Taking medical abortion drugs is a significant decision that requires an understanding of the potential risks and side effects. There are additional risks you should consider if you are leaning toward purchasing these drugs online.
La Luz Women’s Center equips you with the facts to make an empowered choice. Our no-cost, confidential services ensure you have the information to navigate an unplanned pregnancy.
Make an appointment to learn more. In the meantime, you can keep reading to learn more about the potential risks of an “online abortion.”
What to Know About the Abortion Pill
The “abortion pill” refers to multiple drugs that are taken to terminate a pregnancy. You will often hear this method called a medical abortion.
First, mifepristone is taken. This drug blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for the pregnancy’s growth and development. Without progesterone, the uterine lining thins, and the pregnancy detaches and ends.
Next, misoprostol is taken, which causes the uterus to contract. These contractions expel the pregnancy and related tissue from your body.
Women who take these drugs will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. The drugs can also cause the following side effects:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Chills
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
How an Online Abortion Introduces Additional Risks
When you purchase abortion drugs online, you may be able to order them after a single telehealth appointment. They’ll be delivered to your door, and you’ll take them without medical supervision.
This method poses additional risks to your health and safety. First, know that the FDA does not recommend buying abortion drugs online because they cannot guarantee the quality and safety of these drugs. Doing so avoids safety standards designed to protect you.
Additionally, you would likely receive these drugs from unregulated or overseas pharmacies. This means you can’t verify whether you’ve received the correct dosage, instructions, or even type of drug.
You Need More Information Before Deciding
Without an ultrasound to confirm key pregnancy details and a discussion with your healthcare provider, you won’t have the information needed to make an educated choice.
An ultrasound confirms that your pregnancy is viable (progressing and has a heartbeat), as well as your location and how far along you are.
The FDA does not recommend taking medical abortion drugs past 10 weeks gestation. If you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy (and in some cases, if you’ve miscarried), you will need medical treatment to protect your health.
Speaking to a healthcare provider about your medical history, potential risks, and eligibility for this procedure will help you make a confident decision. Your provider can tell you whether you have certain factors (like taking certain steroid medicines or having conditions like anemia) preventing you from taking abortion drugs.
You deserve accurate information before making a pregnancy decision—your well-being matters.
No-Cost, Confidential Information
La Luz Women’s Center provides limited ultrasounds with a positive pregnancy test at our center. This scan will confirm your pregnancy is located in the uterus, there is cardiac activity, and your gestational age (how far along you are).
We’ll also discuss the risks and side effects of abortion procedures. You can ask questions in a safe, confidential environment.
Schedule a no-cost appointment today to confirm your pregnancy and learn your options. We’ll help you find answers.
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.
