Dangers of Buying the Abortion Pill Online

Women facing unplanned pregnancies are often inundated with ads for websites where they can quickly buy the abortion pill without seeing a doctor. Although there may be some apparent safeguards in place when ordering online, such as completing a health questionnaire, nothing can replace meeting with a qualified medical professional to discuss your health needs. Additionally, an ultrasound is an important step for dating and confirming an intrauterine pregnancy before taking the abortion pill.  Online ordering can pose serious risks to women and  the FDA explicitly discourages people from using online distribution sites due to the health risks.

In America, medical professionals order prescriptions to be filled by licensed pharmacies which dispense prescriptions that have passed certain safety and quality control testing. Websites claiming to sell prescriptions without qualified and licensed medical professionals involved fail to safeguard the patient’s health and their legal rights. If you have questions about how to obtain safe medical care, please contact us!

The following are a list of Warning Signs which may indicate an Unsafe Website

1. The website encourages you to “get around” needing a prescription from a qualified medical professional.

2. The website connects you with a foreign seller who does not follow FDA standards.

3. The website encourages you to take illegal action. This is often disguised as a “disclaimer,” which absolves the website of all culpability (responsibility) for providing the drug but puts the legal burden on you for choosing to buy it.

4. The website purposely obscures basic medical or legal facts.

Examples of Risky, Disreputable, or Unethical Messaging

Many vendors are attempting to sell Plan C online. Some of these vendors are motivated by politics, others by profit. There is no shortage of risky, disreputable, or unethical messaging from common Plan C distribution websites. If you see statements similar to those below, avoid that website to protect your health.

1. “No medical screening or advice is given.” This statement seeks to shift blame for any danger or adverse health effects from the supplier to the customer. It is dangerous to take prescription medication without medical advice and proper screening to avoid side effects, overdoses, and other dangers. A doctor should always be consulted as to dosage and suitability of medications.

2. “By purchasing this product, you accept any legal risk.” In America, pharmaceuticals are carefully monitored by the FDA for the correct potency and the purity of ingredients. Contamination of drugs is a serious issue that can have extremely negative results. Drugs ordered from companies overseas are not always held to the safety standards present in America and can be contaminated with heavy metals, dyes, or other medications that are harmful to patients. Any company selling medication should be able to legally certify the purity of their medications.

3. Equating miscarriage with abortion intentionally confuses people, especially vulnerable women in crisis situations. Miscarriage is a natural phenomenon, while abortion is the intentional destruction of a viable pregnancy. Miscarriage cannot be illegal in any state because it is not a product of human action. When sites use the words abortion and miscarriage interchangeably, they cause confusion that makes it hard for women to access the healthcare they need. If you see a site with confusing and unclear language, it could mean other risks and dangers are also not explained clearly.

Where to Buy the Abortion Pill Online?

When considering where to buy the abortion pill online, avoid risky websites. Avoid websites that encourage you to “get around” prescriptions or pursue illegal means of obtaining drugs. Also, remember that there are always scammers and identity thieves ready to steal. A woman who is pursuing something as private and difficult as Plan C might be hesitant to contact authorities to report suspicious activity, fraud or online scams.

While PSC does not provide or refer for abortion pills, we can offer free information and limited medical services to help you understand your pregnancy and your reproductive healthcare options. Our services are always free, confidential, and medically accurate. Schedule with us today!