31 Oct Can I Buy the Abortion Pill Online?
Does the thought of walking into an abortion clinic sound a bit daunting? Maybe you are afraid that someone will see you walk inside. Or maybe you don’t want to go through all the medical procedures of an abortion in a cold, sterile environment.
But, in spite of your fear of abortion, your fear of parenting at this juncture of your life is even stronger.
So, you are considering an at-home abortion with pills you order yourself. No doctors, no hassle.
But is it safe?
Here are three things you need to know before you order the pill online.
1. The Abortion Pill Has Risks No Matter Where You Get It
Whether you order the abortion pill online or get it from a medical professional, you should know it can have a negative effect on your health. The pill series, which can cost upwards of $800, is a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol taken over several days. After the pill goes into effect, your body will essentially go into labor and expel the contents of your uterus.
Some of the common risks include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Cramping and nausea
- Infection
- Fever
The additional risk of ordering it yourself is that you do not have a medical professional monitoring your health during the process. If something goes wrong, you are on your own. You also can’t verify the drug’s quality and sourcing since online pills are usually not approved by the FDA.
2. It Is Never Safe To Take Your Medical Needs Into Your Own Hands
Your body is unique. Your pregnancy is unique. So your medical needs may be different than someone else who successfully used the abortion pill.
Your body may have a reaction to the pills. You could be further along in pregnancy than you realize. The abortion pill could have a negative interaction with other medications or supplements you take. Your use of an IUD for birth control might cause serious complications.
The abortion pill is an extremely strong drug. You just don’t know it is safe for you unless you talk to a doctor first.
3. The FDA Has Strong Opinions About It
Obtaining the abortion pill is not like just buying a bottle of Tylenol. It is so powerful that the FDA has created a lot of regulations surrounding it.
According to the FDA, “Mifeprex may only be dispensed in clinics, medical offices, and hospitals by or under the supervision of a certified healthcare provider.”
This is partially because the abortion pill should only be taken within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy to avoid increased health risks. A medical professional can ensure that you are in the correct gestational period for the pill and monitor your health during and after the drug series is given.
The FDA also explains that pills ordered from other sources besides healthcare providers might not be what they claim, thus unsafe. Pills sourced from third parties may include incorrect or contaminated ingredients, may be expired, or altogether fake.
“Mifeprex has special safety restrictions…drugs purchased from foreign Internet sources are not the FDA-approved versions of the drugs, and they are not subject to FDA-regulated manufacturing controls or FDA inspection of manufacturing facilities,” the FDA explains.
The FDA also explains that pills ordered from other sources besides healthcare providers might not be what they claim, thus unsafe. Pills sourced from third parties may include incorrect or contaminated ingredients, may be expired, or altogether fake.
“Mifeprex has special safety restrictions…drugs purchased from foreign Internet sources are not the FDA-approved versions of the drugs, and they are not subject to FDA-regulated manufacturing controls or FDA inspection of manufacturing facilities,” the FDA explains.
Where Can You Learn More?
You can receive a free ultrasound at our clinic to confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy. Our knowledgeable staff can also answer any questions you may have. They can also talk to you about all of your options. Call today to schedule your confidential consultation.