When faced with an unexpected pregnancy, it’s natural to look for quick solutions. If a friend has leftover abortion pills, you might 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.
Why Taking Someone Else’s Abortion Pills Is Risky
1. Incorrect Dosage Could Lead to Complications
The correct dosage depends on how far along you are and your medical history. If you take the wrong amount, it may not work or could cause excessive bleeding. Your friend could have been prescribed a different dosage than what you would need.
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 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 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 Thrive Women’s Clinic we offer free limited ultrasounds to confirm pregnancy viability.
3. They Could Have Been Received From Somewhere Unsafe
Depending on where your friend got her abortion pills, they could be unsafe. Many online abortion pill providers are not FDA-approved and may lack necessary active ingredients, have incorrect dosage amounts, or contain harmful substances.
Any place providing the abortion pill should require an appointment both before and after taking the drug to ensure your utmost safety.
4. 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.
The abortion pill is four times more likely to cause complications than a surgical abortion. It’s important to have the oversight of a medical professional to make sure you are safe through the entire abortion pill process.
5. 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. It is extremely risky to your health, life, and even career.
You and your friend can get in a lot of trouble for sharing prescription medications.
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 Thrive Women’s Clinic 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 and include medical-grade pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, 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, 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.
3. Seek Support from Thrive Women’s Clinic
If you’re unsure about your options, our compassionate staff can help provide information and support. You don’t have to do this alone. Your appointment is always confidential and 100% free.