What is a Mail-Order Abortion?
A mail-order abortion is completed by ingesting two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Combined, these medications are called the “abortion pill” and can be received by mail for a woman to end a pregnancy that’s 70 days or less in length.
There are three important considerations women should be aware of before ingesting these medications.
There Are Side Effects & Risks Involved
Be aware of adverse reactions. Unlike side effects, adverse reactions are effects that are not usually expected but could occur.
According to GoodRx, these effects may include:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Large blood clots
- Severe nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Abdomen pain
- Trouble breathing
- Weakness
These symptoms may indicate a severe life-threatening condition such as incomplete abortion, infection, allergic reaction, and unexpected substantial blood loss, all of which require immediate medical attention.
Complications Can Occur from Other Medications
Understanding there are many medications mifepristone and misoprostol can interact with is important.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are over 20 medications that are not recommended to take with the abortion pill. If used, your physician may need to adjust which drugs you are currently taking before prescribing misoprostol and mifepristone.
Additionally, there are over 190 medications that are typically not advised to use in unison with the abortion pill. If one is, however, dosages may first need adjusting. This is why a complete and thorough medical history should be given and assessed by a medical professional before using the abortion pill.
You May Have an Ectopic Pregnancy
The abortion pill cannot terminate an ectopic pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo begins development somewhere outside the uterus. Dangerously, most women do not know if they have an ectopic pregnancy since it closely mimics a normal pregnancy at first and still generates a positive result in pregnancy tests. These pregnancies require professional medical treatment as they do become life-threatening.
An ultrasound should be used to view the embryo’s location before the abortion pill is taken.
Know Your Options
Knowing the risks of a mail-order abortion is essential for your health and well-being. We want you to be empowered with knowledge and to understand all your available options.
Here at the Pregnancy Resource Centers of Central Oregon, we provide free ultrasound and pregnancy tests to assist you further on this journey. Contact us today for your free and confidential consultation, and allow us to support you during this time.
