Call Us (270) 717-5433
Text Us (270) 883-2464
If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy and considering ordering the abortion pill online, you’re not alone. Many women in Russellville, KY, and surrounding areas look for quick, private options—but it’s important to understand what that choice could mean for your health.
Ordering the abortion pill online is not the safest choice—but understanding why can help you make an informed decision.
At Life Choice Pregnancy Care Center, we offer pregnancy options information in Russellville, KY, Franklin, KY, and Bowling Green, KY. This includes information about abortion and potential side effects. We also provide free ultrasounds, which are one of the most important steps to protect your health—no matter what you decide.
Online Abortion Pills Can Come from Unverified Sources
Many online abortion pill providers say their product is FDA-approved. However, it can be difficult to verify this—especially when pills are mailed from other states or countries.
For the abortion pill to be FDA-approved, it must follow specific requirements outlined in the Mifepristone REMS program. Mifepristone is the first drug in the abortion pill regimen. It works by blocking progesterone, a hormone your body needs to continue a pregnancy [1].
Some of the most important requirements of the Mifepristone REMS program include:
- Mifepristone must be prescribed by a certified prescriber
- Mifepristone must be dispensed by a certified provider
- The Patient Agreement Form must be reviewed and signed by both the patient and provider, with risks clearly explained before the medication is prescribed [2]
- The patient must receive a copy of the Patient Agreement Form and Medication Guide [2]
Even if online providers claim their pills are FDA-approved, it’s not just the medication that matters—it’s the process of how it is prescribed and dispensed. Skipping any part of this process can increase risk and may put your health at risk.
The FDA also states: “The FDA does not recommend purchasing mifepristone outside of the Mifepristone REMS Program… as this bypasses important safeguards designed to protect a patient’s health.” [2]
Important Pre-Abortion Screening Steps Are Often Skipped
Before having an abortion, it’s important to take the right steps to understand what options you’re eligible for. Skipping an in-person screening can put your health at risk.
Here’s why:
- You need to confirm the pregnancy is not ectopic.
An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus [3]. These pregnancies do not develop normally and require immediate medical treatment. The abortion pill is not used to treat ectopic pregnancies, and taking it in this situation can be dangerous. Treatment typically involves medication or surgery [4]. - You need to know how far along you are.
The FDA has approved the abortion pill through 10 weeks of pregnancy (70 days or less from the first day of your last menstrual period) [2]. If you are further along, the risk of complications increases. These can include incomplete abortion, heavy bleeding, infection, or other serious complications that may require medical care [5].
Some online providers claim the abortion pill can be used up to 13 weeks. This is not recommended by the FDA and may increase your risk of serious side effects.
- You need to rule out certain medical conditions.
Some pre-existing conditions or medications may make the abortion pill unsafe. The Mayo Clinic provides a list of these [6]. If you have symptoms, a family history, or are unsure, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider to protect your health. - You need to confirm if the pregnancy is viable.
A “viable” pregnancy means it is developing normally [7]. If a pregnancy is not viable, medical treatment—not abortion—may be recommended.
Receiving an Ultrasound Is the Best Way to Protect Your Health
At Life Choice, we offer free ultrasounds in a caring, non-judgmental environment. We often have same-day appointments available so you can get answers quickly.
To schedule your free ultrasound, click here.
We have office locations in Russellville, KY, and Franklin, KY, and would be glad to serve you at whichever location is most convenient. At Life Choice, we listen—and we don’t judge.
*It’s important to note that even if your ultrasound shows no concerning factors, there are still risks involved with abortion. There is no guarantee you won’t experience mild or serious side effects—even if everything appears normal.
Works Cited
- “Mifepristone.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine,
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html - “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 - “Ectopic Pregnancy.” Mayo Clinic,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088 - “Ectopic Pregnancy.” Cleveland Clinic,
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9687-ectopic-pregnancy - “Insurance Data Reveals One in Ten Patients Experiences a Serious Adverse Event.” Ethics and Public Policy Center,
https://eppc.org/publication/insurance-data-reveals-one-in-ten-patients-experiences-a-serious-adverse-event/ - “Mifepristone (Oral Route).” Mayo Clinic,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/description/drg-20067123 - 7. “Understanding and Navigating Viability.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, https://www.acog.org/advocacy/facts-are-important/understanding-and-navigating-viability