Can I Buy the Abortion Pill Online?

If you are unexpectedly pregnant, you might be searching for options to end your pregnancy. Obtaining an abortion online is appealing to some women because it is convenient and discreet. However, there are some reasons that purchasing the abortion pill online might not be a good idea.

FDA Regulations

The FDA warns against purchasing the abortion pill online. The FDA regulates medication to protect the health of Americans. Medication purchased online is not regulated by the FDA, so it is not reviewed for safety, quality, and efficacy. Obtaining the abortion pill online avoids safety measures that are in place to protect your health.

State Laws

After recent national law changes, each state now has the power to determine if abortion is legal within their state boundaries. Except in cases where the woman’s life is in danger, abortion is  banned in Missouri. This ban is over all elective abortions, including the abortion pill. 

Eligibility

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a woman should have a physical evaluation, including an ultrasound, before an abortion. 

An ultrasound gives you and your provider the information you need to determine if a medical abortion is safe for you. This information includes:

• Is the pregnancy viable? Since 10-20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, you should know if your pregnancy is continuing before taking the abortion pill. Some miscarriages need no treatment.
• How far along is the pregnancy? The abortion pill is only approved for use in pregnancies under 10 weeks. If your pregnancy is more advanced, the abortion pill is not considered to be a safe option.
• Where is the location of the pregnancy? An Ectopic pregnancy  is when a fertilized egg implants and grows somewhere other than inside the uterus. This  can cause life-threatening bleeding, if left untreated. Unless you have had an ultrasound to confirm the exact location of the pregnancy, you may be at risk for missing the warning signs as the side effects of the abortion pill can be similar to the signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy.  

Risks

Like every medical procedure, the abortion pill has risks. Without a visit from a trusted healthcare provider prior to obtaining the abortion pill, a woman may not be properly evaluated for her increased risks of the following complications:  

• Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

Without direct oversight from a trusted healthcare provider a woman that receives the abortion pill online will have to monitor herself for symptoms of these complications  and seek emergency medical attention  immediately if she develops any of the following symptoms:

• Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
• Severe abdominal or back pain
• Fever lasting more than 24 hours
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

It is recommended to have a follow up visit with your provider after a medical abortion to ensure proper healing, evaluate for any signs of infection, and confirm that there is not an incomplete abortion. By ordering the abortion pill online a woman may not seek the necessary follow up care from a trusted healthcare provider that is recommended for her health and safety.

Looking for Options? 

If you think you are pregnant and are unsure of your options, Liberty Women’s Clinic is here to help. Our services are available at no cost. Contact us to schedule a confidential appointment today.

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counseling and/or medical advice.