What Are the Risks of Ordering the Abortion Pill Online?

At first glance, an at-home abortion using the abortion pill may seem like a simple solution to a very private situation. However, a closer look shows that taking the abortion pill without in-person health screening can involve significant risks.

Keep reading to learn more about recommended tests to take before getting the abortion pill.

Important Pre-Abortion Health Screenings

While telehealth makes healthcare more accessible, in the case of prescribing the abortion pill, it forfeits the benefits of an in-person exam, including an ultrasound as well as a positive pregnancy test. 

An ultrasound helps confirm how far along the pregnancy is and can identify serious conditions, such as an ectopic pregnancy. This means that the pregnancy is growing outside of the uterus and requires medical care other than an elective abortion.

Before taking the abortion pill, here are other factors to consider: 

• Your pregnancy is later than 10 weeks of gestational age (an ultrasound can verify the gestational age)

• You have an intrauterine device (IUD)

• Certain medical conditions, such as anemia, heart or blood vessel diseases, uncontrolled seizures, and more

• Take a blood thinner or specific steroid medications

• An untreated sexually transmitted infection

  
  

A factor to consider also includes your access to an in-person follow-up visit after the abortion or in the event of a medical emergency.

Next Steps

At Positive Options, we offer no-cost medical services for women facing unplanned pregnancies, including pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and nurse consultations.

While we do not provide abortion referrals, we do offer medically accurate, evidence-based information about the abortion process. We are available to answer questions about all of your options in a caring, compassionate environment.

You deserve to make a confident, informed decision: one grounded in facts and that includes an understanding of potential risks. Contact us today to learn more!