Online shopping has made life so convenient and easy. It seems like we can get everything online today – books, electronics, clothes, and even groceries can be delivered within just days of ordering. The convenience is hard to beat, and more and more companies are working to figure out how to deliver more of their products online. There are some things, though, we should avoid purchasing online. There’s a reason certain drugs must be prescribed and picked up in person. The same is true for the abortion pill. While you can purchase it online, and there’s a big push to make it even more available online, there are some serious implications you should consider before doing so.
Here are some things to know before you order the abortion pill online:
It goes against FDA regulations
These regulations are in place for a reason. For a drug to even be approved by the FDA for use requires testing and evaluations to be conducted to demonstrate the benefits of the drug outweigh the potential side effects.
The Food and Drug Administration actually completed a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) on the abortion pill which sets forth certain stipulations that must be met in order for the abortion pill to be approved.
One of these stipulations is that “Mifeprex [the abortion pill] may only be dispensed in clinics, medical offices, and hospitals by or under the supervision of a certified healthcare provider.”
The legal ramifications of taking an abortion pill purchased online are unclear, but there are other reasons beyond the legal ones why you shouldn’t order it online.
It removes medical protection for you
There are significant potential side effects of a medication abortion. Part of the reason the FDA stipulates that the abortion pill should only be prescribed by a certified healthcare provider is because the side effects can be severe. These can include cramping, bleeding, nausea, diarrhea, fever, among other things.
If something goes wrong, or you need help, it’s better to be connected to the person who prescribed the pill rather than not knowing where to go in the case of complications. Of course, you can always go to the emergency room, but this can be an expensive option depending on your health insurance plan. And because ordering pills online is not legal, there are legal concerns and ramifications here as well.
You might not be taking the abortion pill
While lab tests conducted on a number of abortion pills sold online revealed the pills were real, many indicated that the pills contained lower dosages than advertised. This means they could be less effective, and combined with the long wait time of shipping (10+ days), could pose a threat if you take the pills too late.
If the pills arrive late and the dosages are not effective, it could pose risks to you.
Self-managed abortions are risky because they do come with certain side effects and sometimes complications. Removing the medical professional from the equation not only removes needed protection for you but could also put you in a complicated legal situation.
There’s a reason the FDA requires a medication abortion be prescribed and administered by a certified healthcare provider in a clinic. Ultimately it’s for your safety and wellbeing.
If you are considering an abortion and need more information, please make an appointment today to schedule a free and confidential consultation. We can give you accurate information on all of your options so your decision can be fully informed.
