When faced with an unexpected pregnancy, some women choose to purchase abortion medications online. This method, an online or “at-home” abortion, consists of having a telehealth appointment and receiving the drugs in the mail.
Though this may seem like a convenient option, having an online abortion is dangerous and poses serious health risks. We’ll discuss why below.
An Unregulated Service
A medical abortion uses two medications to end a pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, and misoprostol causes uterine contractions and expels the pregnancy tissue.
If you have this procedure, you will experience abdominal bleeding and cramping. It’s crucial to look for signs of possible complications, including a worsening fever or severe bleeding.
With an online abortion, the medications can come from unregulated, overseas pharmacies. You may receive the incorrect dosages, drugs, or instructions. It’s often impossible to ensure your health isn’t being jeopardized.
Lack of Medical Oversight
Before any pregnancy decision, you should have an obstetric ultrasound and review options information. An ultrasound confirms your pregnancy’s viability, gestational age, and location, which are crucial details. And you further protect your health if the scan reveals you have a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, the latter of which always requires treatment.
Reviewing options information ensures you understand the risks of abortion, which include infection and incomplete abortion. You can also ask questions about parenting and adoption to determine which option is best.
As an online abortion often requires a single telehealth appointment, you won’t receive the medical care and answers you need. And you may not be eligible for a medical abortion, especially if you have any of the following:
- Certain health conditions (i.e., uncontrolled seizure disorder, kidney disease)
- A blood thinner or certain medicines
- An IUD (intrauterine device)
- A gestational age past ten weeks
- Lack of access to follow-up and emergency care
- Have an ectopic pregnancy
When you learn you’re pregnant, safeguarding your health is key.
No-Cost, Confidential Care
Crossroads Life Center offers no-cost, confidential services for clients with unplanned pregnancies. We supply the trustworthy information you need.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.