Can I Buy the Abortion Pill Online?

WARNING: Do not risk your life by taking an abortion pill purchased online.

Yes, the abortion pill (Mifepristone and Misoprostol) can be purchased online. However, it is strongly advised by the FDA and medical professionals to avoid purchasing unregulated medication from uncertified internet sources due to significant, life-threatening health risks.

While legal telehealth services exist in many states that allow a certified provider to prescribe and mail FDA-approved medication, purchasing pills without a prescription or medical screening bypasses critical safety steps. The potential desire for privacy through in-home abortion is not worth the serious risk of death or long-term complications. 

Why Does the FDA Warn Against Buying Abortion Pills Online?

The FDA and leading medical organizations advise against obtaining the abortion pill (Mifepristone/Mifeprex) outside of a regulated medical process. This is because non-regulated sources bypass essential safeguards designed to protect your health.

“You should not buy abortion inducing drugs over the Internet because you will bypass important safeguards designed to protect your health.”¹

(Source: U.S. Food & Drug Administration)

The Critical Health Risks of Unsupervised Online Abortion Pills

Pills purchased online from unregulated international or uncertified sources carry severe dangers that a medical screening is designed to prevent. The medication is not FDA-regulated, meaning there is no guarantee of its quality, dosage, or safety.

• Risk of Undetected Ectopic Pregnancy: This is the most dangerous risk. Without a medical consultation and ultrasound confirming the pregnancy is located in the Uterus, an undetected ectopic pregnancy (where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus in the fallopian tubes) treated with the abortion pill can lead to internal rupture, hemorrhage, and death.
• Danger of Undiagnosed STDs/Infection: If you have an undetected Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), taking the abortion pill can push the existing infection into your uterus, leading to a severe and life-threatening condition called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can also cause internal scaring and infertility.
• Incorrect Gestational Age: The FDA says that medication abortion (Mifepristone and Misoprostol) is typically only effective up to 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy. Taking the pill beyond this timeframe dramatically increases the risk of an incomplete abortion, excessive bleeding, and the need for emergency surgery. Recent studies indicate that over 1 in 10 women who begin the chemical abortion process need emergency follow-up care.

Counterfeit or Expired Medication: Unregulated pills purchased online may be fake, expired, or contain incorrect dosages, leading to a failed or complicated procedure.

Before Taking the Abortion Pill: Essential Medical Steps

A qualified healthcare provider performs mandatory steps to ensure the medication abortion is as safe as possible and to confirm your eligibility.²

1. Ultrasound Screening: An ultrasound is crucial to (1) Rule out an ectopic pregnancy and (2) Confirm the precise gestational age to ensure the pill is taken within the recommended timeframe.
2. STD Screening: Testing and possible treatment is necessary to detect and treat any infections (like Chlamydia or Gonorrhea) before the abortion to prevent PID and subsequent fertility damage.
3. Medical History Review: A doctor must review your personal medical history to ensure you don’t have conditions (such as specific adrenal issues or bleeding disorders) that would make the medication abortion regimen especially dangerous for you. 

Protect Your Health: Get a Free Consultation and Screening

The bottom line is: Be safe. While online ordering may seem convenient, it is not worth the risk to your health and future reproductive potential.

Contact CompassCare for a free, confidential medical consultation regarding your pregnancy options. We offer the essential pre-screening services required for a safe, informed decision, including:

• Free Pregnancy Testing
• Free Ultrasound Diagnosis
• Free STD Testing and Treatment

Let us help you understand your particular situation and educate your about your options in a safe, unpressured, and nonjudgmental medical environment.