The ability to get legal access to the abortion pill via telehealth without an in-person visit depends on the state. While illegal in some states, it is legal in New York. The prescription process may differ depending on the healthcare provider, but if prescribed the abortion pill, you would complete the procedure at home.
Keep reading to understand the process and how to manage the potential risks.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
Medication abortion is actually two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol, which are FDA-approved only for women who have been pregnant for 70 days or less.
The first pill, mifepristone, prevents the pregnancy from receiving progesterone, a hormone needed for a pregnancy to progress. Once the mifepristone has taken effect, it ends the pregnancy.
After the pregnancy has ended, the second medication, misoprostol, induces cramping so that the pregnancy contents are emptied from your uterus. If all the pregnancy tissue is not expelled, you could experience an incomplete abortion, which may require a surgical procedure.
Does the Abortion Pill Have Side Effects or Risks?
According to the Mayo Clinic, side effects and risks may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Heavy bleeding
- Infection
- Incomplete abortion
Uterine cramping and vaginal bleeding are common side effects of medication abortion because they are part of how the abortion pill works. However, if you bleed enough to fill two pads per hour in two hours, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Risks of Self-Managed Abortion by Mail
Lack of Before-Care
According to a medical study, there can be safety concerns when patients take the abortion pill without an in-person medical examination such as an ultrasound.
To manage the risks, the study suggests having thorough examinations to be sure how far along patients are in their pregnancy and to rule out certain conditions before taking the abortion pill.
Lack of After-Care
Another consideration of taking the abortion pill at home is that you do not have immediate medical care available. The above study found that women who delayed seeking in-person care after a medical abortion were more likely to have complications such as collapsing or needing a blood transfusion.
For your safety, fully understand the process and your health details before taking the abortion pill, and know when to visit an emergency room or schedule a doctor visit if needed.
What Should I Know Before Taking the Abortion Pill?
According to the FDA, some patients should not take the abortion pill. This includes women who:
- Have been pregnant longer than 70 days
- Have a suspected pregnancy outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy)
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Have certain medical conditions or allergies
- Take certain medications
- Can’t make follow-up visits to a doctor or don’t have access to emergency care
An ultrasound examination can confirm how long you have been pregnant and make sure your pregnancy is not ectopic. Obtaining your most accurate medical information with an ultrasound is a convenient, important, and affordable way to manage your risks.
No-Cost Services in Binghamton, NY
We provide referrals for on-site ultrasounds at no cost so you can obtain the information you need.
Contact us to schedule an appointment.