At first an at-home abortion with the abortion pill method seems like an ideal solution to a very personal crisis, but a closer look at the abortion pill reveals that it carries significant risks if performed without in-person health screening.
The FDA has approved the abortion pill for up to 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy. With a few specific health screenings, a healthcare provider can determine whether this means of pregnancy termination is a safe option for you. Keep reading to learn more about which tests you should get before getting the abortion pill.
Ordering Online Skips Important Health Screenings
While telehealth increases accessibility, an in-person exam, including ultrasound, is vital to accurately determine gestational age and evaluate any health factors that could impact eligibility for a medical abortion.
An ultrasound can confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy and reduce the risk of serious complications, such as an ectopic pregnancy, which would require a procedure other than an abortion.
According to the Mayo Clinic, some of these other conditions may eliminate your ability to use the abortion pill:
- Your pregnancy is too far along
- You have an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Certain medical conditions include anemia, bleeding disorders, heart or blood vessel diseases, uncontrolled seizures, etc.
- Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medications
- Untreated sexually transmitted infection
- Can’t make follow-up visits to your doctor
What are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?
The Mayo Clinic lists the following risks of medical abortion:
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
It also comes with the possibility of an incomplete abortion, which may require a surgical intervention.
Next Steps
We offer no-cost pregnancy services like clinical pregnancy testing and ultrasounds at PRC Medical. These tests help confirm the number of weeks you have been pregnant and if your pregnancy is viable (developing) or you have miscarried. Both of these issues can affect your eligibility for a medical abortion.
We also offer pre-abortion consultations where you can ask questions and share concerns in a safe, compassionate environment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!