Does the thought of getting an abortion feel overwhelming and intimidating? It may be tempting to order the abortion pill online. While this may seem like a more private and confidential approach to accessing the abortion pill, it might lead to severe risks and side effects.

Before you make a decision for your unplanned pregnancy, consider these risks related to ordering the abortion pill online:  

1. The abortion pill can lead to uncomfortable side effects and health risks

Before understanding the unique risk related to ordering the abortion pill online, let’s take a look at some of the known side effects and risks related to taking the abortion pill in general.

If you plan on taking the abortion pill, you may experience some of the following side effects:

– cramping
– bleeding
– nausea
– weakness
– fever and chills
– vomiting
– dizziness
– diarrhea
– abdominal pain

Additionally, some women who take the abortion pill experience more severe health complications such as infection, sepsis, and hemorrhaging.

2. You might skip important pre-abortion screenings


The abortion pill, even when taken under medical supervision, can come with health complications. In order to protect yourself and make an informed choice for your pregnancy, it’s important to determine the location of your pregnancy, if there is heartbeat activity, and how far along you are. 

According to the FDA, the abortion pill should only be taken in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Without an ultrasound exam to confirm the age of your pregnancy, you may take the abortion pill too late, resulting in retained fetal tissue and infection.

An ultrasound will also determine the location of your pregnancy and rule out the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies are pregnancies that are not located in the uterus and can be life threatening if left untreated.

Are you interested in free pregnancy health services near you? Dove Medical provides pregnancy testing, ultrasound exams, and STI testing at no cost to you, as well as decision coaching to assist you in making an informed decision.

3. Medications offered online might not be approved for consumption

Ordering medication online may pose an additional risk to your health. Before taking any medication, it’s important to ensure that it’s approved for consumption by the FDA.

Because some online retailers are selling drugs that have not undergone FDA testing, it’s important to first discuss any medications with a qualified healthcare provider. For more information on abortion procedures and the health risks you may face, schedule a confidential meeting with one of our Registered Nurses.

Is the Abortion Pill Right for Me?

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, it’s important to remember that each person is different. Before deciding if it’s the right option for you, we recommend taking the time you need to truly inform yourself regarding your unique pregnancy, the options available to you, and the many free resources that may help you during this time. 

Dove Medical is here to listen as you make this important decision! All of our services are available on a free and confidential basis and exist to help empower you at each step of this journey.

Come see us

This post is for education and information purposes only and does not substitute the advice of a Healthcare Professional. 

Schedule your free and confidential appointment today! Dove Medical offers pregnancy diagnosis, decision coaching, and accurate information about all pregnancy options; however we do not offer or refer for abortion services.