Have you ever ordered something online only to discover it is nothing like the advertisement suggested? That is one problem with ordering abortion drugs online. You cannot be sure you’re receiving the right drugs. Learn more about why an online or at-home abortion isn’t safe.

Why Shouldn’t I Order the Drugs Online?

An online or at-home abortion is also known as a medical abortion. You may have heard it called the abortion pill method. The process involves taking two types of drugs (mifepristone and misoprostol) over a 24 to 48-hour period to terminate a pregnancy.

Mifepristone, the first drug taken in a medical abortion, is highly regulated by the FDA. Only certified healthcare providers can prescribe it.

You miss essential safeguards when you buy abortion pill drugs online. Some unregulated suppliers provide the abortion pill without proper oversight and could supply the wrong ingredients and incorrect dosages. That’s why the FDA discourages purchasing the drugs online.

What Are the At-Home Abortion Limitations?

The Mayo Clinic says you should not have a medical abortion for the following reasons:

• You are too far along in your pregnancy. The FDA approves this method only up to 10 weeks of pregnancy (70 days since the first day of your last menstrual period).The Mayo Clinic suggests not using medical abortion after eleven weeks.
• You have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place.
• Your pregnancy is developing outside of your uterus (this is known as an ectopic pregnancy).
• You have certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders, heart disease, an uncontrolled seizure disorder, etc.
• You currently take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines.
• You can’t reach a healthcare professional by phone or online or don’t have access to emergency care.
• You have an allergy to the medicine used.

What Should I Do Before an Abortion?

It’s essential to have an ultrasound before proceeding with an abortion. An ultrasound identifies the following:

• If your pregnancy is progressing (developing with a detectable heartbeat) or you have had a miscarriage. Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage.
• How far along you are in your pregnancy. The date is critical to know if you qualify for the abortion pill method.
• If your pregnancy is in the correct location. If it is outside the uterus, it could be a life-threatening health issue.

How Can Willowbrook Women’s Center Help Me?

Contact Willowbrook for a no-cost, confidential pregnancy test and ultrasound.

If your pregnancy test result is positive, a trained healthcare professional will perform a no-cost ultrasound, which will give you the answers you need. Find out if you also qualify for no-cost, confidential STD testing.

Fill out our online contact form to make an appointment for your no-cost pre-abortion screening. We have two convenient locations: St. Joseph and Cameron. Schedule your appointment now. We’re ready to help you.

Willowbrook Women’s Center does not perform or refer for abortions.

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