If you’re in a phase of life where starting or adding to your family isn’t on the agenda, you might think that going for an online abortion is a discreet and convenient option.
Read this article for important facts to consider and suggested screenings to conduct before taking this step.
Ordering Online Skips Important Health Screenings
When you choose to order the abortion pill online, there’s a significant downside you need to consider: it skips important medical procedures like a positive pregnancy test and, most importantly, an ultrasound.
Confirming the age of the pregnancy is one of the crucial details an ultrasound can reveal. This is particularly important because the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies through 10 weeks gestational age.
Additionally, an ultrasound can help identify complications, such as an ectopic pregnancy, which requires treatment other than abortion and poses a potentially life-threatening risk to the woman.
Up to 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. By getting an ultrasound, you can determine if the pregnancy is still viable, giving you confidence about the procedures you’re eligible for.
You May Not Qualify for the Abortion Pill
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several situations where you may be ineligible for an abortion pill. These include if you:
- Are too far along in your pregnancy
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place
- Have a suspected pregnancy outside of the uterus
- Have certain medical conditions
- Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines
- Can’t make follow-up visits to your provider or don’t have access to emergency care
- Have an allergy to the medication used
The Abortion Pill Comes with Risks
According to the Mayo Clinic, potential risks of medical abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Next Step: Free Pregnancy Services
At Ridgeway Women’s Clinic, we provide free pregnancy services for women in need, including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and options consultations.
Our clinic is a safe, supportive space to learn about your pregnancy details, available options, and local resources.
Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential appointment in the Freeport and Rockport areas (Loves Park).
