Is it Safe to Order the Abortion Pill Online?

Ordering the abortion pill online seems easy and confidential; but what are the downsides?

In 2025, it’s SO convenient to shop online for everything: food, clothes and a zillion other things (hello, Amazon).

Some women might think ordering medication online is no different than ordering a new pair of shoes.

But there are certain risks that come with medication abortion (“chemical abortion”).

And those risks are actually even greater when you order the abortion pill online.

Let’s talk about why that is, so that you can decide for yourself: Is it safe to order the abortion pill online?

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This post medically reviewed by on-staff nurse, Tomi Matlock, RN.

Note: The information on this website is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Is it even legal to order the abortion pill online?

Access to telehealth abortion continues to be disputed across the States.

There can be legal consequences for both those mailing abortion pills, and those who receive them in states with restrictions on abortion pills.

You should know your state’s laws before any type of abortion procedure.

What are the actual risks of ordering the abortion pill online?

Even in states where it might be legal, we have to ask the questions:

Who is it that oversees these online abortion pill vendors?
Who is responsible if something goes wrong after a woman takes these pills?
Are the pills real or even safe?

The truth is, we don’t know.

The same way you might order a fake vitamin on Amazon without knowing it, you could also be ordering an abortion pill (from a variety of places) that isn’t real.

Worse, there could be ingredients in it that could harm you even more than the ingredients which have already been found dangerous for women in the abortion pills (according to research).

In fact, in early 2025, a major study found that the abortion pill itself, mifepristone, poses a risk of adverse events that is actually 22 times greater than reported on the drug’s label.

Graphic with textured background and text "The risk of adverse events with abortion pills is 22 times higher than previously stated."

Risks of self-managed abortions

Beyond not knowing what’s in an abortion pill sent through the mail, there are the general risks of self-managed abortions.

This means that since a doctor is not following you or overseeing the process, you are performing your own abortion at home.

So, managing your own abortion in private might sound appealing, but what does it look like in reality?

No exam or ultrasound to know how far along you are

The abortion pill is only approved for up to 10 weeks’ gestation.

Even if you think you know exactly when you conceived, having an ultrasound before an abortion also can rule out an ectopic pregnancy- which can be life-threatening.

(We offer free ultrasounds. Contact us.)

No diagnosis by a doctor or conversation about possible complications

Without a physical exam as well as a review of your medical history, there is no way to know whether supplements, medications, birth control methods (IUD) or even certain foods might react negatively with the abortion pills.

Alarming pain, bleeding & trauma

Despite abortion clinics’ claims that you’ll experience cramping and bleeding similar to “a heavy period”, women online have reported much different experiences.

Some women have described bleeding to the point of their bathroom looking “like a horror scene” and having the worst pain they’ve ever had in their life.

These things happen in their home, apartment, or college dorm – a place that’s supposed to feel safe and welcoming.

Some report having to leave their home and move away — all because of the traumatic memories associated with performing their own abortion at home.

Complications after abortion

Because of not seeing a medical provider or having to follow up with a doctor, you could also experience complications afterwards.

Excessive bleeding, and incomplete abortion are possible.

If the abortion isn’t complete, you may still be pregnant, or you could still have fetal parts remaining in the uterus.

This requires immediate, urgent medical care.

Textured graphic with text "An incomplete abortion requires immediate and urgent medical care."

Many women also have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache.

You can check out our posts on complications of abortion and at home abortions for more details.

For more stories of women who have taken the abortion pill, see video testimonies here.

Before ordering the abortion pill online

Answers to your questions about abortion or ordering the abortion pill online are just a click away.

Chat live with a nurse by using the widget on this screen.

Or find a Center near you.

At the Pregnancy Resource Center of Mountain Grove, we’re here to help you understand all of your pregnancy options, and also the risks that come with abortion.

We do not profit from your pregnancy decisions, but we offer free, confidential pregnancy services in order to serve you: mind, body and spirit.