Can You Order the Abortion Pill by Mail?

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. Keep reading to learn more.

Can Abortion Pills be Mailed to Kentucky?

While abortion pills can be mailed to Kentucky, it is not legal to do so.

Currently, abortion is illegal in Kentucky. However, exceptions can be made in the case of life endangerment to the pregnant woman.[1] Even if you do qualify for an exception, you will need a prescription from a qualified healthcare professional.

Is It Safe to Order the Abortion Pill by Mail?

No, it is not safe. Women should never order the abortion pill by mail from an online provider that has not been approved by the FDA.

The FDA has not evaluated those pills for safety[2] and could be expired, fake, or contain the wrong amount of medication.

What to Do Before Ordering the Abortion Pill by Mail

Before ordering the abortion pill by mail, you should 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.[2]

Taking the medication beyond this timeframe increases the risk of complications, and may require further medical intervention, including emergency surgery to address excessive bleeding or incomplete abortion.[3]

Viability of the Pregnancy

A viable pregnancy indicates that the pregnancy is progressing normally and has the potential to continue to term. During an ultrasound, technicians check for signs like a detectable heartbeat, which typically appears between 6.5 and 7 weeks of gestation.[4]

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

If a heartbeat cannot de detected, it may also mean an ectopic pregnancy has occurred.

An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes (known as a tubal ectopic pregnancy), but also in the abdominal cavity or on an ovary.[5]

Unlike a normal pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy cannot progress to term because the fetus cannot survive outside the uterus. For the pregnant woman, it’s a serious, life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.[5]

It’s important to know that ectopic pregnancies are not treated by the abortion pill. Additionally, there are no abortion laws that would prohibit women from receiving care for ectopic pregnancies.

Call Life Choice Pregnancy Care Center at 270-717-5433 today to to see if you qualify for a free ultrasound.

Schedule An Appointment

*Important note: Please be aware that this article is not meant to substitute for medical advice or treatment. The purpose of our limited ultrasound exams is to identify a pregnancy inside the uterus, detect the fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along you are. If there is no detectable heartbeat, it may indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is occurring. If we cannot detect a fetal heartbeat during your appointment, we will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care and treatment.

What are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?

Before ordering the abortion pill by mail, you need to understand the side effects and potential complications.

Common side effects include[6]:

Bleeding that can last up to a month
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea and digestive pain
Chills
Fever
Abdominal cramping (caused by the misoprostol)

Severe side effects include:

Allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock)[7]
Hemorrhaging (heavy, excessive bleeding)[8]
Incomplete abortion (remaining pregnancy tissue)[9]
Infection (fever lasting more than 24 hours)[6]

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 by Mail? Get the Facts at Life Choice Pregnancy Care Center.

Ordering the abortion pill by mail may seem like a convenient solution to an unplanned pregnancy, but it could put your health at risk.

At Life Choice Pregnancy Care Center, we offer free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and a safe place to ask questions and get answers. We’re committed to empowering you to make a safe and informed decision for your unplanned pregnancy.

Give us a call at 270-717-5433 or schedule your appointment online today.

Schedule An Appointment

Please be aware that Life Choice Pregnancy Care Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to order abortion pills through the mail in Kentucky?

It is illegal to order abortion pills through the mail in Kentucky.

How much does the abortion pill cost?

The abortion pill can cost between $150 and $1,100 without insurance.[10] 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 by mail.

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.

Call Now

Sources

Commonwealth of Kentucky Office of the Attorney General. (2022, June 24). Human Life Protection Act. Attorney General Daniel Cameron. https://www.ag.ky.gov/Press%20Release%20Attachments/Human%20Life%20Protection%20Act%20Advisory.pdf
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
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
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). 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
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
As advertised by abortion providers.

Can You Order the Abortion Pill by Mail in Kentucky?