An online abortion, also known as an “at-home abortion,” involves ordering the abortion pills online and taking them at home. However, this puts your safety at risk, and the FDA advises against it.
The abortion drugs that you can find online fall outside the U.S. supply chain, and they aren’t FDA-approved. This means that the FDA can’t guarantee the source, quality, or effectiveness of these drugs.
If you’re considering taking abortion drugs, it’s critical to learn all you can to protect your health. This article will discuss the risks and eligibility factors of abortion drugs.
But if you’re looking for more information about all of your pregnancy options, contact Cornerstone Women’s Resource Center to schedule a free, confidential appointment.
What Are the Risks of the Abortion Drugs?
The abortion pill is actually a combination of two different powerful drugs that work together to terminate and expel the pregnancy from your uterus and out through your vagina.
Even if you seek the FDA-approved abortion drugs that you can find in a clinic or pharmacy, you will still take them at home without the guidance of a physician.
After taking the abortion drugs, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. Some women report that the pain is excruciating and beyond what they expected.
You might also experience a risk, which can include:
- Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Am I Eligible for the Abortion Drugs?
The abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under. If your pregnancy is further along, you are more likely to experience a risk.
Furthermore, if any of the following applies to you, you are ineligible for the abortion drugs:
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place
- Have a suspected ectopic pregnancy, a life-threatening situation in which the pregnancy develops outside the uterus
- Have certain medical conditions, including bleeding disorders, certain heart or blood vessel diseases, severe liver, kidney, or lung disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder
- Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines
- Can’t make follow-up visits to your provider or don’t have access to emergency care
- Have an allergy to the medicine used
Get the Information You Need to Protect Your Health
Did you know that getting an ultrasound is the number one way to protect your health before making any pregnancy decision? This scan will tell you your pregnancy’s gestational age, location, and viability—all essential details you need to know.
At Cornerstone Women’s Resource Center, we offer free, limited ultrasounds and other services and resources to give you what you need to make an informed decision and stay safe.
You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you. Contact us today.