In some states, getting the abortion pill through the mail is legal. In others, like Florida, physicians could be fined or lose their licenses if they offer these drugs without an in-person visit. Basically, the state you live in determines how you access abortion.
Whether you’re considering an in-person doctor’s visit or ordering the abortion pill online, learn more about Florida’s abortion laws and the risks associated with this abortion method.
What Are The Risks of the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill method is a form of medical or chemical abortion. This method involves taking two drugs over a 24 to 48-hour period.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the hormone known as progesterone from reaching the uterus. Without progesterone, a pregnancy cannot survive.
The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract to expel the pregnancy through the vagina.
According to the Mayo Clinic, these are the potential risks of using the abortion pill method:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
What are Florida’s Abortion Laws?
A woman considering abortion in Florida must speak with a physician and wait 24 hours before the procedure.
Currently, abortion is legal up until the 15th week of pregnancy. However, the FDA has approved the use of the abortion pill for up to 70 days (10 weeks)To measure how far along you are in your pregnancy, you begin on the first day of your last menstrual period. An ultrasound helps determine the number of days or weeks you’ve been pregnant.
The state law requires the parent of a minor to be notified and consent to the abortion beforehand. In addition, the state requires women to have an ultrasound, which they must be given the option to look at, before granting an abortion.
Should I Order the Abortion Pill Through the Mail?
Ordering the abortion pill online is against the law in the state of Florida. But there are other reasons to be wary of ordering this medication online. The FDA has approved very specific drugs in specific amounts for a medication abortion and other countries are not required to adhere to the FDA guidelines.
Many online companies offer abortion pill drugs, but you have no idea who manufactures them and if they follow proper safety protocols. Taking any medication from an unknown source – whether for an abortion or anything else – is not advisable and dangerous.
How We Can Help
Palm Beach Women’s Clinic offers no-cost confidential ultrasounds. Contact our helpful staff today if you need to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy. We can discuss abortion procedures and answer your questions about potential side effects and risks.
Schedule an appointment online at one of our two locations. Let’s focus on you.