When women learn they’re pregnant, many options may go through their minds. One of those might be abortion, and some women may choose to pursue an online or at-home abortion procedure.
This abortion procedure involves using the abortion medications mifepristone and misoprostol, the latter of which can be taken at home. Sometimes, women can purchase these drugs online. But this isn’t always a safe option. In addition to the risks of having an abortion, medication can be mislabeled, or the dosages can be incorrect. Continue reading to learn more about online abortion and how it may affect you.
What Are the Risks?
Like other medical procedures, online abortion carries risks you should know beforehand. While the risks may not happen to everyone, they could cause major health consequences that have long-term impacts.
These risks include the following:
- Fever
- Infection
- Digestive system discomfort
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
- An incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by a surgical abortion
If you are experiencing any of these, it’s best not to wait for medical treatment. You should see a medical provider immediately and discuss whether you need further care. Regardless of how you feel after an abortion, you should always seek follow-up care to ensure your health is in order and you’re doing alright.
Can Anyone Have an Online Abortion?
Online abortion isn’t a safe option because of the risks involved, and it can be made even more dangerous if you have one or more of the following risk factors:
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place
- Have certain medical conditions such as a bleeding disorder or heart or lung disease
- Are too far along in your pregnancy
- Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medications
- Have an allergy to the drugs used
- Have a suspected ectopic pregnancy
- Can’t make follow-up visits to your provider
- Can’t access emergency care
Regardless of whether you have any of these risk factors, you should always meet with a medical provider before undergoing an abortion procedure. Your health deserves to be protected!
What Should I Do Next?
When you learn you’re pregnant, you should always have a pre-abortion screening, including an ultrasound, to protect your health by checking for gestational age, viability, and location of the pregnancy. Human Life Services offers free, confidential ultrasounds at our center.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment, or call or text us at 717-846-2384. We’re here for you no matter what!