If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be considering ordering the abortion pill by mail. But, as with any medication or procedure, there are many things to consider before you order and take the abortion pill. Keep reading to learn more.
Can Abortion Pills be Mailed to PA?
Currently, abortion is legal in Pennsylvania through the 24th week of pregnancy. Exceptions can be made if the health of the pregnant woman is in danger.[1]
Even though the abortion pill is legal in PA, you still need a prescription from a certified provider in order to have it mailed to your home.
Is It Safe to Order the Abortion Pill by Mail?
No, it is not safe. Ordering the abortion pill by mail from an online provider is very risky because some online providers may not be sending the FDA-approved version of the medication.
The FDA has not evaluated these pills for safety[2] and they could be expired, fake, or contain the wrong amount of medication.
What to Do Before Ordering the Abortion Pill by Mail
Before ordering the abortion pill by mail, you should receive an ultrasound to determine:
Gestational Age
Gestational age refers to how far along you are in pregnancy. This is important to know, because the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for use through 10 weeks of pregnancy.[2]
Taking the medication beyond this timeframe increases the risk of complications, and may require further medical intervention, including emergency surgery to address excessive bleeding or incomplete abortion.[3]
Viability of the Pregnancy
A viable pregnancy indicates that the pregnancy is progressing and has the potential to continue to term. During an ultrasound, technicians check for signs like a detectable heartbeat, which typically appears around 6 weeks gestation.[4]
Depending on how far along you are, the inability to detect a heartbeat may indicate that a miscarriage has occurred. In that case, the abortion pill is not an option to consider, and you can move forward with the appropriate medical care.
Location of the Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes (known as a tubal ectopic pregnancy).[5]
Unlike a normal pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy cannot progress to term because the fetus cannot survive outside the uterus. For the pregnant woman, it is a serious, life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.[5]
It’s important to know that ectopic pregnancies are not treated by the abortion pill. Additionally, there are no abortion laws that would prohibit women from receiving care for ectopic pregnancies.
Call Morning Star Clinics at 717-901-2799 today to to see if you qualify for a free ultrasound.
What are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?
Before ordering the abortion pill by mail, you need to understand the side effects and potential complications.
Common side effects include[6]:
- Bleeding that can last up to a month
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea and digestive pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Abdominal cramping (caused by the misoprostol)
Severe side effects include:
- Allergic reaction or anaphylaxis[7]
- Hemorrhaging (heavy, excessive bleeding)[8]
- Incomplete abortion (remaining pregnancy tissue)[9]
- Infection[6]
Additionally, some women report experiencing mental health struggles after abortion.
If you experience any of the severe side effects listed above, go to the nearest emergency room immediately to receive medical treatment.
Want to Order the Abortion Pill by Mail? Get the Facts at Morning Star Clinics.
Ordering the abortion pill by mail may seem like a convenient solution to an unplanned pregnancy, but it could put your health at risk.
At Morning Star Clinics, we offer free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and a safe place to ask questions and get answers. We’re committed to empowering you to make a safe and informed decision for your unplanned pregnancy.
Give us a call at 717-901-2799 or schedule your appointment online today.
Please be aware that Morning Star Clinics does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Pennsylvania General Assembly. (2025, January 8). House Bill 26. https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb26
- FDA. (2025, February 11). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation?sm_guid=NTU1NzgyfDYzMDE1OTM2fC0xfGppbUBha2ZhbWlseS5vcmd8NTY4OTI4MXx8MHwwfDE5OTYwMDk4OHwxMDg2fDB8MHx8NTQ3NzI2fDA1
- Redinger, A., & Nguyen, H. (2022, June 27). Incomplete Abortions. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559071/
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 3). Fetal Development. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). Ectopic Pregnancy – Symptoms & Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html
- Shin, Hyun Joo, et al. “Anaphylactic Shock to Vaginal Misoprostol: A Rare Adverse Reaction to a Frequently Used Drug.” PubMed Central (PMC), 9 Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137020
- FDA. (2019, July). Prescribing Information for Mifeprex. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/022348s014lbl.pdf
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687