Facing an unplanned pregnancy can leave you feeling confused and wondering what options are available to you.

As you consider your options, you may think that mail-order abortion is the simplest and easiest solution. 

However, understanding what’s involved in mail-order abortion, as well as the limitations and risks, is important in ensuring that your health is protected.

1. What is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill, also called a medical abortion, uses two drugs to terminate a healthy pregnancy. The first drug you take is called mifepristone, and it causes the embryo to stop growing in your uterus. 

The second drug, misoprostol, causes your uterus to contract and expel the embryo and any associated pregnancy tissue from your body.

2. Am I Eligible to Take the Abortion Pill?

There are limitations to the abortion pill that you need to be aware of. First, the FDA only recommends the abortion pill for women in the first ten weeks of their pregnancy. 

Attempting to use the abortion pill after ten weeks of pregnancy can lead to severe complications that could put your health at risk.

The abortion pill should also not be used if a natural miscarriage is likely or if you have an ectopic pregnancy.

There are also pre-existing conditions that can exclude you from being eligible for a medical abortion, such as having an intrauterine device (IUD) or, having certain medical issues such as bleeding disorders, heart or blood vessel diseases, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.

Before starting a medical abortion procedure, it is very important to talk to your doctor or a local health clinic about your health history, as well as receive an obstetric ultrasound scan to determine the age, viability, and location of your pregnancy.

3. Understanding the Risks and Signs of Complications

There are known risks to using the abortion pill, including:

  • Fever
  • Infection
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Diarrhea
  • Digestive issues
  • Allergic reaction to the drugs used
  • Incomplete abortion, which may necessitate a surgical abortion

If you decide to have a mail-order abortion, it is also essential that you know the signs that could indicate you are having complications that could jeopardize your health.

These complications include:

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • Severe abdominal or back pain
  • Fever lasting more than 24 hours
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Continuing pregnancy symptoms

Seek medical help right away if you begin to show any of the above symptoms or are concerned that something is not right after your medical abortion.

Where to Get Answers

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and need to find answers about your options and what you are eligible for, we are here to help.

The Salem Pregnancy Care Center team offers free consultations that include pregnancy test confirmation and a limited obstetric ultrasound scan by licensed medical staff to determine your pregnancy’s age, location, and viability.

We’ll also take the time to discuss all your options and answer any questions with you transparently, confidentially, and with a non-judgemental counselor for all of your questions and concerns to be answered freely. 

You’re not alone; contact us today to schedule your free and confidential appointment to start getting the help and answers you need.