Have you recently discovered you are unexpectedly pregnant? Your mind starts racing, trying to determine what to do next.
You may have heard about ordering the abortion pill online, but ordering drugs online may not be safe. Plus, there’s a specific timeframe for when you can use the abortion pill method, and you may no longer be pregnant.
Get the facts at The Center for Women first.
I May Not Be Pregnant?
Home pregnancy tests are reliable, but they only indicate the possibility of pregnancy. Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. That is more than one out of every four pregnancies. An ultrasound reveals if you have miscarried.
Because it takes your body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels, it is possible to get a positive pregnancy test result days or even weeks after a miscarriage. Most pregnancies usually pass on their own if you have miscarried early. Watch for vaginal bleeding and pain in your stomach.
Why Would I Not Be Eligible for a Mail-Order Abortion?
A mail-order abortion is also referred to as a medical abortion or the abortion pill. This method uses two drugs to terminate a pregnancy. The first drug, mifepristone, is highly regulated by the FDA.
To protect your health, the FDA approves the drug to end a pregnancy through ten weeks of gestation only (70 days or less from the first day of a patient’s last menstrual period). Gestation means how long you have been pregnant.
Other medical professionals warn against using it beyond nine weeks (56 days). As you can see, knowing how far along you are in your pregnancy is vital. They also recommend not using the drug for these other reasons:
- You have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place
- You have an ectopic pregnancy
- You have certain medical conditions, including bleeding disorders
- You can’t make a follow-up visit to an abortion provider or don’t have access to emergency care
An ultrasound determines how far along you are in your pregnancy and if it’s ectopic.
Why Isn’t It Safe to Order the Abortion Drugs Online?
Only certified healthcare providers are approved to distribute the first drug, mifepristone. Unfortunately, there are unregulated “mail-order abortion providers” trying to sell you drugs.
Many online drug companies are not legitimate. Buying drugs from an uncertified provider means you may not get the correct drugs or the correct dosage. You also don’t have the oversight of a healthcare provider, so if something goes wrong, who do you call?
How Can I Get the Information I Need?
Getting an ultrasound is your first step. An ultrasound reveals how far along you are, the location of your pregnancy, and if it is growing or if you have miscarried. We provide free limited ultrasounds at The Center for Women.
Be safe. Make an appointment online for a free pregnancy test and an ultrasound. We can discuss your options, too. We also have a 24-hour Helpline. Call 1-800-395-4357. We’re here for you.