An unexpected pregnancy can be a shock to your system, and your gut reaction may be to look for a fast solution. While it’s natural to want to ease your anxiety, your health and safety should come first.
Online or at-home abortions come with additional risks, and the FDA does not recommend obtaining abortion drugs from online sources. Before making any decisions, it’s important to understand the potential dangers and take the necessary steps to protect your well-being.
The Risks of Ordering Abortion Pills Online
The FDA warns against purchasing abortion drugs online because they are not regulated or approved, which puts your health at risk. Without oversight, there’s no way to verify if the drugs are authentic, correctly dosed, or safe to use.
Additionally, skipping essential medical screenings before taking abortion drugs can lead to serious complications. Certain conditions, such as an ectopic pregnancy or being too far along in pregnancy, could make abortion unsafe for you. Without a medical evaluation, these risks go undetected.
Why an Ultrasound Is Essential
Before considering abortion, getting an ultrasound is a critical step in safeguarding your health. An ultrasound provides important details about your pregnancy, including:
- Gestational Age: The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for use through 10 weeks of pregnancy. An ultrasound determines how far along you are to ensure you have accurate information.
- Pregnancy Location: In rare cases, a pregnancy can develop outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy), which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention. Abortion drugs do not treat ectopic pregnancies.
- Pregnancy Viability: Up to 26% of pregnancies naturally end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is developing properly or if a miscarriage has already occurred.
Prioritize Your Health
At Heartbeats Women’s Center, we provide free and confidential pregnancy services, including pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and information on options. Before making any decisions about your pregnancy, get the information you need in a safe, supportive environment.
You are not alone. Contact us today to schedule a free appointment.
*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
