Abortions are risky procedures regardless of where they take place. You may have an abortion in a hospital, but it is still an invasive procedure. There are risks and side effects with every form of abortion, including medically induced abortions. However, at-home abortion pills, despite being illegal in the United States, are still sold online. While ordering abortion pills online may sound appealing to you, particularly during a global pandemic, “Plan C” is not a safe option.
WHAT IS “PLAN C”?
Plan C is not a medical term. It refers to the process of obtaining abortion pills (mifeprex) through online pharmacies without the need for a prescription. This process differs vastly from FDA regulations, which require that medical abortions always be performed under the supervision of a medical professional. In addition, many Plan C medications are produced in factories outside of the United States. Here are just a few reasons to avoid “at home abortions”.
OUTSIDE FEDERAL REGULATIONS
As stated earlier, “self-managed” or “at-home” abortions rely on obtaining abortion pills from non FDA-regulated sources. Most of the time, this refers to online pharmacies that offer the pills without the need for a prescription. This might seem like a benefit if you don’t want anyone to know about your pregnancy or your abortion plans, but by going around FDA guidelines, you put yourself at risk. That is why “Plan C” abortions are illegal in the United States. FDA regulations mean that federally approved abortion pills undergo certain standards and procedures prior to distribution.
LACK OF PROPER SAFETY CHECKS
Many “self-managed” abortion pills are manufactured in foreign countries in part because the are not federally regulated. The lack of regulation means there are fewer safety checks for any contaminants in the medication, and there is even reason for concern over potential counterfeits. Some of the ingredients in these counterfeit pills cause severe illness and even death in some cases.
INCORRECT TIMING
If you are pregnant and considering an abortion, it is very important that you know how far along you are. You usually have to wait several weeks after ordering abortion pills online, at which point you may be too far along for the medication to work. An ultrasound is the only way to have an accurate idea of how far along you are, and you aren’t able to have that done if you order abortion pills online. If the pregnancy isn’t viable, an abortion pill would not be necessary, but you need an ultrasound to diagnose viability.
BOOK A CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION
We offer free, confidential consultations for any woman considering abortion. Instead of risking your health by ordering abortion pills online, call us today to book your pregnancy confirmation visit and discuss the options available to you.