Can You Order the Abortion Pill Online?
But, as with any medication or procedure, there are many things to consider before you take the abortion pill. In this article, we’ll explore whether it’s legal, safe, and the risks and side effects. Keep reading to learn more.
Can Abortion Pills be Mailed to My State?
In states where telemedicine abortion is legal and available, an appointment with an abortion provider is necessary before they will prescribe abortion pills in the mail through a certified pharmacy.1 The appointment may be virtual, or in person. Both the abortion provider and pharmacy must be certified with the abortion pill manufacturers and follow the FDA-approved protocol.
In states where abortion is not legal, the law typically prohibits residents from receiving abortion pills in the mail.
Click the button below for more details about the abortion laws in your state.
Is It Safe to Order the Abortion Pill Online?
No, it is not safe to purchase any medication without consulting with a medical professional and this is especially true for the abortion pills which can cause serious complications. Websites advertising the sale of abortive drugs often originate overseas and are not registered with the FDA.
The FDA has not evaluated those pills for safety2 and could be expired, fake, or contain the wrong amount of medication. Also, receiving abortion pills from non-FDA approved overseas online pharmacies is illegal.3
What to Do Before Ordering the Abortion Pill Online
If you are considering ordering the abortion pill online, it is essential for your health to receive an ultrasound to determine:
Gestational Age
Gestational age refers to how far along you are in pregnancy. This is important to know, because the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period.4
Without an ultrasound, there is no way to know for sure how far along a woman is in her pregnancy. What if she is in the second trimester, or carrying twins? Taking the medication beyond the approved timeframe increases the risk of complications, and may require further medical intervention, including emergency surgery to address excessive bleeding or incomplete abortion.5
Viability of the Pregnancy
In simple terms, a viable pregnancy means that the embryo/fetus has a beating heart. During an ultrasound, technicians check for signs like a detectable heartbeat, which typically appears around 6 weeks from a woman’s last menstrual period.6
If a heartbeat cannot be detected, it may indicate that a miscarriage has occurred. In that case, the abortion pill is no longer an option to consider, and you can move forward with the appropriate medical care.
Location of the Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy happens when the embryo implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes (known as a tubal ectopic pregnancy), but may also implant elsewhere such as in the abdominal cavity or on an ovary.7
Unlike a normal pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy requires immediate medical attention, as it cannot be transplanted into the uterus and must be treated and removed to prevent serious, life-threatening complications.8
It’s important to know that ectopic pregnancies are not treated by the abortion pill (mifepristone plus misoprostol). Additionally, there are no abortion laws that would prohibit women from receiving care for ectopic pregnancies.
Taking the abortion pill with an undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy can be dangerous, as it does not end pregnancies located outside of the uterus. It could delay necessary urgent medical care, increasing the risk of serious complications, such as a rupture, or even death.
Pregnancy Decision can connect you with a local pregnancy center that provides free ultrasounds to determine how far along you are and whether your pregnancy is viable.
Give us a call at 866-802-4705 to get started.
What are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?
Before taking the abortion pill, you need to understand the side effects and potential complications.
Common side effects9
- Bleeding that can last up to a month
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea and digestive system pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Abdominal cramping (caused by the misoprostol)
Severe side effects:
- Hemorrhaging (heavy, excessive bleeding)10
- Incomplete abortion (remaining pregnancy tissue)11
- Infection (fever lasting more than 24 hours)12
- Allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock)13
If you experience any of the severe side effects listed above, go to the nearest emergency room immediately to receive medical treatment.
Want to Order the Abortion Pill Online? Get the Facts at Pregnancy Decision Line.
Ordering the abortion pill online may seem like a convenient solution to an unplanned pregnancy, but it could put your health at risk.
Pregnancy Decision Line can connect you with a local pregnancy center that provides free ultrasounds, accurate information, emotional support, and practical assistance to help you navigate unplanned pregnancy.
Ready to take the next step? Give us a call to get started.
REFERENCES
- FDA. (2025, February 11). 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.
- See source #1.
- Redinger, A., & Nguyen, H. (2022, June 27). Incomplete Abortions. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559071/
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 3). Fetal Development. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). Ectopic Pregnancy – Symptoms & Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088
- See source #7.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html
- FDA. (2019, July). Prescribing Information for Mifeprex. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/022348s014lbl.pdf
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
- See source #9.
- 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
- As advertised by abortion providers as of October 2025.
Call 866-406-9327 and get help now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to order abortion pills through the mail in my state?
In states where abortion is legal, it may be possible to have the abortion pill mailed to your home if both the abortion provider and pharmacy are certified with the abortion pill manufacturers and follow the FDA-approved protocol.
In states where abortion is illegal, women cannot legally obtain the abortion pill from a healthcare professional.
Click the button below for more details about abortion laws in your state.
How much does the abortion pill cost?
The abortion pill can cost between $150 and $1,100 without insurance.14 Prices vary depending on the dosage required and the provider from whom you purchase it. This does not include the shipping costs if you order the abortion pill online.
What should I do if I experience complications?
If you experience severe bleeding, intense pain, fever, or other concerning symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Please be aware that Pregnancy Decision Line does not provide or refer for abortion services.