What Are the Risks of Ordering the Abortion Pill Online?

When you order the abortion pill online, you typically receive two drugs and a set of instructions. What you don’t receive is a confirmed gestational age, a check for an ectopic pregnancy, or any assurance that the drugs are what they claim to be. Those gaps aren’t minor inconveniences;  they’re the difference between a procedure done safely and one that puts your health at serious risk.

At Ascend Women’s Center, our registered nurse administers free, confidential, medical-grade pregnancy testing and limited OB ultrasounds in a warm and welcoming environment. Our caring team is here for you without pressure or judgment. 

Schedule a free appointment today.

What the Abortion Pill Is

The abortion pill is not a single drug. It is a two-drug process. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, the hormone the body needs to sustain a pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy. The FDA approves this regimen only through 10 weeks gestation and advises not to purchase the abortion pill from online vendors and unverified sources.

The Problem With Unverified Online Sources

Many online pharmacies selling abortion drugs operate outside the United States, where manufacturing standards differ significantly from those required domestically. There is no reliable way to verify the dosage, labeling, purity, or the contents of the drug. Pills may be counterfeit, contaminated, or ineffective, and without a provider involved, there is no way to know until something goes wrong.

Also, ordering online bypasses a medical screening, meaning a woman could take these drugs without a licensed healthcare provider confirming they are appropriate for her specific situation.

Why an Ultrasound Cannot Be Skipped

An ultrasound provides three confirmations that no online order process can replicate:

• How far along the pregnancy is: Without confirmed dating, a woman may be further along than estimated, which affects both the effectiveness of the drugs and the risks involved.
  
• Where the pregnancy is located: In rare cases, a pregnancy develops in the fallopian tube rather than the uterus. Known as an ectopic pregnancy, this condition requires prompt medical care and cannot be resolved with the abortion pill. Taking these drugs without confirming pregnancy location can be life-threatening, as an undetected ectopic pregnancy may continue to grow and cause the fallopian tube to rupture.
  
• Whether the pregnancy is viable: Miscarriage occurs in roughly 10 to 20% of known pregnancies and does not always present with obvious symptoms. If the pregnancy has already ended naturally, taking the abortion pill could still cause side effects without changing the outcome.

If the abortion pill has already been taken, our center is not able to perform an ultrasound due to our medical guidelines. In that situation, we recommend contacting a medical provider or visiting an emergency room so appropriate care and monitoring can be provided.

Physical Risks Worth Knowing

Even under appropriate circumstances, the abortion pill carries risks. According to the Mayo Clinic, these include:

• Heavy or prolonged bleeding
• Incomplete abortion, meaning not all of the pregnancy and related tissue are expelled and a follow-up procedure is required
• Infection and fever
• Severe cramping and digestive symptoms
• An ongoing pregnancy if the drugs do not work as expected

When these drugs are taken without a licensed medical provider, there is no one monitoring the process, no follow-up plan, and no clear guidance on when symptoms cross into emergency territory.

You Deserve Accurate Information and Genuine Support

Whatever you’re facing right now, you don’t have to sort through it alone. At Ascend Women’s Center, our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your pregnancy so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Contact us to schedule a free, confidential appointment today. We are here for you.

Ascend Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.