How to Have an Abortion at Home: Safety, Steps, and Support

Abortion At Home

What do I need to know?

When it comes to an unplanned pregnancy, an abortion at home or a DIY abortion might sound like a quick, easy and private option for you. And if this pregnancy is something you just found out about, you might even feel like it’s a decision you need to make right away. Even though you may feel rushed, it is recommended that you receive free and informed consent prior to having an abortion¹.

Is an abortion at-home safe?

It’s important to your health for you to know all of the potential risks, side effects and contraindications before taking any medication. Although the abortion pill may be found online, purchase of this medication without the supervision of a licensed health provider increases the risk of getting medication that is ineffective, counterfeit, tainted, or unsafe. The risk of complications is also higher when an abortion is administered without the supervision of a doctor.

According to recent studies, women who take the abortion pill are at a 53% greater risk of an Emergency Room visit for an abortion-related reason compared to ER visits following a surgical type of abortion. The rate of abortion-related ER visits following a medical abortion increased 507% from 2002-2015.

Do I need ultrasound confirmation first?

Before taking the abortion pill, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that “a clinician should confirm pregnancy and estimate gestational age.” An ultrasound is the most accurate way to determine gestational age. It will also confirm the location of the pregnancy. If you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy and take the abortion pill, it can be a life threatening emergency.

Can I purchase the abortion pill online?

Some abortion clinics offer video appointments and mailed medications, but without an ultrasound, you won’t have pregnancy confirmation or know how far along you are. Taking the abortion pill when you are too far along, have an ectopic pregnancy or other medical conditions may cause serious health problems. Purchasing the abortion pill from an unknown source on the internet is dangerous and could put your health at greater risk. The FDA warns individuals “You should not buy Mifeprex over the internet because you will bypass important safeguards designed to protect your health.”

Can herbs or home remedies safely induce an abortion?

For thousands of years herbs, home remedies and self induced abortions have been utilized. But these options can put you at an even greater health risk. According to the World Health Organization, 45% of all abortions annually were considered “unsafe” and one in four women experience complications and ongoing health concerns. These risks can include: hemorrhage, infection, toxicity, scarring, and incomplete abortion. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after a self induced abortion, it is a medical emergency and you should be seen by a physician immediately.

What can I do if I take the abortion pill and regret it?

If you’ve taken the abortion pill and are experiencing thoughts of regret, uncertainty or shame, it may not be too late to reverse the effects of the mifepristone. Contact the Abortion Pill Rescue hotline (877-746-7080) to speak to someone about your options.

What do I do after my abortion?

Follow up care is essential for all medical and surgical abortions. The most accurate way for you to know if your abortion is complete is a negative pregnancy test and a return of your menstrual cycle. Contact us to schedule your post-abortion assessment 3-6 weeks after your abortion.

Resources

¹ https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240039483

Are you considering abortion? Are you unsure of your options? Here at North Metro Women’s Care, we specialize in helping you through the process. Our onsite medical professionals will answer your questions in a caring and confidential way. We would be happy to serve you.

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