procedure would be to do an ultrasound prior to giving the pills, to make sure the fetus was in the uterus, and was within the age range where the procedure would be effective. (2) Ultrasounds are obviously not used for pills ordered online and sent by mail. Online mail orders also allow male partners or others ordering pills and giving them to a woman without her knowledge, or women ‘stockpiling’ pills for future use.

        While pills may seem safer and less traumatic than surgery, the opposite is true. The risk of a subsequent ER visit is 53% higher with chemical abortions than with surgical procedures. (3) A woman taking the pill at home might take the pill after 70 days of pregnancy, which can result in an incomplete abortion, with fetal tissue remaining in the womb. The process is also more emotionally traumatic than a surgical abortion.  There is no medication or anesthesia as she suffers pain and heavy bleeding for hours or even days. The woman sees the tiny body of her child as it is expelled from the uterus, and has to flush it down the toilet. Just going into the same bathroom every day can bring back that painful memory. (3)

          The Supreme Court is now considering a case that began with a 2022 lawsuit to reverse the FDA’s approval of mifepristone. They may uphold the initial decision to take the drug off the market, or agree with the appeals court to simply return restrictions for use to 7 weeks gestation and no mail orders. A decision is expected in June 2024. (4)

1. https://www.guttmacher.org/2024/03/medication-abortion-accounted-63-all-us abortions-2023-increase-53-2020
2. https://www.jurist.org/commentary/2012/03/mailee-smith-abortion-ultrasound/
3. https://www.ncregister.com/news/pro-lifers-emphasize-the-unique-risks-and-trauma-that-accompany-self-managed-abortion
4. https://www.scotusblog.com/2024/06/supreme-court-preserves-access-to-abortion-pill/