Is an Online Abortion or At-Home Abortion Safe?
Women have a variety of pregnancy outcome options available, including abortion. Many abortion procedures, such as medical abortions, can be carried out at home. But are these procedures safe for women? If not, what risks might be present?
I’m Pregnant and Thinking About Abortion. What Does an Online Abortion Refer To?
An online abortion refers to receiving two abortion drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, after purchase online. There are various issues that can arise with this type of abortion. For starters, medications are often unregulated online, which can lead to the incorrect medication or dosage being taken. There is a lack of oversight when conducting this business online, which can lead to serious health complications.
As with any online abortion, there are risks associated with the procedure, regardless of how you obtain the medications. These 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
Abortion isn’t safe for everyone. Women with the following risk factors, in particular, should not receive a medical abortion:
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place
- Have certain medical conditions such as a bleeding disorder or heart or lung disease
- Are too far along in your pregnancy
- Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medications
- Have an allergy to the drugs used
- Have a suspected ectopic pregnancy
- Can’t make follow-up visits to your provider
- Can’t access emergency care
What Should I Do Before Taking Abortion Medications?
As abortion is a serious medical procedure, women should speak with their doctor before taking any medications. Providing a complete, up-to-date health history, including allergies to medications, will also alert the medical provider to any potential issues.
Women should also have an obstetrical ultrasound prior to having an abortion. This protects their health by confirming the viability, gestational age, and location of their pregnancy.
Where Can I Go for Help?
If you would like more information about the risks of online abortion, consider reaching out to Elevate Women’s Center to receive free and confidential options information.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help!
Pre-Abortion Screening
After finding out that you are pregnant, you may be considering an abortion. Regardless of whether you are wanting a medical or surgical abortion
Pregnancy Testing
Wondering if you might be pregnant? The first step to understanding your pregnancy options is by confirming your pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test.
Ultrasounds
Ultrasound scans identify critical health details about your pregnancy so you can protect your health and know your options.
Pre-Abortion Screening
After finding out that you are pregnant, you may be considering an abortion. Regardless of whether you are wanting a medical or surgical abortion
Pregnancy Testing
Wondering if you might be pregnant? The first step to understanding your pregnancy options is by confirming your pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test.
Ultrasounds
Ultrasound scans identify critical health details about your pregnancy so you can protect your health and know your options.
