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You can order just about anything online these days. When it comes to reproductive health, a DIY abortion may sound like an affordable, easy option to end an unexpected pregnancy. If you are pregnant and are in your first trimester, you may feel the need to make a decision right away. We understand and are here for you. Although there is a lot to process and you may feel rushed, taking a few days and researching your options will bring much-needed clarity and peace.
If you are considering the abortion pill, we can help answer some of the most commonly asked questions about DIY abortions, ordering the abortion pill online, and at-home abortions. Before we dive into answers about abortion pill access outside of an abortion clinic or your doctor’s office, let’s talk about what the abortion pill is and how it works.
How the Abortion Pill Works
The abortion pill, also known as a medication abortion, chemical abortion, or medical abortion, is two drugs that work together to end a pregnancy.
The first pill blocks the hormone Progesterone, cutting off the blood and nutrients to a developing embryo. The second pill, taken within 72 hours of the first, causes labor-like contractions that eventually expel the embryo or fetus from your uterus.
>> Things to Note: The abortion pill is 94-98% effective in most cases. Sometimes antibiotics are also needed in the event of an infection. Reversal is possible if action is taken after the first pill. Before considering taking the abortion pill, you will need to rule out certain health conditions that can be life-threatening.
FAQS on The Abortion Pill and Telemedicine in 2021
Can I buy the abortion pill online? Since 2020, women have been able to order the abortion pill online without an appointment without seeing a doctor, but a recent Supreme Court ruling deemed it could be unsafe for a woman's health. For your safety, it's best that you have an ultrasound performed before a medication abortion. Although some abortion clinics offer video appointments, an ultrasound is the only way to confirm a pregnancy and how far along you are. Taking the abortion pill when you are too far along or have certain medical conditions may cause serious health problems.
Is an at-home abortion safe? The abortion pill comes with a black box label, which is the highest level of caution assigned by the FDA. Taking the abortion pill without seeing a doctor or having an ultrasound is never recommended. The side effects range from unpleasant (cramping, bleeding, nausea, headache, fever) to life-threatening (sepsis, rupturing of the uterus, undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy, and more).
Can herbs or home remedies safely induce an abortion? Home remedies, self-induced or self-managed abortions come at an even greater risk. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 50,000 women die every year from unsafe abortions, with one in four left with ongoing medical conditions. Risks include infection, hemorrhaging, internal and external scaring, toxicity, contamination, and incomplete abortion.
What If I take the abortion pill and then regret it. What can I do? The abortion process can often be reversed if you have only taken the first dose. If you regret taking the pill, contact the Abortion Pill Reversal network immediately. They will discreetly connect you with a network of doctors and health professionals that can start the reversal process.
Why should I get an ultrasound if I've already bought the abortion pill? There are five primary reasons you need to get an ultrasound before you proceed with any abortion.
Confirm the pregnancy. A home pregnancy test is an indicator of pregnancy, not a confirmation.
Ensure the pregnancy is occurring in the uterus and is not ectopic. An unchecked ectopic pregnancy is life-threatening to the mother.
Determine if the pregnancy is viable (if the fetus is alive by evidence of a measurable heartbeat) or a miscarriage has already occurred.
Identify how far along you are in the pregnancy and if you qualify for the abortion pill. Taking the abortion pill too late might put your health at serious risk.
Learn if it is single pregnancy or if you are expecting twins or triplets. This information changes your pregnancy options and should be discussed with a doctor or nurse.
Your Next Steps
If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, we’ve got your back. Make an appointment today to confirm your pregnancy, viability, and find out how far along you are.
We do not profit from your decision and all our pregnancy services are confidential and free of charge. We provide services, resources, and assistance in a judgment-free place. Please note that we provide evidence-based information on abortion and your pregnancy options, we do not provide or refer for terminations or the abortion pill.
Sources: ACOG