Getting a medication abortion prescribed after a telehealth appointment can seem convenient and private, but there are some disadvantages worth considering, such as skipping vital health screenings.
Read the rest of this article to learn about the medication abortion process, if you’re eligible, and what steps to take to protect your health.
Ordering Online Skips Important Health Screenings
A medication abortion, also called an abortion pill, can be used to terminate a pregnancy that is no more than 10 weeks (70 days) gestation.
If you choose to get the abortion medication after a telehealth appointment, know that you do so without an ultrasound. This important scan confirms the age of the pregnancy and can verify the viability of the pregnancy as well (up to 20% of known pregnancies end in natural miscarriage).
It’s also important to eliminate the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy (located outside of the womb). These are dangerous and can be life-threatening to the mother.
You May Not Qualify for the Abortion Pill
You are not eligible for a medication abortion if you have an ectopic pregnancy. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of these conditions may disqualify you from using the abortion pill:
Your pregnancy is too far along
You have an intrauterine device (IUD)
Certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders, certain heart or blood vessel diseases, uncontrolled seizures, etc.
Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medications
Can’t make follow-up visits to your doctor
The Abortion Pill Comes with Risks
The Mayo Clinic lists the following possible risks of medical abortion:
An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn't work
Heavy and prolonged bleeding
Infection
Fever
Digestive system discomfort
It also comes with the possibility of an incomplete abortion, which would require a surgical intervention.
Next Steps
The first step is scheduling an ultrasound to gain the clarity you need to make an informed decision.
To confirm the date of your pregnancy, determine your eligibility for a medication abortion, and confirm the viability of the pregnancy, schedule a no-cost ultrasound at our clinic.
We are here to provide a safe, confidential environment for you to ask questions and learn about local resources. Contact us today!