Can I Buy the Abortion Pill Online?

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you’re likely feeling scared, overwhelmed, and uncertain about your future. Whatever you’re feeling, this is understandable, but learning all you can to protect your health is essential.

This article will highlight what you need to know about the abortion pill and the implications of buying it online. But if you’re looking for a safe space to talk about your pregnancy and learn more about your options, contact Options Pregnancy Resources today to schedule a free, confidential appointment.

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

The abortion pill is actually a series of two powerful drugs.

The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone. Without this essential hormone, your uterine lining will loosen and shed, causing the fetus and associated tissue to detach and end your pregnancy.

The second drug, misoprostol, causes uterine contractions, which expel the fetus from your uterus and out through your vagina.

Can I Get the Abortion Drugs Online?

While you can technically buy abortion drugs online without a doctor’s visit, the FDA warns against doing so. When you buy these drugs online, they aren’t FDA-approved, which means that the FDA can’t guarantee their source, quality, or effectiveness. (This doesn’t apply to the abortion drugs you can receive after a telehealth appointment.)

Online abortion drugs that don’t come from an online pharmacy but are purchased independently fall outside the US supply chain and come from different countries. This makes it impossible to know what drugs you’re actually receiving, whether they’ll work, and if they’re safe.

What Are the Risks of the Abortion Drugs?

The FDA-approved abortion drugs that you can purchase from a clinic or pharmacy come with risks to your physical health. Risks are rare but can include:

Incomplete abortion, which is when fetal tissue remains in your uterus
Heavy and prolonged bleeding
Infection
Fever
Digestive system discomfort

When you purchase abortion drugs online, there may be additional risks. You can’t confirm these drugs are mifepristone or misoprostol, and you’d take them without medical supervision.

You should always know the risks and side effects of a medical protocol or procedure. Taking these drugs can jeopardize your health.

An “online abortion” can create more questions than answers. Remember, you deserve to be properly informed.

How Can I Protect My Health?

Getting an ultrasound is the number one way to protect your health before making any pregnancy decision.

An ultrasound is a scan that will give you essential information about your pregnancy, including gestational age. This is critical to know before seeking abortion drugs since they are only FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation (and if you’re further along and take the drugs, you’re more likely to experience a risk).

At Options Pregnancy Resources, we offer free and confidential services to help you make an informed, safe decision. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.