Need help now? Call 1-877-558-0333

The “abortion pill” comprises two separate medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Traditionally, any woman who wanted to have an abortion had to receive the first pill (mifepristone) in person, delivered to her by a medical professional. But with the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, the FDA has relaxed its policies. It now allows medical abortion through telehealth (or telemedicine). If you are considering ordering the abortion pill online, here is what you should know regarding the laws in Missouri. 

What is medical abortion through telehealth?

Telehealth medicine is a sort of “virtual visit” with a healthcare provider. Instead of going to your doctor’s office, you communicate online either through messaging or video services in order to get a diagnosis and a prescription. Since the FDA announced its change of policy on the legality of obtaining the abortion pill, online services have appeared. They claim to provide the abortion pill regimen by mail, without any required in-person consultation or ultrasound. But despite the FDA decision, medical abortion through means of telehealth is not legal in every state. 

Is it legal to order the abortion pill online if I live in Missouri?

It is illegal to order the abortion pill online in Missouri. Despite the existence of online pharmacies and services offering the abortion pill through the internet, going that route could put someone in legal trouble. In addition, there is no sure way to know that the pills advertised are real and safe. 

What to do if you think you are pregnant?

If your period is late or you are experiencing other symptoms such as tender breasts, nausea, and fatigue, it is a good idea to get a pregnancy test. At Lifeline, our lab-certified pregnancy tests give immediate and accurate results. Even if you took a pregnancy test at home, you can make an appointment at our clinic to confirm its result. We provide this confidential service at no cost. Taking the abortion pill carries several risks, including painful cramps, potential heavy bleeding, and the need to be hospitalized. All these risks still apply even if the woman wasn’t pregnant.

Even if you know for sure that you are pregnant, you can still benefit from our ultrasound and other services. The limited obstetric ultrasound will verify that the pregnancy is viable. It will also check if it’s located in the right spot, which is the uterus. Because an ectopic pregnancy (which is when the embryo is implanted outside of the uterus, in the fallopian tubes or the abdomen, for example) can be very dangerous to a woman’s health, we will urgently refer you to get the care you need. The abortion pill will not end an ectopic pregnancy. If left untreated, it could result in the rupture of a fallopian tube, which could then lead to a life-threatening infection. 

Lastly, our medical team will help to pinpoint any needs you may have, whether financial, material, educational, or emotional, in order for us to understand how we can serve you best. 

Lifeline does not provide or refer for abortion. We are committed to providing you with the latest scientific facts about all of your options. Ultimately, we will never tell you what to do with your pregnancy, that is your decision.

To schedule an appointment at our Kirksville, MO, office,  please visit our appointment page. You can also contact us by phone during our office hours at (660) 665-5688 or by text at (660) 207-5886. We are here for you.

Source:

https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/state-facts-about-abortion-missouri