Abortion Pill by Mail

You may have heard that some places offer at-home abortions with the abortion pill by mail. These pills may not always be effective or safe, and here’s why:

Abortion pills bought without a prescription are not FDA approved and risk being contaminated, counterfeit, or containing varying ingredients. Also, according to the FDA, it is illegal to order the pills without having a prescription.

The FDA also advises against buying abortion pills over the internet because you risk bypassing important safety guards that protect your health.

The steps for mail-order abortions generally include booking an online appointment for a telehealth visit where you will speak with a provider who will ask you questions. If you meet their criteria for the abortion pill, you should receive the pills by mail within 24 – 72 hours. You then start the abortion pill procedure at-home and follow-up with a telehealth clinician.

Not all abortions by mail are conducted through telehealth. Some online providers require only a questionnaire to be submitted and no follow-up telehealth visit. The cost may be lower, but the risks are higher.

In either case it is important that you have an ultrasound to confirm a positive pregnancy test before making your decision. The licensed medical professionals at the Shady Grove Pregnancy Center will perform your sonogram and our counselor can discuss your options with you. Knowing all the facts before starting the abortion procedure is vital. Call 301-963-6223.

This warning is found on the FDA label:

  • Do Not Buy Mifeprex Over the Internet
  • You should not buy Mifeprex over the Internet because you will bypass important safeguards designed to protect your health.
  • Mifeprex has special safety restrictions on how it is distributed to the public. Also, drugs purchased from foreign Internet sources are not the FDA-approved versions of the drugs, and they are not subject to FDA-regulated manufacturing controls or FDA inspection of manufacturing facilities.
  • To learn more about buying drugs safely, please see Buying Prescription Medicines Online: A Consumer Safety Guide [PDF]

Answers To Common Questions

Making an appointment is a great way to ensure that you can be seen at a time convenient for you. We do accept walk-ins, provided that a counselor is available.
We recommend you make an appointment if you think you are pregnant, have missed your period, or have pregnancy related questions.
You will meet with a trained counselor to go over your information and a pregnancy test will be performed. With a positive pregnancy test, we can then set up an appointment for an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and its viability.

All our services are provided free of charge.

We absolutely understand the comfort of bringing a loved one with you to your appointment. You’re welcome to bring your boyfriend, family member or friend with you.
We adhere to a strict privacy and confidentiality policy. Clients will be protected from disclosure of information that violates their right to privacy except where required by law.

What others are saying about Shady Grove Pregnancy Center

What others are saying about Shady Grove Pregnancy Center

"When I first went to the Shady Grove Pregnancy Center I was really nervous. But I found the counselors friendly and non-judgmental. They gave me all my options, even privacy to think about it. When I left they gave me some information and promised to call and check up on me. It was a very good experience and I would do it all over again."
Nosipho
"My partner and I met with one of the counselors at the Center - we were very lucky because instead of telling us what to do she helped us untangle the mess in our heads and come to a decision peacefully, in a safe, non-judgmental environment..."
Elana
"....Everyone was friendly, welcoming, accepting and open minded. I was impressed with the center's dedication to ensuring their clients are well prepared for the next step in their journey. I strongly recommend this center and encourage anyone who needs any pregnancy-related counseling to seek their service."
Tiffany
"....Everyone was friendly, welcoming, accepting and open minded. I was impressed with the center's dedication to ensuring their clients are well prepared for the next step in their journey. I strongly recommend this center and encourage anyone who needs any pregnancy-related counseling to seek their service."
Tiffany
"When I first went to the Shady Grove Pregnancy Center I was really nervous. But I found the counselors friendly and non-judgmental. They gave me all my options, even privacy to think about it. When I left they gave me some information and promised to call and check up on me. It was a very good experience and I would do it all over again."
Nosipho
"My partner and I met with one of the counselors at the Center - we were very lucky because instead of telling us what to do she helped us untangle the mess in our heads and come to a decision peacefully, in a safe, non-judgmental environment..."
Elana
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