3 Things To Know If You Are Considering Mail-Order Abortion
Considering mail-order abortion for your unplanned pregnancy? If so, there are three things you should know before you hit “submit” on your order.
- First, you need to know if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications that would make taking the abortion pill dangerous.
- Second, you need to understand the risks of the abortion pill.
- Third, you need to schedule some essential pre-abortion screenings.
Keep reading to learn more about each step!
What to Know About Mail-Order Abortion
Though the FDA has approved mail-order abortion, there are still things you need to know before purchasing. The abortion pill comes with risks, and skipping essential screenings can negatively impact your health and safety.
1. You May Be Ineligible for the Abortion Pill
You shouldn’t take the abortion pill if you’re on certain medications. Mayo Clinic offers an extensive list of medications that would preclude you from taking the abortion pill.
Additionally, if the following applies to you, it means it is not safe for you to take the abortion pill:
- Are too far along in your pregnancy. You shouldn’t attempt a medical abortion if you’ve been pregnant for more than nine weeks (after the start of your last period). Some types of medical abortions aren’t recommended after seven weeks of pregnancy.
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place.
- Have a suspected pregnancy outside of the uterus. This is called an ectopic pregnancy.
- Have certain medical conditions. These include bleeding disorders; particular heart or blood vessel diseases; severe liver, kidney, or lung disease; or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.
- Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines.
- Unable to make follow-up visits to your provider or don’t have access to emergency care.
- Have an allergy to the medicine used.
You owe it to yourself and your future health and safety to proceed cautiously with the abortion pill if you take any of the above medications.
2. There Are Risks to Taking the Abortion Pill
Just because you can order the abortion pill online doesn’t mean it is without risks. There are serious risks to consider before placing your order, including:
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – This can develop after having an abortion with an untreated STD. Getting proper screening and treatment before this procedure can prevent this risk.
- Incomplete Abortion – An incomplete abortion happens when parts of the pregnancy remain in the uterus. This can cause infection and may require a surgical abortion to remove the remaining tissue.
- Other Risks – Digestive system discomfort, heavy and prolonged bleeding, fever, and infection are all serious risks of the abortion pill.
3. You Need Important Pre-Abortion Screenings
Before you order the abortion pill, getting an ultrasound and testing for STDs is essential.
An ultrasound will tell you exactly how far along you are. Knowing the gestational age is vital because the abortion pill is only FDA-approved through the first nine weeks of pregnancy and can be dangerous later.
Testing for STDs can help prevent Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. It’s important to test regularly for STDs since many (including Chlamydia and Gonorrhea) don’t have noticeable symptoms.
Your Next Steps
We offer both ultrasounds and STD testing for free at our center. You need to make a fully-informed decision, even if it is less convenient to get these screenings before you order the abortion pill online. You’ll be glad you didn’t skip them knowing you did everything within your power to protect your health.
Contact us to schedule your appointment today!
