Ordering an abortion pill online might seem like a simple and convenient solution for an unexpected pregnancy. However, this method carries both mental and physical risks that should be considered.
Since an in-person medical examination is not included before getting prescribed abortion drugs online, this process bypasses safety measures, including an ultrasound. Women may have the abortion pill shipped to their homes without first knowing if they have existing conditions that could put them at risk.
Contact Mercy Women’s Center for a free, confidential appointment. We do not perform or refer for abortions, but provide free pregnancy services, such as an ultrasound referral, which can help you protect your health and safety.
Understand Your Options with an Ultrasound
An ultrasound provides crucial details about your pregnancy, including:
- Gestational age: The abortion pill is only FDA-approved through 10 weeks of gestational age, so knowing how far along you are affects your eligibility.
- Location: If the pregnancy is located outside the uterus, it is an ectopic pregnancy. It is a non-viable pregnancy that can lead to life-threatening bleeding.
- Viability: Up to 1 in 4 pregnancies end in natural miscarriage. An ultrasound can tell you whether or not your pregnancy is still progressing or if you may require medical treatment for a miscarriage.
An ectopic pregnancy can be especially dangerous if it goes undetected, as the abortion pills will cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding and make it seem like you had an abortion when in reality the ectopic pregnancy is continuing to grow.
Another risk to ordering the abortion pill without any in-person exam from a medical professional includes skipping STD testing. If you have an abortion with an untreated STD, this can cause a condition called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Ensure you take care of your reproductive health. Doing your due diligence can help you find and treat serious conditions without delay.
Schedule an Appointment
Prioritizing your health can protect you from serious complications. At our center, we provide free pregnancy testing, ultrasound referrals, and other services in a safe environment.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!