A positive pregnancy test can cause your mind to spin as you think about what to do next. It can be overwhelming, we get it! That’s why we’re here to provide you with accurate information to help in your decision-making process.

Keep reading to learn about the abortion pill and the risks of ordering it online.

What Is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill (medication abortion) is a two-drug process used to terminate an early pregnancy that’s ten weeks along or less. It uses two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone ends the pregnancy by blocking the hormone progesterone from the uterus. Without this vital hormone, the pregnancy can’t survive. The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the fetus through the vagina with cramping and bleeding.

What Are the Risks of the Abortion Pill in General?

The abortion pill is a serious medical procedure that comes with risks. These potential risks exist no matter how you obtain the abortion pill.

Here are the risks, according to Mayo Clinic:

Incomplete abortion, which may require a surgical abortion
An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure fails
Heavy and prolonged bleeding
Infection
Fever
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

What Are the Risks of Ordering the Abortion Pill Online?

Ordering the abortion pill online adds even more risks to the medical procedure.

#1. It’s Illegal in West Virginia.

In West Virginia, the physician must be in the physical presence of the patient when prescribing abortion pills. This makes obtaining abortion pills online illegal.

#2. Since It’s Illegal, Your Abortion Pill Source Could Be Dangerous.

Reputable medical providers and clinics will follow the local laws when prescribing abortion pills.

Since it’s illegal to order abortion pills online in West Virginia, your online abortion pill provider could be dangerous and unregulated. In this case, you will be unsure you’ve received the proper dosage or even the correct drugs. These drugs could come from questionable sources outside the country.

#3. You Might Be Too Far Along

Taking the abortion pill after ten weeks isn’t approved by the FDA. The further along you are, the greater the chance this method will be ineffective. It’s crucial to have an ultrasound to ensure you’re not putting your health at risk by being too far along.

#4. You Could Have an Ectopic Pregnancy

Additionally, an ultrasound will tell you if you have an ectopic pregnancy, meaning a pregnancy that has attached outside the uterus. The most common form of ectopic pregnancy is a “tubal pregnancy,” when the pregnancy attaches in a fallopian tube. If this pregnancy grows too much before it’s treated, it can cause tubal rupture, which can be life-threatening.

The abortion pill will not treat and remove an ectopic pregnancy.

#5. You Could Spread an STD Further Up Your Reproductive System

Many STDs do not show any signs or symptoms and go undetected. If you start the abortion pill without proper screening, you run the risk of spreading the STD farther into your reproductive system. This can lead to an infection of your uterus, known as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can have a lasting impact on your health. PID can cause serious consequences, such as infertility.

Pre-Termination Consultations at Women’s Care Center

At Women’s Care Center, we offer free and confidential pre-termination consultations. We can confirm the result of your at-home pregnancy test with lab-quality pregnancy testing and ultrasound, screen for STDs, provide information, and discuss all your options.

We’re here to be a resource for you. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.