If you’re experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, having an abortion in the comfort and privacy of your own home may sound appealing.
However, you should know that all abortions carry risks, and proceeding with an at-home abortion without proper medical oversight may increase your chance of experiencing complications.
Continue reading to learn more about the dangers of at-home abortion and how to make an informed pregnancy decision.
Pre-Abortion Screenings
While at-home abortions may sound convenient, they often bypass a pre-abortion screening, which includes an evaluation with a medical provider and an ultrasound scan.
Because not all pregnancies qualify for an abortion, it’s critical to have an ultrasound to confirm the viability, age, and location of the pregnancy.
- Viability: Up to 20% of pregnancies end in natural miscarriage, which means that choosing to terminate without confirming your pregnancy may lead to an unnecessary abortion. A pregnancy is considered viable if an ultrasound detects a heartbeat.
- Age: According to the FDA, a pregnancy is not eligible for the abortion pill beyond 10 weeks gestation. For this reason, age should be confirmed through ultrasound before termination.
- Location: Without an ultrasound in early pregnancy, you could be putting yourself at risk for a complication known as an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the pregnancy implants outside the uterus, and without treatment, it can lead to life-threatening complications.
Additionally, certain life circumstances and health conditions make you ineligible for an abortion.
Choosing to have an online abortion without learning more about your pregnancy and discussing your health with a provider could increase your chance of developing complications and place your health at risk.
Warning From the FDA
The FDA warns women about the purchase of the abortion pill online due to the difficulty in regulating online drugs.
When you order the abortion pill from the internet, there is no guarantee that you will receive the correct dosage or even the correct medication.
Health Risks of the Abortion Pill
When the abortion pill is prescribed in a clinic setting, this does not mean you won’t experience any negative health effects.
Before choosing to have an abortion, you should consider the following risks:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by a surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Get Help Today
Navigating an unexpected pregnancy can feel incredibly overwhelming, but know that you don’t have to walk this journey alone.
HopePlace Monticello is here to help.
We offer free lab-quality pregnancy tests and ultrasound referrals. After learning more about your pregnancy, our trusted staff can answer your questions and discuss your options.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.