Mail-order abortion—ordering abortion drugs online to be taken at home—may sound convenient, but it can pave the way for more risks in the long run. If you’re considering this option for your unexpected pregnancy, getting the facts and learning how to make an educated decision are essential steps.
La Luz Women’s Center doesn’t provide or refer for abortions. However, we’ll help you gather information on all your options as you move forward. Keep reading to learn three critical facts about mail-order abortion.
1. The FDA does not recommend ordering abortion drugs online.
The FDA does not recommend this abortion method because the drugs’ effectiveness and quality can’t be guaranteed. Purchasing abortion drugs online means bypassing safety standards designed to protect your health.
Additionally, as drugs purchased online often come from unregulated or overseas sources, there is no way to guarantee you are receiving the proper dosage or drug.
2. Taking abortion drugs poses specific side effects and health risks.
With a mail-order abortion, you may be unaware of the risks and side effects posed by abortion drugs. Knowing this information is essential to making a decision.
For example, taking abortion drugs causes abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. However, other side effects can occur, including:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Chills
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
Abortion drugs are associated with risks, which can be severe:
- Digestive symptoms (i.e., upset stomach)
- Fever
- Infection
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- An incomplete abortion (which occurs when pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus) which may require surgical treatment
If you’re unaware of these risks, you may not know what to look for if you’re experiencing complications. Body aches, a fast heart rate, and more can indicate a more serious problem requiring immediate medical treatment.
3. You need more information about your pregnancy and health history before deciding.
Often, you can order abortion drugs online after a single telehealth appointment. However, this doesn’t provide a complete picture of your pregnancy and health.
Only an ultrasound can offer the information needed to confirm your pregnancy. It’ll determine how far along you are, if the pregnancy is progressing, and where it’s located.
With these details, you can make a decision that considers your health. Not everyone can take abortion drugs, and an ultrasound will offer further insight.
For example, the FDA has approved abortion drugs (prescribed by a healthcare provider) through 10 weeks gestation. And the scan can detect certain conditions, including miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy, that require medical treatment.
It’s also crucial to discuss your medical history with a provider. They can review the side effects and risks and talk about your eligibility. You owe it to yourself to protect your health.
We’re Here For You
La Luz Women’s Center knows that making a pregnancy decision can be difficult. However, we’re here to provide factual information and resources on all your options.
If you’re considering abortion, we provide limited ultrasounds following a positive pregnancy test at our center. We also offer options education so you can carefully weigh parenting, adoption, and abortion.
Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment today, or call 505-620-3894 to get started.
La Luz Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
