With the rise of virtual healthcare, getting the abortion pill through telehealth has become increasingly common. Many women search online for how to get the abortion pill online or explore telehealth abortion options, but should you get abortion pills online? How safe is it? What risks are involved? And why is it important to talk to a medical professional in person?
Let’s break it all down.
What Is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill, also called a medication abortion, involves taking two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. These work together to end a pregnancy and are FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks (70 days) from the start of your last menstrual period.[1]
Can A Telehealth Provider Prescribe Abortion Pills?
If you reside in Texas, you cannot have a telehealth appointment with an abortion provider, even if they live in another state.
You should never speak with an abortion provider who lives outside of the United States, as their regulations differ and could put you at risk.
Can You Get the Abortion Pill Online?
Abortion is currently banned in Texas, except to preserve the life of the pregnant woman. This will not affect care for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. A woman who seeks or obtains an abortion will not be held criminally or civilly liable under Texas law.[2][3]
So, you cannot get the abortion pill online, even through telehealth in Texas at this time.
The Risks of Getting the Abortion Pill Online Without Seeing a Medical Professional
The abortion pill may seem like a private and convenient solution to an unplanned pregnancy, but convenient doesn’t mean risk-free. While many people search “how to get the abortion pill without seeing a doctor” or “abortion pill online no appointment,” skipping medical consultation can carry some real risks:
1. Missed Medical Conditions
Without an in-person consultation, it’s easy to miss signs of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, which is rare but life-threatening and cannot be treated with the abortion pill. Medical professionals use ultrasounds to rule out these life-threatening conditions. You should also not take the abortion pill if you are allergic to the medication, have a blood clotting disorder, or have an IUD in place.[4]
2. Incorrect Timing
Per the FDA, the abortion pill can only be used within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Without knowing exactly how far along you are, you could be taking it too late, increasing the risk of complications or an incomplete abortion.[5] An ultrasound can help you determine how far along you actually are.
3. Unverified Medications
The FDA does not encourage women to order the abortion pill online without a prescription. Ordering pills from unlicensed or overseas websites puts you at risk of getting counterfeit or ineffective medication.[6]
4. Lack of Emotional Support
An in-person consultation allows you to talk through your options, ask questions, and get emotional support. If you order abortion pills by mail, this part of the process can be missing.
5. Lack of Support During the Abortion
During an abortion, questions may arise about pain level, amount of bleeding, and recovery. If you order abortion pills online, then you likely won’t have anyone to guide you through the process or to answer your questions.
6. Lack of Follow-Up After the Abortion
Every woman who takes the abortion pill should receive follow-up care to evaluate for complications. So, if you obtain abortion pills online, it may be difficult to find follow-up care.
The Risks of a Telehealth Abortion Appointment
A telehealth abortion appointment may feel more convenient and private. But, telehealth does not allow an abortion provider to confirm your gestational age or to evaluate for a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy with an ultrasound. So, before you speak with a telehealth provider, call Hope Pregnancy Center for a free appointment today.
Why You Need to Talk to a Medical Professional in Person
If you’re thinking about using an online service for the abortion pill, the best first step is to talk with a qualified healthcare provider in person. Here’s why that matters:
- They can confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy.
- You’ll learn about what to expect, including risks and side effects.
- They can also help you understand your state’s laws around telehealth abortions to make sure you’re staying within legal limits.
Considering Buying the Abortion Pill Online? Contact Hope Pregnancy Center First.
The rise in abortion services has made the abortion pill more accessible, but increased access doesn’t always mean increased safety. The abortion pill is a serious medical decision that deserves personal attention and support.
Before you order the abortion pill online, we strongly encourage you to reach out and speak with someone first. There are risks involved—physically, emotionally, and legally—and you don’t have to navigate them alone. We’re here to provide accurate information, answer your questions without judgment, and help you make a fully informed decision.
Give us a call at (979) 695-9193 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge.
Please be aware that Hope Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- FDA. (2025, January 17). Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
- Health and Safety Code Chapter 170A. Performance of Abortion. Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2022, August 25). https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.170A.htm
- Health and Safety Code Chapter 171. Abortion. Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2021, September 1). https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/pdf/HS.171.pdf
- Danco Laboratories, LLC. (2022). MEDICATION GUIDE: Mifeprex. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020687s014lbl.pdf
- See source #4.
- See source #1.