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 and safe, and what the risks and side effects are. Keep reading to learn more.
Can You Get the Abortion Pill Online?
As of May 2026, abortion is illegal in Alabama, though exceptions can be made for medical emergencies. [1] So, you cannot get the abortion pill online, even through telehealth in Alabama at this time.
Is It Safe to Order the Abortion Pill Online?
It is not safe to 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, and they could be expired, counterfeit, or contain the wrong amount of medication.[2]
What to Do Before Considering an Abortion
Before considering traveling out of state for an abortion, 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 of gestation (or 70 days or less since the first day of your last menstrual period).[2]
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.[3]
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.[4]
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.[5]
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.[5]
It’s important to know that ectopic pregnancies are not treated with the abortion pill. Additionally, there are no abortion laws that would prohibit women from receiving care for ectopic pregnancies.
Call HPRC at (256) 926-0829 today to see if you qualify for a free ultrasound.
What are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?
Before considering the abortion pill, you need to understand the side effects and potential complications.
Common side effects[6]
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)[7]
Hemorrhaging (heavy, excessive bleeding)[8]
Incomplete abortion (remaining pregnancy tissue)[9]
Infection[6]
If you experience any of the severe side effects listed above, go to the nearest emergency room immediately to receive medical treatment.
Want to Order the Abortion Pill Online? Get the Facts at HPRC.
Ordering the abortion pill online may seem like a convenient solution to an unplanned pregnancy, but it could put your health at risk.
At HPRC, 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 (256) 926-0829 or schedule your appointment online today.
Please be aware that HPRC does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to order abortion pills through the mail in Alabama?
As of May 2026, abortion is illegal in Alabama, though exceptions can be made for medical emergencies.[1] So, you cannot get the abortion pill through the mail in Alabama.
How much does the abortion pill cost?
The average cost of the abortion pill is $200 to $800, but it will vary from state to state. It's important to note that there may be additional expenses, such as an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and gestational age, lab work or blood tests, follow-up appointments, and over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or anti-nausea medicine. [10]
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.
*Important note: Please be aware that this article is not meant to substitute for medical advice or treatment. 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.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions: Alabama's Abortion Ban. Alabama Policy Institute. (2022, June 24). Retrieved from https://alabamapolicy.org/2022/06/24/abortionfaq/
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.