If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and unsure what to do, you may wonder if an online or at-home abortion is right for you.

You may have been told that an online abortion is simple and easy, but you need to be aware of several risks and limitations for your health.

What is an Online Abortion?

Online abortion, also called at-home abortion, is when you order the drugs used in a medical abortion from a website and have them shipped directly to your home.

A medical abortion uses two different drugs, mifepristone, and misoprostol, to stop the pregnancy from growing and force your body to expel the pregnancy. 

While this type of abortion may sound easy, a medical abortion is a serious health procedure with known restrictions and risks. It should only be done under the supervision of a medical doctor.

Restrictions

First and foremost, according to the FDA, a medical abortion should not be attempted after ten weeks of pregnancy. Attempting the procedure after this time significantly increases the risks of complications to your health.

There are other restrictions that, if ignored, could endanger your health. These include:

  • If you have an IUD
  • If you may have an ectopic pregnancy
  • If you have certain medical conditions such as bleeding disorders, specific heart or blood vessel diseases, severe liver, kidney, or lung diseases, or uncontrolled seizure disorders
  • If you take blood-thinning medications
  • If you cannot make follow-ups or have access to emergency care
  • If you have allergies to medications utilized

Having your doctor complete an ultrasound scan to determine the age of your pregnancy and rule out any other complications is an essential first step in protecting your health. 

Risks

In addition to the factors that could prevent a medical abortion from occurring, there are also known risks, both physical and mental.

Physical risks include:

  • Fever
  • Infection
  • Digestive system discomfort
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding
  • An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
  • An incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by a surgical abortion

Research and studies have also shown a connection between abortion and mental health issues that can include:

  • Major depression
  • PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
  • Anxiety
  • Suicidal behaviors
  • Nervous disorders
  • Sleep disturbances (causing emotional distress)
  • Substance abuse

Find the Answers You Need

Facing an unplanned pregnancy and figuring out your options can feel scary and overwhelming.

That’s why the best thing to do is to get all the facts you can about your pregnancy.

That starts with an in-clinic pregnancy test confirmation and a follow-up, limited obstetric ultrasound at Salem Pregnancy Care Center, all at no cost to you.

Not only will this provide you with all the details you need to know about your pregnancy, but our trained staff are available to answer all your questions and empower you to make the best decision for your health.

It’s your body and your future. Contact us today to schedule a free appointment and get your desired answers.