While it’s possible to buy the abortion drugs online, this puts your health and safety in jeopardy, which is why the FDA advises against it.
Read on to learn more about the dangers of buying the abortion pill online and how to protect your health. Or, if you want to talk to someone about your pregnancy and learn more about your options, contact Pregnancy Center West to schedule a free, confidential appointment.
Dangers of Buying the Abortion Pill Online
The abortion drugs that you can buy online aren’t FDA-approved or regulated, which means that the source, potency, and safety of these drugs can’t be guaranteed.
When you take abortion drugs that you bought online, it’s easy to take too much or too little of the drugs inadvertently, leaving you vulnerable to experiencing an incomplete abortion (which is when parts of the pregnancy remain in your uterus) or an ongoing pregnancy, among other risks.
Is the Abortion Pill an Option for Me?
It’s never advised to buy the abortion pill online. However, if you’re considering obtaining abortion drugs from a reputable pharmacy, it’s essential to know that not every woman is eligible for these drugs.
If the following criteria apply to you, you aren’t eligible for the abortion pill:
- Are further than 10 weeks gestation (70 days from your missed period)
- 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.
If one or more of these situations apply to you and you take the abortion drugs, you are more likely to experience a potentially serious risk.
How Can I Protect My Health?
Getting an ultrasound is the most critical way to protect your health if you’re considering abortion.
Ultrasound is a simple scan that will give you the information you need to determine if you’re eligible for the abortion drugs, including:
- Pregnancy age: The abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under.
- Pregnancy location: Taking abortion drugs can be dangerous if you’re experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, which is a life-threatening emergency in which your pregnancy grows outside the uterus.
- Pregnancy viability: Roughly 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, and it’s possible to have miscarried without immediate signs.
At Pregnancy Center West, we offer free, limited ultrasounds because we want you to have the information you need to make an informed choice.
You’re Not Alone
It can be overwhelming to face an unplanned pregnancy. But you’re not alone in this. At Pregnancy Center West, we’re here for you.
We offer free pregnancy resources, services, and information to help you feel supported and empowered. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential appointment.
