What Is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill, also known as medication abortion, consists of two different abortion pills that terminate the pregnancy. Only women up to 10 weeks of pregnancy are eligible for the abortion pill. An ultrasound is the only way to accurately confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy and that the pregnancy is viable. It is also required in the state of Ohio prior to any abortion procedure, including the abortion pill. The first abortion pill, Mifepristone, blocks the progesterone hormone and causes the lining of the uterus to thin, and stops the embryo from staying implanted or growing. The second abortion pill, Misoprostol, makes the uterus contract and releases the embryo through the vagina. Many women think this process is as easy as taking a pill, and it’s over. Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple.

How do I know if I am pregnant?

If you have had unprotected sex or experienced a failure of birth control and are having symptoms such as a late or missed period, tender or swollen breasts, fatigue, food cravings, aversions or nausea, you may be pregnant. Your first step in confirming your pregnancy is to receive a lab-quality pregnancy test followed up by an obstetrical ultrasound. We offer these tests and more free of charge at Ivy Women’s Center.

When should I take a pregnancy test?

When you become pregnant, your body will begin to produce the pregnancy hormone, known as hCG. It may take up to a week after a missed period for your body to produce enough of this hormone to be detected by a home pregnancy test. The best time to take a pregnancy test and obtain the most accurate results is 1-2 weeks after a missed period.

Why is it important to be tested for an STD while pregnant?

Left untreated, an STD can carry serious health risks, especially through a pregnancy. Regardless of the decisions you make about your pregnancy, it’s important to be tested and treated if an infection is present. This testing and treatment will help to prevent conditions such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and other serious complications to your long term reproductive health. Testing is quick and convenient, taking place during the same appointment as your consultation.

Is abortion legal in Ohio?

Yes. Abortion is legal in Ohio with the following restrictions, which are in place for the protection and safety of women: Women must receive state-mandated counseling at least 24 hours prior to having an abortion procedure. FDA protocols must be followed when providing a medical abortion Parental consent is required for minors prior to an abortion Women must receive an ultrasound prior to an abortion Abortions after 22 weeks of gestation are only available when the woman’s life is in danger.

Is it important to have an ultrasound?

Once a positive result is received on your lab-quality pregnancy test, the next step is to have a limited ultrasound. An ultrasound is not only required if you are considering an abortion, but it will also reveal important information about the pregnancy that is crucial to your health and safety. It will also help determine what type of abortion procedure is available to you.

Can I Order the Abortion Pill Online in Ohio?

Q: Can I order the abortion pill online in Ohio?

Ohio state law and the FDA protocols require a doctor’s prescription for the abortion pill. This law is in place to protect women from potentially harmful pills ordered online and to make sure the abortion pill is taken within the correct window of time during the pregnancy (prior to 10 weeks).

The abortion pill is a method of pregnancy termination for use in early pregnancy. As with all medical procedures it’s use should be considered carefully and discussed with a medical provider.

While you may find the abortion pill available for purchase online, due to safety concerns, the online sale of the abortion pill is currently illegal in Ohio. The FDA cautions women only to obtain the abortion pill through a certified abortion provider.

Is Using the Online Abortion Pill Safe?

The FDA reports that when women obtain the abortion pill online, they are “bypassing important safeguards specifically designed to protect their health.” The FDA regulates all medication sold in the US to protect citizens. When the abortion pill is purchased online, it cannot be regulated. This means there is no way to determine where the drugs are coming from or to ensure that the drugs a woman receives are labeled correctly, in the correct dosage, and aren’t expired.

Who is Eligible for the Abortion Pill?

Not every woman will be eligible for the abortion pill. It is essential for a woman to share her health history with her provider and it is legally required for her to receive an ultrasound to evaluate whether the abortion pill is safe for her. Skipping a physical and an ultrasound before the abortion pill can endanger a woman’s health. Factors that may cause a woman to be ineligible for the abortion pill include women with the following:

Are too far along in the pregnancy (the abortion pill is only approved for pregnancies up to10 weeks)
Have a pregnancy outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy)
Have a blood clotting disorder or significant anemia
Have chronic adrenal failure
Use long-term corticosteroids
Have an intrauterine device (IUD)
Have an allergy to the medications used
Do not have access to emergency care
Can’t return for a follow-up visit

Learn More About Your Unplanned Pregnancy Options

While ordering the abortion pill online might be appealing for its availability and discretion, it is not in the best interest of a woman’s safety to do so. Contact Ivy Women’s Center in Mentor, Ohio, for more information on your options, to obtain an ultrasound free of charge, and to determine your eligibility for the abortion pill.

Is Using the Online Abortion Pill Safe?

Who is Eligible for the Abortion Pill?

Learn More About Your Unplanned Pregnancy Options

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