If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be considering ordering the abortion pill by mail. But, as with any medication or procedure, there are many things to consider before you take abortion pills. So, keep reading to learn more!
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
With the abortion pill, a woman intentionally takes medication to terminate her pregnancy. Abortion pills may also be called a medical abortion, chemical abortion, or at-home abortion.
The process involves two medications. The first medication, mifepristone, interferes with progesterone receptors and prevents the pregnancy from developing. The second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy.
How Far Along Can You Take the Abortion Pill?
Women qualify for the abortion pill only up until 10 weeks of gestation.[1] Gestational age can be estimated based on a woman’s last menstrual period, but an ultrasound is the most exact way to determine the gestational age.
Call Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic to see if you qualify for a free ultrasound today.
Can Abortion Pills be Mailed?
Although the abortion pill is legal in Minnesota, only certified doctors or mid-level providers can prescribe it. The abortion provider must follow the state’s regulations regarding pre and post-abortion care. Sometimes this includes an ultrasound before prescribing abortion pills. Then, women may be able to receive abortion pills in the mail through a verified pharmacy.[2]
Women should never order the abortion pill by mail from a pharmacy that has not been approved by the FDA. The FDA has not evaluated those pills for safety[3] and could contain the wrong amount of medication, be expired, or be fake.
What To Know Before You Order the Abortion Pill by Mail
Before ordering the abortion pill by mail, a woman should speak with a qualified healthcare professional. Then she should verify her eligibility for the abortion pills. This will include:
- Estimated Gestational Age. Gestational age (how far along you are in pregnancy) can be estimated based on a woman’s last menstrual period, but an ultrasound is the most exact way to determine the gestational age.[4]
- Location of the Pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy develops outside of the uterus and can be life-threatening if not properly treated. So, before taking abortion pills, it is recommended that a woman receive an ultrasound first.
- Viability of pregnancy. Almost 10-20% of known pregnancies end in a miscarriage, and almost 80% of those occur within the first three months of pregnancy.[5]
Call Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic at 320-253-1962 today to receive a free ultrasound.
What are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?
As with any medication or procedure, women should be aware of all of the risks associated with the abortion pill, including:
- Incomplete abortion (the uterus does not expel the entire pregnancy and additional medical procedures could be required)[6]
- Hemorrhaging or severe vaginal bleeding[7]
- Infection[8]
- Allergic reaction to the medications[9]
For these reasons, women need to have access to emergency services before, during, and after an abortion. So, women should be under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
Abortion Pill Information in St Cloud and Waite Park, Minnesota
Sorting through all of your abortion options can feel overwhelming. But you aren’t alone! Visit Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic to speak with our qualified and compassionate staff. We provide a confidential space for you to sort through all of your options.
Give us a call at 320-253-1962 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge!
Frequently Asked Questions about Abortion Pill by Mail
1. Is it legal to order the abortion pill by mail in Minnesota?
Yes — abortion care, including the abortion pill (medical abortion), is legal in Minnesota. However, only licensed healthcare professionals can prescribe the medication. The provider must follow Minnesota’s laws and standards for pre-abortion care before prescribing pills.
2. Do I need an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill in Minnesota?
An ultrasound is strongly recommended before taking the abortion pill. An ultrasound helps confirm how far along a pregnancy is, confirms that the pregnancy is in the uterus, and assesses viability. These steps are important because medical abortion is only appropriate up to a certain point in pregnancy and cannot treat an ectopic pregnancy.
3. Can abortion pills ordered online be unsafe?
Yes. Abortion pills ordered from pharmacies or websites that are not verified and approved can be unsafe. These pills may be expired, counterfeit, or have incorrect dosages. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider in Minnesota before considering medical abortion to ensure your safety.
4. What should I do if I have complications after taking the abortion pill?
If you experience heavy bleeding (soaking through two pads in an hour for more than two hours), severe pain, fever, or other concerning symptoms after taking the abortion pill, seek medical care immediately. It’s important to have access to emergency services and follow-up care.
5. Can I talk to someone in Minnesota about my pregnancy options before ordering the abortion pill?
Yes. Talking with a qualified healthcare provider can help you understand all your options and make an informed choice. At Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic, we offer free, confidential pregnancy services — including ultrasounds and options counseling — in a supportive environment. Call 320-253-1962 or schedule online to connect with someone today.
Please be aware that Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- FDA. (2023, January). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation?sm_guid=NTU1NzgyfDYzMDE1OTM2fC0xfGppbUBha2ZhbWlseS5vcmd8NTY4OTI4MXx8MHwwfDE5OTYwMDk4OHwxMDg2fDB8MHx8NTQ3NzI2fDA1
- See source #1.
- See source #1.
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Ultrasound in Pregnancy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9704-ultrasound-in-pregnancy
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Miscarriage. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9688-miscarriage
- Danco Laboratories, LLC. (2022). MEDICATION GUIDE: Mifeprex. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020687s014lbl.pdf
- See source #6.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2023, December 2023). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html
- Shin, Hyun Joo, et al. “Anaphylactic Shock to Vaginal Misoprostol: A Rare Adverse Reaction to a Frequently Used Drug.” PubMed Central (PMC), 9 Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137020