Have you recently considered an at-home abortion? The rise in demand for online abortions makes it critical to understand the risks and precautions these abortions come with.
Learn more about what to expect when you have an abortion at home.
What is an At-Home Abortion?
An at-home or online abortion refers to the abortion pill, which is also called a medication abortion.
Medication or medical abortions terminate pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestation (how far along you are in your pregnancy).
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
This type of abortion is a combination of two drugs, known as mifepristone and misoprostol. The termination begins with a dose of mifepristone, which blocks the body’s essential hormone called progesterone. Progesterone establishes a pregnancy and sustains it throughout the 9 months of gestation. Without it, the pregnancy ends.
A day or two after taking mifepristone, the drug misoprostol is taken to bring on uterine contractions and expel the pregnancy. Women should expect cramping and heavy bleeding during this phase of the at-home abortion.
Risks Involved with Medical Abortions
Some women might believe that an online abortion is completely risk-free, but this is not the case. As with any medical procedure, women must consider the risks.
The Mayo Clinic outlines the risks associated with medical abortions to include:
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Some women may also experience harmful interactions with the medications they are taking or an allergic reaction to the abortion medication.
Safety Precautions to Consider
While the FDA approved mifepristone in 2000, the administration modified the regulations for this drug in January 2023 under the Mifepristone REMS Program.
The Mifepristone REMS Program has strict safety guidelines and quality standards that labs and pharmacies must meet to be certified under this new program.
When women buy abortion pills online without the supervision of a doctor, they put themselves at risk of ingesting medication that could be harmful or ineffective in terminating their pregnancy.
Preparing for Success
Your health and emotional well-being are of the highest importance. Getting an ultrasound and speaking with a medical professional about your desire for an abortion is the best way to advocate for your health.
Heart of the Hills provides women with no-cost pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and other sexual health services. Contact our friendly staff at 830-456-8840 for a free and confidential appointment. Don’t settle for less than the best care. You’re worth it!
