When faced with an unexpected pregnancy, online abortion pills may seem like a quick, easy, and private choice. Because it is safest to be well-informed about all of your options, including abortion pills by mail, there are a few things you may want to read & consider before making your decision.
The Process:
First, let’s take a look at the process. You can choose a medication abortion up until 10-11 weeks (about 2 and a half months) of pregnancy. After this, the fetus is too large and will require a surgical abortion. If you opt for a medication abortion, you will be given two rounds of medication. First, Mifepristone, which will block the pregnancy hormone thereby cutting off the lifeline to the growing embryo. It is important to note that the procedure can often be reversed at this stage. Then, you will take Misoprostol, which will cause severe cramping and heavy to extreme bleeding, which can be prolonged. This will push the embryo out of your uterus. A medication abortion can cost anywhere between $150-$600.
Originally, a medication abortion could only be dispensed by a qualified medical provider, in person. Due to Covid, however, a court order blocked part of the FDA’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy and allowed abortion pills to be dispensed through the mail. In 2021, it was ruled that in-person medical oversight would not be enforced for the rest of the public health emergency. In the same year, the removal of in-person dispensing requirements became permanent.
If you’re thinking about abortion pills online, consider three things.
Consideration #1: Side Effects and Adverse Effects: How Safe is it?
- Side effects of medication abortions include severe cramping, heavy to extreme bleeding, infection & possible sepsis, prolonged bleeding & hemorrhage, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, chills, headache, dizziness, and failed abortion resulting in surgical intervention.
- According to the FDA over 3,800 adverse effects were reported between 2000-2019.
- According to Medicaid data, out of 423,000 abortions, 121,283 resulted in ER visits.
- Between 2002-2015, abortion related ER visits increased by 500%.
- Medication abortions have a 53% higher rate of resulting in an ER visit.
- In 2020, we have seen a dramatic increase in chemical abortions and a subsequent uptick in ambulance calls after an abortion.
Consideration #2: inadequate quality of data and underreporting. How credible are the claims of safety?
- There is evidence pointing to a substantial number of complications being underreported.
- The Termination of Pregnancy reporting handbook was last updated in 1997.
- In 2000, all adverse effects had to be reported. In 2016, this changed to only deaths.
- Reporting is voluntary on the part of the states, and this does not include self-managed abortions.
- There are only three studies used to back the statement that medical abortions are very safe. All three of these studies were funded by organizations that directly profit from abortion.
Consideration #3: The online abortion pill system is loosely regulated and has shown poor integrity.
- Identity, pregnancy, gestational age, and freedom from coercion or abuse are often not verified before dispensing abortion pills through the mail.
- Abortion pills by mail rely on a loosely regulated system of clinics, online pharmacies, video calls, and online evaluation forms.
- There is not a single, regulated, and credible system to dispense abortion pills by mail.
Even if you are told that self-managing your abortion by opting for online abortion pills is a safe and easy option, there are some things you should think about first. It may be in your best interest to seek the support of trained advocates and medical professionals while making this decision.
You can find personalized care and clarity at the Cline Center.
Call 601-487-1064, today.