With the rise of virtual healthcare, getting the abortion pill through telehealth has become increasingly common. Many women search online for how to get the abortion pill online or explore telehealth abortion options, but should you get abortion pills online? How safe is it? What risks are involved? And why is it important to talk to a medical professional in person?
Let’s break it all down.
What Is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill, also called a medication abortion, involves taking two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. These work together to end a pregnancy and are FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks (70 days) from the start of your last menstrual period.[1]
Can A Telehealth Provider Prescribe Abortion Pills?
If you reside in CA, then you can have a virtual appointment with an abortion provider who is licensed in your state. However, we strongly recommend meeting with a medical professional in-person for an ultrasound.
The ultrasound can determine how far along you are in your pregnancy. This is important to know, as you can only take the abortion pill for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period.
This is because it becomes less effective the farther along you are. If you take the abortion pill later on in your pregnancy, you could experience serious complications and may need emergency surgery to complete the procedure.
The ultrasound can also detect any conditions that would make you ineligible for the abortion pill, such as a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. This will help you make a fully informed decision.
Can You Get the Abortion Pill Online?
Yes—you can legally get the abortion pill online from a certified pharmacy after an abortion provider in CA has prescribed it to you. However, we recommend speaking to a medical professional in person beforehand.[2]
The Risks of Getting the Abortion Pill Online Without Seeing a Medical Professional
The abortion pill may seem like a private and convenient solution to an unplanned pregnancy, but convenient doesn’t mean risk-free. While many people search “how to get the abortion pill without seeing a doctor” or “abortion pill online no appointment,” skipping medical consultation can carry some real risks:
1. Missed Medical Conditions
Without an in-person consultation, it’s easy to miss signs of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, which is rare but life-threatening and cannot be treated with the abortion pill. Medical professionals use ultrasounds to rule out these life-threatening conditions. You should also not take the abortion pill if you are allergic to the medication, have a blood clotting disorder, or have an IUD in place.[3]
2. Incorrect Timing
Per the FDA, the abortion pill can only be used within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Without knowing exactly how far along you are, you could be taking it too late, increasing the risk of complications or an incomplete abortion.[4] An ultrasound can help you determine how far along you actually are.
3. Unverified Medications
The FDA does not encourage women to order the abortion pill online without a prescription. Ordering pills from unlicensed or overseas websites puts you at risk of getting counterfeit or ineffective medication.[5]
4. Lack of Emotional Support
An in-person consultation allows you to talk through your options, ask questions, and get emotional support. If you order abortion pills by mail, this part of the process can be missing.
5. Lack of Support During the Abortion
During an abortion, questions may arise about pain level, amount of bleeding, and recovery. If you order abortion pills online, then you likely won’t have anyone to guide you through the process or to answer your questions.
6. Lack of Follow-Up After the Abortion
Every woman who takes the abortion pill should receive follow-up care to evaluate for complications. So, if you obtain abortion pills online, it may be difficult to find follow-up care.
The Risks of a Telehealth Abortion Appointment
A telehealth abortion appointment may feel more convenient and private. But, telehealth does not allow an abortion provider to confirm your gestational age or to evaluate for a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy with an ultrasound. So, before you speak with a telehealth provider, call Family Life Pregnancy Center for a free appointment today.
Why You Need to Talk to a Medical Professional in Person
If you’re thinking about using an online service for the abortion pill, the best first step is to talk with a qualified healthcare provider in person. Here’s why that matters:
- They can confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy.
- You’ll learn about what to expect, including risks and side effects.
- They can also help you understand your state’s laws around telehealth abortions to make sure you’re staying within legal limits.
Considering Buying the Abortion Pill Online? Contact Family Life Pregnancy Center First.
The rise in abortion services has made the abortion pill more accessible, but increased access doesn’t always mean increased safety. The abortion pill is a serious medical decision that deserves personal attention and support.
Before you order the abortion pill online, we strongly encourage you to reach out and speak with someone first. There are risks involved—physically, emotionally, and legally—and you don’t have to navigate them alone. We’re here to provide accurate information, answer your questions without judgment, and help you make a fully informed decision.
Give us a call at (661) 823-8255 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge.
Please be aware that Family Life Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- FDA. (2025, January 17). Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
- Proclamation on Reproductive Freedom. (2019, May 31). https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Proclamation-on-Reproductive-Freedom.pdf
- Danco Laboratories, LLC. (2022). MEDICATION GUIDE: Mifeprex. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020687s014lbl.pdf
- See source #3.
- See source #1.