An unexpected pregnancy can leave you with many questions about your health, your options, and your next steps. Before making any pregnancy decision, it is important to receive accurate medical information and understand your situation.
Ventura County Pregnancy Center offers pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, and counseling services in a confidential and supportive environment to help you make informed decisions and protect your health.
What Is a Medical Abortion?
A medical abortion, sometimes called the abortion pill, uses medication to end a pregnancy. It is generally considered safest and most effective during the first trimester of pregnancy.
However, taking abortion medication without medical supervision may involve serious risks. Before considering mail-order abortion pills, it is important to understand how the process works and why medical evaluation matters.
Why Is a Medical Exam Important?
Before taking abortion medication, it is highly recommended to have a medical exam and an ultrasound. These evaluations can help determine how far along the pregnancy is, which determines what options are available and safe for you, and confirm that the pregnancy is located inside the uterus.
An ectopic pregnancy, which develops outside the uterus, cannot be treated with abortion pills and may become life-threatening if left untreated. Without an ultrasound, it may be difficult to identify this condition.
Some women may also have medical conditions or complications that make abortion pills unsafe. Medical abortion is not recommended for women who:
- Are more than 11 weeks pregnant
- Have an ectopic pregnancy
- Have an IUD currently in place
- Have anemia or bleeding disorders
- Have chronic adrenal failure
- Have severe liver or kidney disease
- Have uncontrolled seizure disorders
- Take blood thinners or steroid medications
Speaking with a medical professional can help determine whether abortion medication may be harmful in your situation.
Possible Risks and Complications
Medical abortion carries possible complications, including:
- Incomplete abortion, where tissue remains in the uterus and may require surgery
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive symptoms
- Ongoing pregnancy if the medication does not work
It may also be risky to continue the pregnancy after taking abortion medication because serious pregnancy complications may occur.
Concerns About Ordering Pills Online
The FDA does not recommend purchasing mifepristone outside the Mifepristone REMS Program, including buying it online or transporting it from another country. Doing so may bypass safeguards designed to protect patient health and safety.
Another concern is the safety of online pharmacies. Some websites may not require a prescription, may not have licensed pharmacists available, or may send medications that are expired, damaged, or improperly packaged.
Before making any pregnancy decision, it is important to confirm your pregnancy and understand your health situation. Ventura County Pregnancy Center provides free pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, and confidential counseling services. Contact Ventura County Pregnancy Center today to schedule an appointment and learn more about your options and health.