A CLOSER LOOK AT MAIL-ORDER ABORTION

If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, you’re probably going down an internet rabbit hole looking for answers. You may feel overwhelmed and scared. You need answers now.  The internet is a good first step to get educated – good for you for doing your homework. It’s natural to want a simple easy solution and the abortion pill by mail promises to be that solution.  

WHAT IS THE ABORTION PILL?

Short answer: the Abortion Pill is actually two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, taken to terminate an early pregnancy. The medications are taken 24-48 hours apart.  The first cuts off life-supply to the fetus, the second expels the pregnancy.

IS THE ABORTION PILL LEGAL IN KENTUCKY?

For now, abortion is illegal in Kentucky. However, exceptions can be made in cases of life endangerment to the mother. Additionally, women who receive abortions are not subject to criminal liability[1]. 

CAN I GET THE ABORTION PILL BY MAIL IN LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY?

While abortion is illegal in Kentucky, there are two ways that women are acquiring the abortion pill by mail. 

OPTION 1: Meet with abortion providers via telehealth. Providers ask a few questions about a woman’s last period, if she’s had a positive pregnancy test, and if she’s currently experiencing any significant bleeding or pain. They may require an ultrasound for accurate dating. Once approved, the abortion provider mails the prescription to the woman’s address or local pharmacy. This does require a woman to be a resident of a state where abortion is legal.

If you’re a Kentucky resident, current law bans the use of telemedicine to receive the abortion pill[2].

OPTION 2: Order the generic Abortion Pill from online sources. Questions are asked and proof of dating via ultrasound may be required. These pills are usually taken at home, without the supervision of a licensed physician or clinician, and aren’t necessarily followed up by a healthcare professional to ensure the abortion is complete and the woman is healthy post-medication.

This may seem like an easy and discreet solution, but it can be very dangerous. Many of these providers are located overseas, and the medications are not subjected to FDA-regulated controls or FDA inspection of manufacturing facilities. At best, they could be placebo pills. At worst, they could be laced with harmful substances.

Because of the serious nature of the medication involved, the Abortion Pill medications must be the FDA approved versions and be dispensed by a certified pharmacy. The medications should also be administered and overseen by a licensed physician or clinician and followed up afterward to ensure the abortion is complete and that the woman is healthy on the other side.

WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?

Before you do anything, take a deep breath. Here are some first steps to take before making your plan: 

1. GET AN ULTRASOUND

This might seem counterintuitive if you’re considering an abortion, but it’s a crucial first step. An ultrasound determines: 

  • Gestational age. The Abortion pill is only FDA approved up to 10 weeks of pregnancy (or 70 days since your last menstrual period) [3]. Your risk of complications, and incomplete abortion, increases when you fall outside this approved window of gestational development.

  • Possibility of miscarriage. About 1 in 4 pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. An ultrasound determines the current viability of a pregnancy; meaning the pregnancy may end on its own.
  • Rules out ectopic pregnancy. An ultrasound can rule out an ectopic pregnancy, which cannot be treated with the abortion pill. If you’re experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, your health is at extreme risk, and you need to receive immediate medical care.

2. GET STI TESTING

It’s very important to be tested for sexually transmitted infections prior to an abortion. Should the Abortion Pill result in an incomplete abortion, a surgical abortion would be required to complete the procedure. If you require surgery, it is extremely important to make sure no other infections could be introduced into the uterus, which could cause serious long-term effects.

3. UNDERSTAND THE RISKS OF THE ABORTION

Every medical procedure and medication come with certain risks (and the abortion pill is one of the more serious ones).  You need to be fully informed and aware of the risks, complications, and your own legal rights before and after undergoing any medical procedure or taking any medications. Abortion Pill side effects and risks include:

  • Heavy Bleeding. It’s normal to bleed for a while after taking the abortion pill. However, if you soak through two full-size sanitary pads per hour, for two or more hours, you could be hemorrhaging[4], which is life-threatening.

  • Incomplete abortion. Incomplete abortions occur when some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus. Emergency surgery may be needed to remove the remaining fetal parts and prevent serious infection[5]. An incomplete abortion could also mean the abortion pills failed to work and the pregnancy could be continuing.

  • Serious Infection. If you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever for more than 24 hours after taking the second medication, a serious infection may have developed. You may need antibiotics or even surgery[6].
  • Emotional Distress. In addition to the physical side effects, many women report serious emotional and mental side effects after an abortion, some lasting a lifetime.  

4. CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS

In the chaos and panic of an unexpected pregnancy, it’s tempting to try and do-it-yourself, with no fuss, no shame, and no judgement. The truth is, if you’re pregnant, nothing is simple, and nothing is easy. Whether you choose abortion, adoption, or parenting, you will be changed on the other side. So, it’s very important to investigate and consider each option prior to making your final choice. But you are not alone.

Little Way is here for you – judgement free.  If you want more information about abortion in Kentucky, the Abortion Pill, and your other pregnancy options, we are a great place to start. Our important services (pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STI testing and treatment, as well as education) are offered at no cost to you, in a compassionate environment. We’re here to walk with you, as you make the best choice for your future.

Our team (Nurses, Ultra-sonographers, Client Advocates) is standing by, ready to help.  Give us a call at (502) 583-2151 or schedule your appointment online today!

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Sources

  1. Commonwealth of Kentucky Office of the Attorney General. (2022, June 24). Human Life Protection Act. Attorney General Daniel Cameron. Retrieved from https://www.ag.ky.gov/Press%20Release%20Attachments/Human%20Life%20Protection%20Act%20Advisory.pdf  
  2. https://cidev.uky.edu/kentuckyhealthnews/2023/01/06/fda-expands-availability-of-abortion-inducing-medication/ 
  3. FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex 
  4. FDA. (2016). Prescribing Information for Mifeprex. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/022348s014lbl.pdf
  5. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
  6. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2016, May 16). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html

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