If you have heard about the abortion pill, you are most likely aware that this form of abortion uses two drugs to end a pregnancy. 

To receive the drugs before the pandemic, abortion providers required women to visit an abortion clinic. They were given a pregnancy test and an ultrasound to verify how far along they were (if there was confusion). The provider reviewed a woman’s health history and the current drugs she was taking.

Since the pandemic, abortion providers have removed those safeguards, allowing women to order pills online without in-person oversight. Is it safe? No, and here are the reasons why.

Why Shouldn’t I Order the Drugs Online? 

The FDA does not recommend buying the first drug in the abortion pill regimen online. This drug, mifepristone, is highly regulated. Only certified providers can prescribe it. 

There are many sites online offering cheaper abortion drugs, but often these sites are overseas companies. You bypass essential safeguards when you buy abortion drugs online. 

It’s vital to have the correct quality and dosage for the drug to be successful. Plus, you risk your health and safety.

Why Aren’t At-Home Abortions Safe?

Having an abortion is a serious medical decision. There are limitations to how and when you can have one. Without proper oversight, you wonder if you should seek emergency care if something goes wrong. 

The Mayo Clinic lists the following limitations for using the abortion pill method:

• You are too far along in your pregnancy. The FDA approves this method only through 10 weeks of pregnancy. Knowing exactly how far along you are is vital, which is why it’s essential to have an ultrasound.
• You have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place. 
• Your pregnancy is developing outside of your uterus (this is known as an ectopic pregnancy). An ultrasound determines a pregnancy’s location. If it’s not in the uterus, it can be extremely dangerous.
• Don’t use this method if you have certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders, heart disease, uncontrolled seizure disorders, etc.
• If you take a blood thinner, these abortion drugs are not an option.
• If you can’t make a follow-up visit to verify the abortion was complete, or you don’t have access to emergency care.
• You take any of the following medicines.

What Should I Do?

It is crucial to learn about abortion procedures, side effects, certain limitations, and the physical and emotional risks. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can give you factual, evidence-based medical information.

You Medical offers no-cost, confidential pregnancy testing. Our tests are medical-grade and highly accurate, and a licensed medical staff member administers them so you can be sure you’re getting accurate results.

You Medical provides a no-cost limited OB ultrasound if your pregnancy test is positive. You’ll learn how far along you are, the location of your pregnancy, and if it’s developing or you have miscarried.

Don’t order the abortion pill drugs or attempt to perform an at-home abortion before you get all the facts. Risks such as incomplete abortion, heavy and prolonged bleeding, and infection are possible.

Talk with us first. Visit during regular hours, text 313131, or call our after-hours helpline at 1-800-712-4357 or go here to make an appointment. At You Medical, you are our priority.

You Medical does not provide or refer for abortions.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.