The Truth About Getting the Abortion Pill Through Telehealth

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 Professional Prescribe Abortion Pills?

It depends.

In states where abortion is legal, you may be able to have a virtual appointment with an abortion provider who is licensed in your state.

In states where abortion is illegal, so is telehealth abortion access, including across state lines. Attempting to access abortion services outside of the United States is very risky. FDA regulations don’t apply and there is no way to be certain if the medications are authentic or tested.²

Click the button below to learn more about your state’s abortion laws.

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.

Taking the abortion pill beyond the FDA approved limits increases the risk of serious complications that may require hospital visits and emergency surgery.^{3, 4} Also, it becomes less effective the farther along you are meaning that you may still be pregnant after taking the pills.

An ultrasound exam can identify if there is a viable pregnancy in the uterus–this is important information because a significant number of pregnancies end naturally in miscarriage and a small number are ectopic. Ectopic pregnancies grow outside the uterus and can be life-threatening, plus, they will not be ended by the abortion pill. Knowing this vital information will help you make a fully informed decision and may save your life.

Can You Get the Abortion Pill Online?

In states where telemedicine abortion is legal, you can  get the abortion pill online from a certified pharmacy after a certified abortion provider in has prescribed it to you. Telemedicine/online abortion is not legally available In states where abortion is outlawed.

Additionally, ordering the abortion pill online from unregulated sources is risky. The FDA warns against purchasing abortion pills from overseas or unverified online platforms, as these pills may be expired, counterfeit, or contaminated.⁵

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. Medical Contraindications: 

You should not take the abortion pill if you are allergic to the medication, have a blood clotting disorder, or have an IUD in place.⁶

2. Missed Pregnancy Complications

Without an in-person consultation and ultrasound to confirm an intrauterine pregnancy, it’s easy to miss signs of a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or other pregnancy complications. Ectopic pregnancies are uncommon, but may be life-threatening and cannot be treated with the abortion pill.

3. Incorrect Timing

Per the FDA, the abortion pill can only be used up through 10 weeks of a woman’s last menstrual period. Without knowing how far along you are, you could be taking it too late, increasing the risk of complications, including an incomplete or failed abortion.⁷ An ultrasound can help you determine how far along you actually are.

4. Unverified Medications

The FDA discourages women from ordering abortion pills online without a healthcare professional’s oversight and prescription. Ordering pills from unlicensed or overseas websites bypasses important safety measures and puts you at risk of getting counterfeit or ineffective medication.⁸

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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 Telemedicine Abortion Appointment

A telemedicine abortion appointment may feel more convenient and private. But, this appointment style does not allow an abortion provider to make a clear diagnosis of an intrauterine pregnancy and confirm your gestational age with an ultrasound, or to evaluate for a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

Before you speak with a telehealth provider, contact Pregnancy Decision Line. We offer nonjudgmental education on abortion and other pregnancy options, emotional support, and pregnancy decision help. We can also connect you with a local pregnancy center that provides free ultrasounds, so you can make the best decision for your health and future.

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 professional 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 telemedicine abortions to make sure you’re staying within legal limits.

Considering Buying the Abortion Pill Online? Contact Pregnancy Decision Line 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. is here to provide accurate information, answer your questions without judgment, and help you make a fully informed decision.

Ready to take the next step? We can connect you with a local pregnancy center that provides free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and abortion information, so you can make the best decision for your health and future.

Please be aware that Pregnancy Decision Line does not provide or refer for abortion services.