In today’s fast-paced world, our lives are marked by convenience. We can order just about everything online and have it on our doorstep in a matter of days or even hours. Online shopping and delivery has become a habit for most people. When it comes to medications as serious as the abortion pill, however, it’s worth slowing down and taking extra time before ordering online. Here are some of the risks of ordering the abortion pill online.
Risks of Ordering the Abortion Pill Online
1. The abortion pill may arrive too late
If you’re considering the abortion pill to end your pregnancy, knowing how far along you are is critical.
FDA guidelines stipulate that the abortion pill (also called medication abortion) should only be taken during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Taking it after 10 weeks can cause health problems for you.
When you order the abortion pill online, you skip the important and necessary step of confirming how far along your pregnancy is. An ultrasound can precisely date your pregnancy so you can know for sure whether or not you’re eligible for the abortion pill.
2. Your pregnancy may be ectopic
This is related to the first point, but it’s worth highlighting.
Ectopic pregnancies are located outside the uterus and are nonviable. They also pose serious health risks for you and your ability to get pregnant in the future.
Without seeing a medical professional and getting an ultrasound, you won’t know where your pregnancy is located.
The abortion pill won’t end an ectopic pregnancy, and if the pregnancy continues, the risk to your health increases.
3. The abortion pill dosage may not be correct
The availability of the abortion pill online is new and many of the sites claiming to sell the abortion pill may not be reputable.
The FDA has guidelines for dosages and when and how the medication should be taken. When you order from an unknown website, you run the risk of getting unapproved dosages or drugs and compromising your health.
Before Ordering the Abortion Pill Online
Before you add the abortion pill to your cart, take some time to learn more about your pregnancy so you can avoid the risks listed above.
First, confirm your pregnancy with a pregnancy test and ultrasound. Doing so will give you accurate information about how far along you are and where the pregnancy is located so you can make a fully-educated decision about your pregnancy.
Next, make sure you understand all the risks involved with the abortion pill and explore other options. Many women feel pressured to abort because they aren’t aware of all the resources and support available. We can help you explore those options so you can make a fully-informed choice.
Finally, take the time you need to make this decision. Don’t rush into it, and don’t assume that because ordering the abortion pill online is easy that it’s the safest decision.
If you need help processing your options or would like to schedule a free ultrasound, contact us today! We’re here for you as you navigate next steps.