If you’re considering the abortion pill, you might be wondering whether it’s possible to purchase it online. While some websites do sell it, there are serious health and safety concerns you should be aware of before making that decision.
The FDA warns against buying the abortion pill online due to significant risks, including counterfeit drugs, incorrect dosages, and the lack of medical oversight. Taking any medication without proper medical guidance can put your health at serious risk.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, consists of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, the hormone needed to sustain pregnancy, while misoprostol causes uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy.
The abortion pill is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks gestation (how far along you are), and even within that timeframe, there are medical conditions and factors that may make it unsafe for certain women.
Why Ordering Online is Risky
Counterfeit or Unsafe Medications
Not all online sources are legitimate pharmacies regulated by the FDA, meaning the pills you receive may not be what they claim to be. Some counterfeit drugs contain incorrect or harmful ingredients, making them ineffective or even dangerous. Without a trusted medical provider, there’s no way to verify the quality or safety of the medication.
Incorrect Dosage & Serious Complications
The abortion pill requires specific dosages taken in the correct sequence. There’s a high risk of taking the wrong dose or using the drugs incorrectly, which can lead to incomplete abortion, excessive bleeding, severe cramping, or other serious health complications. Managing this process on your own can put you in dangerous, unpredictable situations without the medical care you may need.
No Medical Oversight
Before taking the abortion pill, it’s crucial to confirm key details about your pregnancy. An ultrasound is the only way to determine:
- Gestational age (how far along you are, which determines your options)
- Pregnancy location (to rule out an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening)
- Viability (whether the pregnancy is progressing or has already ended in miscarriage)
Certain health conditions, such as having an IUD, blood disorders, or allergies to the medications, can make the abortion pill not an option. Without knowing these crucial facts, you won’t know whether the abortion pill is medically appropriate for you.
Get Answers & Support First
Before making any decisions, getting key details about your pregnancy is vital to protect your health. Life Options Clinic provides no-cost pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STI testing, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Your health and safety matter. Schedule your no-cost appointment today to get the information and support you need in a safe, judgment-free environment.