In 2020, there were 209,917 abortions for women living in England and Wales, 85% of which were medically induced (meaning the abortion was carried out through the use of medication, rather than surgery). But where to buy abortion pills online and what is involved?
Medically induced abortions are carried out using the ‘abortion pill’, which has been available to women in Britain since it was first licensed in 1991. This has significantly improved access to safe abortions, and allowed women to undergo this emotionally and physically stressful process in the comfort of their own homes.
However, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many women were unable to access safe abortions due to imposed restrictions in clinical environments. In response to this, on 30th March 2020, the Government put in place a temporary approval of home use for early medical abortion pills, which was set to end on 30th March 2022 and has now been extended to 29th August 2022. It has been revealed that most women undergoing an abortion are now taking abortion pills at home following an online consultation.
The temporary legislation not only allows women to receive abortion pills on the NHS, but also from private clinics, which is ideal for those who already attend a trusted private gynaecologist or family planning specialist.
Is it legal to order abortion pills online?
Under current UK law, it is illegal to take abortion pills without medical approval and, in fact, two British women were jailed in 2012 and 2015 for using abortion pills purchased online (however, there are groups, such as the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), who are campaigning to decriminalise abortion in the UK).
Not only is this illegal, but it is also very dangerous. Purchasing abortion pills from an unregulated and unlicensed source could pose a threat to your life, and should be avoided at all costs.
If taken with a prescription from a qualified medical professional, abortion pills are legal to take in your own home up to 10 weeks after conception.
Abortion at home or at the doctor’s: What’s the difference?
The emotional trauma of an abortion is sometimes compounded by a trip to a clinic or hospital, where you may be asked invasive questions and recommended to undergo investigations before a prescription for abortion pills can be provided to you. Some women even report feeling judged or ashamed when requesting an abortion from a medical professional, especially in countries where pregnancy termination is stigmatised due to religious values.
Being prescribed the abortion pill online via a consultation with your doctor can alleviate some of this social and emotional discomfort, allowing you to carry out a safe abortion without having to leave your home, as the pills can be posted directly to your address.
What happens when you take abortion pills at home?
You will be given two types of pill, one usually being Mifepristone and the other Misoprostol. The first set of pills should be taken as soon as possible, and the second set should be taken between 24 to 48 hours afterwards. The pills can be taken orally, but some doctors recommend vaginal insertion for the second set of pills for higher efficacy.
After taking the pills, there is likely to be some severe cramping and bleeding which may take place over six to eight hours. During this time, you may pass blood clots through your vagina, and there is a possibility of seeing a small foetus, depending on where you are in your pregnancy.
It’s important to try and physically and emotionally prepare yourself for this time. If you are comfortable, ask a relative or friend to be with you for support, and ask your boss for time off – you may have to specify that you are taking leave for a medical reason, but you do not have to offer specific information. After taking the pills, ensure you get an adequate amount of rest. You are unlikely to be leaving the house for a day or two, so make sure that you have everything you need in terms of food, toiletries and other essentials.
Public vs. private healthcare for an abortion
The type of medication you receive when undergoing a medical abortion is likely to be the same whether you use public or private healthcare; however, some aspects of the treatment and experience may be different.
The benefits of private healthcare include:
- More availability for appointments-with some clinics offering same-day consultations
- Specialist-led services – your consultation is likely to be with a medical professional who specialises in gynaecological care, who will be able to answer any questions you have, rather than a GP whose expertise may not be as specialised
- Choice of consultant – you may be able to request the support of a particular consultant during your abortion, rather than dealing with several different doctors
- Comprehensive service – some clinics provide other medications and related products when providing an aboriton service, such as painkillers, contraceptive medications and pregnancy tests
The benefit of public healthcare is, of course, the cost. Gynaecological services, including abortions, are free on the NHS, but can cost hundreds of pounds when going private. If you are thinking about having an abortion, you should research and weigh up the expenses that are likely to be incurred to determine whether the benefits of private healthcare are worth the cost in your eyes.
Further information
We hope that this article has provided some useful information about purchasing or requesting a prescription for abortion pills online. If you require further information, please browse the following sources:
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