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If you are facing an unintended pregnancy and considering ordering pills online for an at-home abortion, you may find this information helpful as you consider your future and your options.
The future always holds a lot of unknowns and unknowns can be scary. But a decision about your unintended pregnancy is a big decision. BIG decisions deserve thoughtful consideration and accurate information, so that you can make a decision you are confident with.
Taking time to research and consider your [options], to learn more about potential risks and side effects, and to have the support of medical professionals to answer questions is an investment worthy of your time and it may prevent future regret.
What Is an Online Abortion?
A simple definition for ‘Online Abortion’ is when abortion pills are ordered online from a third-party source and delivered to the privacy of your home. These pills are self-administered. Typically, these events take place without a physical exam, medical ultrasound, visit with a medical provider, or a prescription from a licensed medical provider.
Caution
One fact to be aware of is that most often pills purchased online are not subject to FDA regulations and therefore may pose a risk to your health and safety. The lack of regulatory oversight creates a very real risk for pills that may be contaminated, expired or simply fake. Because of this, the FDA strongly recommends avoiding the purchase of abortion pills online from third-party vendors. The FDA also warns against personally transporting pills from a foreign country.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The FDA has approved a process where Mifepristone is taken first. Mifepristone is a hormone blocker, and it is designed to block progesterone from entering cells. In the absence of progesterone, the fetus no longer receives the necessary nutrients.
The second drug taken is Misoprostol. This drug was designed for use in preventing stomach ulcers for patients taking NASIDs. In addition to protecting the stomach lining, Misoprostol also triggers uterine cramping and bleeding, similar to contractions. This drug is used to basically “start labor,” resulting in your pregnancy being expelled.
This will take several hours or days, and usually creates heavy painful cramping, and bleeding.
What Are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?
Regardless of where you obtain the abortion pill, there are risks.
Some of the risks according to the FDA include:
- Heavy Bleeding. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you bleed enough to soak through two thick full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours or if you are concerned about heavy bleeding. In about 1 out of 100 women, bleeding can be so heavy that it requires a surgical procedure (surgical aspiration or D&C).
- Abdominal Pain or “Feeling Sick.” If you have abdominal pain or discomfort, or you are “feeling sick,” including weakness, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, with or without fever, more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol, you should contact your healthcare provider without delay. These symptoms may be a sign of a serious infection or another problem (including an ectopic pregnancy, a pregnancy outside the womb).
- Fever. In the days after treatment, if you have a fever of 100.4°F or higher that lasts for more than 4 hours, you should contact your healthcare provider right away. Fever may be a symptom of a serious infection or another problem.
What if I took the Abortion Pill and Changed My Mind?
If you have already taken the abortion pill and changed your mind, it may not be too late and you may be able to reverse the effects of Mifepristone before the pregnancy is terminated.
Studies have found a 68 percent success rate with women who received progesterone within 72 hours of taking Mifepriston.
If you are having second thoughts and wish to reverse your abortion, do not wait. Call the Abortion Pill Reversal Network immediately to get connected to a doctor near you who can provide progesterone pills or shots.
Where Can I Learn More?
If you are feeling overwhelmed by an unintended pregnancy, we are here to help. Getting accurate medical information about your health and educating yourself on options can reduce your stress while empowering you to make a choice that’s best for you.
