Is It Safe to Order Abortion Pills Online Without Going to a Clinic?

This is a frequent question among women in the Quad Cities region. While you can legally order abortion pills online, there are inherent risks involved. The DEA and FDA warn against buying drugs or medications from online providers due to a lack of safety measures. Abortion pills provided by online companies in the U.S., Mexico, or other countries have the risk of being laced with additional drugs, including fentanyl and other lethal drugs, or medications because there is little to no oversight.

No matter how convenient Zoom meetings and online ordering are, when it comes to reproductive health, abortion pills by mail are not a safe choice. We recommend an in-person medical consultation and an ultrasound before you decide. Your health and safety are our priority. While we do not provide or refer for abortion services, with a free medical consultation, you can be better informed on what can happen and who to contact if an emergency arises. 

Make an appointment today to confirm viability, know how far along you are, and talk to a nurse about abortion and your options. 

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How does the abortion pill work? What else do I need to know?

The abortion pill, an early pregnancy termination method, is typically a regimen of two different drugs, and it’s typically taken in two separate doses. 

The first drug blocks progesterone production in the woman’s body so the pregnancy stops progressing. The second drug works by inducing contractions to expel the contents of your uterus, putting your body into early labor. Reversal is possible if action is taken after the first dose if you change your mind and wish to continue your pregnancy. 

However, after both drugs have been taken, you can expect the following to occur:

• Bleeding, cramping, and contractions start between one and four hours after taking the second pill and can last several days to over a week or more.

• Heavy bleeding with blood clots for the next several hours.

• Heavy cramping for several hours.

• A low fever or chills that last about a day after taking the second pill. 

• Nausea and dizziness.

Other side effects and risks of a chemical abortion are:

• Incomplete abortion

• Large, life-threatening blood clots or continuous bleeding

• High fever and infection

• Diarrhea and digestive pain

• Vomiting

• Ulcers

• Severe pelvic pain

• Sepsis

• Rupturing of the uterus

• Other allergic reaction to the drug(s)

If you have an incomplete abortion, large blood clots, a fever over 103, or are experiencing allergic reactions to the medication, contact 911 immediately. In rare cases, it can be fatal. 

Can anyone take the abortion pill? 

The abortion pill isn’t an option if you:

• Are too far along in your pregnancy. Taking abortion pills when you are more than ten weeks pregnant can be dangerous. Abortion pills are also less effective over time. 

• Have an intrauterine device (IUD).

• Have a suspected pregnancy outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy). 

• Have certain medical conditions. These include bleeding disorders, particular heart or blood vessel diseases, severe liver, kidney, or lung disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.

• Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medications.

• Can’t make follow-up visits to your doctor or don’t have access to emergency care.

• Have an allergy to the drugs in the abortion pill regimen.

If you’re still not sure if you should take the abortion pill, book a cost-free ultrasound scan today. 

What’s next?

Your health and safety are our priority. Make an appointment today to learn more about the types of abortion by trimester, determine how far along you are, and talk to our staff about your abortion and your pregnancy options. All our services are offered at no cost to you.

References: 

American Pregnancy Association. (2023b, July 3). American Pregnancy Association - Promoting Pregnancy Wellness. https://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/abortion-pill/ 

Medical abortion - Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687

Research, C. F. D. E. A. (2023). Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. U.S. Food And Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information