When faced with an unexpected pregnancy, it can be easy to look for quick solutions. If a friend has leftover abortion pills, you may wonder if you can take them instead of going through the process of getting your own prescription. However, taking abortion pills that were not prescribed to you can be dangerous.
Let’s cover the risks, medical concerns, legal considerations, and safer alternatives to help you make an informed decision.
Please note: this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical concerns or emergencies.
Why Taking Someone Else’s Abortion Pills Is Risky
1. Incorrect Dosage and Timing Could Lead to Complications
Using the wrong amount, taking them too far apart, or at the wrong gestational age may cause the abortion pill not to work or cause excessive bleeding.
Not knowing how far along you are risks accidentally taking the abortion pill past 10 weeks. This increases your risk for an incomplete abortion and other serious complications.
2. You Might Not Know How Far Along You Are
The abortion pill is only approved by the FDA to be taken up to 10 weeks gestation. If you take the abortion pill without knowing how far along you are (especially if you are past 10 weeks), the risk of an incomplete abortion and other serious complications increases.
LifeSpring offers free ultrasounds to determine how far along you are.
3. You May Not Know If Your Pregnancy Is Viable
Before taking abortion pills, it’s important to confirm the pregnancy is inside the uterus and not ectopic (outside the uterus). An ectopic pregnancy cannot be treated with abortion pills. Instead, it can go undetected, rupture, and become life-threatening. Additionally, if you are at risk of miscarrying, the abortion pill is not needed. Pregnancies can end on their own about 20% of the time within the first trimester.
Scheduling an appointment with a licensed medical professional is a necessary first step to ensuring your health and safety. At LifeSpring we offer free limited ultrasounds to confirm pregnancy viability.
4. They Could Have Been Received from Somewhere Unsafe
Depending on where your friend got her abortion pills, they could be unsafe. Some online abortion pill providers are not regulated and may lack necessary active ingredients, have incorrect dosage amounts, or contain harmful substances.
5. Risk of Severe Side Effects Without Medical Supervision
Even when taken correctly, abortion pills can cause heavy bleeding, severe cramping, nausea, and fever. If complications arise, you may need emergency medical care. Having your own doctor is important to get the best care possible for yourself.
6. It Is Illegal to Take Someone Else’s Prescription
Regardless of the medication, using a prescription medication not prescribed to you by a healthcare professional could have legal consequences.
Safer Alternatives to Taking a Friend’s Abortion Pills
1. Get a Pregnancy Consultation
Before taking any abortion pills, speak with a licensed medical professional. Our team at LifeSpring will give you accurate information about abortion options and answer any questions you may have so you can decide what to do about your unexpected pregnancy. Our appointments are always free.
We provide pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STI testing and treatment, and information about pregnancy options and resources.
2. Confirm Your Pregnancy with an Ultrasound
An ultrasound can determine how far along you are and if the pregnancy is viable. If your pregnancy is nonviable, then an abortion is not necessary. Instead, other treatment options are available. Additionally, if you are past 10 weeks of pregnancy, you should not take the abortion pill as there is a higher chance that the pill will not work if you are further along in your pregnancy.
3. Seek Support from People Who Care About You
If you’re unsure about your options, our compassionate and professional staff at LifeSpring can help provide information and support. You don’t have to do this alone. Your appointment is always confidential and 100% free.
While we are not an abortion provider and do not refer for abortion, you can be confident our team will walk you through all of your options and resources. You deserve to be confident in your pregnancy decision.