the U.S., sell unregulated or counterfeit drugs that could be ineffective or dangerous
Because of these risks, the FDA advises against purchasing abortion pills from unverified online sources. Without a healthcare provider involved, managing complications, such as extreme bleeding or incomplete abortion, can become overwhelming and dangerous.
Get Answers Today
Accurate medical information is essential before making any pregnancy decision. At Choices Family Resource Center, we offer no-cost pregnancy tests and will determine whether you need an ultrasound. We also provide confidential support so you can learn about your pregnancy and your options in a safe, compassionate environment.
Make a no-cost appointment today—you don’t have to face this by yourself. We’re here to help you make an informed, confident decision.
*Choices Family Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.