Can You Order the Abortion Pill Online?

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be considering ordering the abortion pill online.

But, as with any medication or procedure, there are many things to consider before you take the abortion pill. In this article, we’ll explore whether it’s legal, safe, and the risks and side effects. Keep reading to learn more.

Can Abortion Pills be Mailed to Texas?

No, abortion pills cannot be mailed to Texas.

Currently, 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.[1][2]

Additionally, Texas law prohibits manufacturers, suppliers, physicians, or any other person from providing a patient with any abortion-inducing drug by courier, delivery, or mail service.[2]

Is It Safe to Order the Abortion Pill Online?

No, it is not safe. Women should never order the abortion pill online from a pharmacy that has not been approved by the FDA.

The FDA has not evaluated those pills for safety[3] and could be expired, fake, or contain the wrong amount of medication.

What to Do Before Ordering the Abortion Pill Online

Before ordering the abortion pill online, 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 up to 10 weeks gestation (or 70 days or less since the first day of your last menstrual period).[3]

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.[4]

Viability of the Pregnancy

A viable pregnancy indicates that the pregnancy is progressing normally and has the potential to continue to term. During an ultrasound, technicians check for signs like a detectable heartbeat, which typically appears between 6.5 and 7 weeks of gestation.[5]

If a heartbeat cannot be detected, it may indicate that a miscarriage has occurred. In that case, the abortion pill is no longer 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), but also in the abdominal cavity or on an ovary.[6]

Unlike a normal pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy cannot progress to term because the fetus cannot survive outside the uterus. For the pregnant woman, it’s a serious, life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.[6]

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 Hope Pregnancy Center at (979) 695-9193 today to see if you qualify for a free ultrasound.

Make an Appointment

*Important note: The purpose of our limited ultrasound exams is to identify a pregnancy inside the uterus, detect the fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along you are. If there is no detectable heartbeat, it may indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is occurring. If we cannot detect a fetal heartbeat during your appointment, we will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care and treatment.

What are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?

Before ordering the abortion pill online, you need to understand the side effects and potential complications.

Common side effects[7]

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:

Allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock)[8]
Hemorrhaging (heavy, excessive bleeding)[9]
Incomplete abortion (remaining pregnancy tissue)[10]
Infection[7]

If you experience any of the severe side effects listed above, go to the nearest emergency room immediately to receive medical treatment.

Before You Order the Abortion Pill Online, Get the Facts at Hope Pregnancy Center

Ordering the abortion pill online may seem like a convenient solution to an unplanned pregnancy, but it could put your health at risk.

At Hope Pregnancy Center, 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 (979) 695-9193 or schedule your appointment online today.

Make an Appointment

Please be aware that Hope Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to order abortion pills through the mail in Texas?

It is illegal to to order abortion pills through the mail in Texas.

Additionally, Texas law prohibits manufacturers, suppliers, physicians, or any other person from providing a patient with any abortion-inducing drug by courier, delivery, or mail service.[2]

How much does the abortion pill cost?

The abortion pill can cost between $150 to $1,100 without insurance.[11]

Prices vary depending on the dosage required, the provider from whom you purchase it, and whether your insurance covers the cost. This does not include the shipping costs if you order the abortion pill online.

What should I do if I experience complications?

If you experience severe bleeding, intense pain, fever, or other concerning symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Make an Appointment

Sources

Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2022, August 25). Health and Safety Code Chapter 170A. Performance of Abortion. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.170A.htm
Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2021, September 1). Health and Safety Code Chapter 171. Abortion. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/pdf/HS.171.pdf
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
As advertised by abortion providers.