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Can I Buy The Abortion Pill Online?

Understanding if you’re eligible for the abortion pill can be confusing. We know the rush of emotions you could be feeling about an unexpected pregnancy - but you aren’t alone.

Be informed and understand your options to make a confident pregnancy decision. Here’s what you need to know about the abortion pill and if you can get it online.

Eligibility for the Abortion Pill

First, you should know that the abortion pill is typically only recommended for women who are up to 10 weeks pregnant. Otherwise, surgical abortion would be another possible abortion option. Schedule a free ultrasound to confirm how far along you are to move forward.

While it’s legal for women to order the abortion pill online in Virginia and many states, other states restrict it. The clinician providing a medical abortion is required to physically be present when the medication is administered in 19 states.1 This would restrict the use of telemedicine to prescribe medication for abortion. Some see these restrictions as an important safeguard to prevent complications of obtaining the abortion pill online without any in-person medical care.

What are the Risks of Ordering Online?

Many women have reservations about ordering the abortion pill online, as its safety, has been a topic of debate. Remember that many online vendors will sell the abortion pill, but they may not actually have a local office or medical professionals available to provide follow-up care. Make sure you take the time to find a quality medical clinic in our area that’s interested in your long-term health like Metro Women’s Care. Here are common risks of ordering the abortion pill online:

• No direct oversight of a doctor
• Removes protection of in-person medical assessments
• Accidentally taking the abortion pill after 10 weeks in pregnancy if no ultrasound has been performed to confirm how far along you are (increases risk of complications)
• Accidentally taking the wrong dose at home (could lead to incomplete abortion)
• Delayed access to a physical doctor if complications arise
• Increased likelihood of emergency room visit with any complications

How does the Abortion Pill Work?

The abortion pill, also called medication abortion, terminates pregnancy through two different drugs: Mifepristone and Misoprostol. The first pill blocks an important pregnancy hormone, progesterone, preventing the growth of a developing baby. Then, Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.

The Potential Risks of the Abortion Pill

While abortion may feel like a quick fix for an unexpected pregnancy, the emotional and physical effects are real. Here are some common risks to consider before taking the abortion pill 2...

• Infection
• Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
• An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn't work
• Digestive system discomfort
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Fever
• Negative emotional impact of completing abortion alone at home

While taking the abortion pill may seem easier than a surgical procedure, some researchers estimate that the likelihood of an emergency room visit following an abortion is actually nearly four times higher following medication or chemical abortion versus surgical abortion.

Our medical team can help you think through all the information relevant to your personal health as you consider the abortion pill.

Free Pre-Abortion Consultation

Schedule a free appointment at Metro Women’s Care to know if you qualify for the abortion pill. We offer same-day appointments to get you started right away. Learn more from a compassionate medical professional by making an appointment today.

1 “Medication Abortion.” Guttmacher Institute, https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/medication-abortion.

2 “Medical Abortion.” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687.