If pregnancy wasn’t a part of your plan, you may be looking for a private and easy way to end it. You may be wondering if you can pick up abortion pills over the counter at your local pharmacy.

Keep reading to learn more about what you need to know before moving forward.

Are Abortion Pills Available Over the Counter? 

Over the counter medications do not require a prescription and can be used by individuals without the involvement of a healthcare provider.[1] However, abortion pills do require a prescription and oversight by a healthcare provider, so abortion pills are not available over the counter. 

Per the FDA, mifepristone and misoprostol (the two pills used in the abortion pill protocol) must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider.[2] Only a certified pharmacy can dispense the medication. 

Can I Get Abortion Pills Over the Counter in Texas?

Abortion is currently banned in Texas, except to preserve the life of the pregnant woman. This will not affect care for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. A woman who seeks out or obtains an abortion will not be held criminally or civilly liable under Texas law.[3,4] However, Texas pharmacies are not authorized to dispense the abortion pill, even with a prescription.

You should never order abortion pills, or other pills intended to end a pregnancy, online from overseas pharmacies, as studies show that the pills contain an unknown amount of the medication and could be dangerous.[5] Before ordering any pills, always speak to a healthcare professional first. 

Call or text now to speak to one of our licensed medical professionals to confidentially discuss your options.

What You Need to Know Before Taking the Abortion Pill 

These are a few things you’ll want to know before considering the abortion pill: 

  1. Estimated Gestational Age. Gestational age (how far along you are in pregnancy) can be estimated based on a woman’s last menstrual period, but an ultrasound is the most accurate way to determine the gestational age.[6]
  2. Location of the Pregnancy. The ultrasound will also show if the pregnancy is forming outside of the uterus, known as ectopic pregnancy. Not only can ectopic pregnancies be life-threatening, but the abortion pill doesn’t treat them. Call your medical provider immediately if you think you may be experiencing an ectopic pregnancy.
  3. Viability of Pregnancy. 10-20% of known pregnancies end in a miscarriage, and almost 80% of those occur within the first three months of pregnancy[7], which means that you may not need to take the abortion pill. Mid Cities Women’s Clinic can help determine this for you.

You will not be eligible for the abortion pill if[8]:

  • You’re more than ten weeks pregnant. 
  • You’ve had a previous cesarean section or uterine surgery.
  • You have an IUD (Intrauterine Device). 
  • You have a clotting disorder or some other medical condition. Speak with a healthcare professional before an abortion. 
  • Don’t have access to emergency care. In the case that you experience complications after a medical abortion, you should have access to emergency care. 

Call Mid Cities Women's Clinic today for a free appointment at 817-577-4387

Abortion Pill Information in Euless, Texas 

Making a decision about an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Mid Cities Women's Clinic is here to help! We provide free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and abortion information, so you can make the best decision for your health and future.

Give us a call at 817-577-4387 or schedule your appointment online. All services are free and confidential!

Please be aware that Mid Cities Women's Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services.

Sources

  1. Q&A On OTC. FDA. (2022, November). https://www.fda.gov/drugs/cder-small-business-industry-assistance-sbia/small-business-assistance-frequently-asked-questions-regulatory-process-over-counter-otc-drugs
  2. Mifepristone (oral route). Mayo Clinic. (2024, February 1). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/description/drg-20067123 
  3. Health and Safety Code Chapter 170A. Performance of Abortion. Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2022, August 25). https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.170A.htm    
  4. Health and Safety Code Chapter 171. Abortion. Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2021, September 1). https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/pdf/HS.171.pdf  
  5. See source #2.
  6. Ultrasound in Pregnancy. Cleveland Clinic. (2022). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9704-ultrasound-in-pregnancy
  7. Miscarriage. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, September 8). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298 
  8. See source #2.
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