What Are the Risks of Ordering the Abortion Pill Online?

If you’re considering ordering the abortion pill online, you’re probably looking for privacy or maybe just a way to avoid an appointment altogether. Before deciding what’s next, it’s important to have the full picture so you can make an informed decision with your health in mind.

At First Care, we provide free, confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and STI testing. These services can help you learn more about your health and pregnancy before making a decision. Reach out to schedule an appointment today. Same-day appointments are available.

Here’s what you should know about ordering the abortion pill online.

Risk #1: You May Not Know Critical Information About Your Pregnancy

A positive pregnancy test confirms the presence of the pregnancy hormone hCG, but it cannot tell you how far along you are or provide additional information about your pregnancy.

An ultrasound can confirm an intrauterine pregnancy, estimate gestational age, and check for fetal cardiac activity. This information can affect your medical care and may influence the options available to you.

Understanding your pregnancy before making a decision can help you move forward with information specific to you, rather than relying on general information online.

Risk #2: Not Every Online Source Is Trustworthy

The internet makes it easy to purchase anything, but not every website follows the same standards. Some online sellers operate outside established regulatory safeguards, making it difficult to verify a drug’s source, dosage, labeling, purity, or contents.

The FDA also warns against purchasing mifepristone from unapproved online sellers, as doing so may bypass safeguards designed to protect women’s health.

If you have questions about the abortion pill or your pregnancy, seek medically accurate information from a qualified healthcare provider rather than relying on online information alone.

Risk #3: You May Still Need Medical Care After Taking the Abortion Pill

Ordering the abortion pill online doesn’t eliminate the possibility of needing medical care afterward.

Medical abortion often involves heavy vaginal bleeding and cramping as the pregnancy passes. In some cases, the pregnancy may not pass completely, requiring medical care. Severe abdominal pain, very heavy bleeding, fever, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge are warning signs that require prompt medical attention.

Learn More at First Care

Receiving the abortion pill by mail doesn’t replace access to medical care or personalized information about your pregnancy. Before making a decision, consider scheduling an appointment with First Care. We offer medically accurate information and options counseling so you can learn more about your pregnancy and consider your next steps. All of our services are free and confidential.

Schedule a visit to First Care today.

First Care does not provide or refer for abortions.