Over the last few weeks, headlines have claimed that women are choosing to stockpile the abortion pill and emergency contraception. No matter your political beliefs, these articles may have sparked your own fear. You may be wondering, “Should I stockpile the abortion pill?”
In this blog, we’ll help you understand what is best for your health and if you should be stocking up on abortion medication.
Should I stockpile the abortion pill?
The short answer is no, you shouldn’t stockpile the abortion pill. There are several reasons why doing so is a bad idea or, really, just unnecessary.
1. The abortion pill is readily available
First, there is no indication that the abortion pill will become unavailable in the U.S. Even in our state of Florida, where abortion is restricted, you can access the abortion pill if you are six weeks pregnant or less. Additionally, contraceptives are not illegal and are easily accessible.
The current surge is driven by fear and paranoia, emotions that should never drive your decisions. Unless you see that the government has actually passed a law that makes these medications illegal, take these claims with a grain of salt.
2. Medication can expire
All medicines lose their effectiveness over time. This means that stockpiled pills may not work when you need them to. This can give you a false sense of security.
For instance, let’s say you stockpile the abortion pill and Plan B. Because you have these medications, you may make decisions that increase your risk of an unplanned pregnancy. You might choose to have sex without protection or skip a dose of birth control.
But when you try to use your stockpiled pills to try to prevent or end a pregnancy, they might not work. You’ll be in a worse situation than you would have been if you’d simply bought the medication when you needed it.
3. You should never take the abortion pill without medical supervision
Medication abortions have several serious risks. You should always see a healthcare professional before taking the abortion pill to rule out these complications.
The most serious concern is that you have an ectopic pregnancy. When this happens, the embryo implants outside of your uterus. It might implant in your Fallopian tube or in your abdomen. The abortion pill is not effective with ectopic pregnancy and it will not clear the tissue from your body. This can lead to a serious and potentially life-threatening situation.
Getting an ultrasound is the easiest way to make sure that the embryo is inside your uterus. It will also show how far along you are, making sure it’s safe to have a medication abortion.
Additionally, you shouldn’t take mifepristone (the abortion pill) if you have adrenal gland issues, bleeding problems, an IUD, or other concerns. A doctor can help rule out these potential risks.
It’s also important to know when you should get medical help for abortion complications. On average, women bleed for 9-16 days after taking the abortion pill. Some bleed for more than a month. Others experience dangerously heavy bleeding, known as hemorrhaging, soon after taking the medication.
A medical professional can help you understand the difference between regular and dangerous bleeding. They can tell you when you should seek help for a potential infection or an incomplete abortion. But when you stockpile the abortion pill, you don’t have access to this medical assistance. You may be completely alone when you need this guidance most.
For your health and safety, only get the abortion pill from a medical professional who can offer the help you might need.
4. You should only take the abortion pill if you are pregnant
One of the biggest problems with stockpiling medication is the temptation to take it “just in case.” If your period is late or you have early pregnancy symptoms, you might take the pills in a panic if they are on hand. Or, you might have a false positive pregnancy test that leads to taking the abortion pill when you don’t have a viable pregnancy.
Instead, you should always confirm your pregnancy before making any decision. Doing so saves you from experiencing potential medication side effects if you’re not actually pregnant. It can also protect your mental health. Often, just the possibility of an unexpected pregnancy can cause fear and alarm. Confirming your pregnancy, or lack of it, can help you avoid unnecessary stress.
Visit a pregnancy clinic to take a medical-grade pregnancy test and have a confirmation ultrasound. You will know for sure if you’re pregnant and you’ll get information about your pregnancy and options. At Thrive Orlando, for example, we offer free medical-grade pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. We also give our patients information about their options (including the abortion pill) and additional resources that will help you feel confident about your choice.
Get the facts at Thrive Orlando
Make an appointment at our clinic to speak with a patient advocate and a nurse about your situation. We’ll give you factual information and answer all your questions about the abortion pill and your pregnancy.
Get the care you deserve today.