If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be wondering whether ordering the abortion pill by mail is an option. It can seem private and convenient, but before moving forward, it’s important to understand how it works, what risks to consider, and what steps can help protect your health.
This guide walks through what to know before ordering the abortion pill by mail so you can make an informed decision with clarity.
Can Abortion Pills be Mailed to California?
In California, abortion is legal up until viability.[1] Viability refers to the point in pregnancy when a fetus may be able to survive outside the womb with medical support, which generally occurs around 24 weeks.[2]
Even though the abortion pill is legal in California, you still need a prescription from a certified provider to have it mailed to your home.
Is It Safe to Order the Abortion Pill by Mail?
Ordering the abortion pill by mail may seem simple, but there are important safety concerns to consider.
The FDA has not evaluated abortion pills from unapproved online sources for safety.[3] That means pills from those sources could be expired, counterfeit, or contain the wrong dosage.
If you are thinking about the abortion pill, it is important to get accurate medical information first so you understand both the timeline and the possible risks.
What to Do Before Ordering the Abortion Pill by Mail
Before ordering the abortion pill by mail, one of the most important steps is getting an ultrasound. An ultrasound can help confirm three key things about your pregnancy.
Gestational Age
Gestational age tells you how far along you are in pregnancy. This matters because the abortion pill is only FDA-approved through 10 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period.[3]
Taking the medication after that point may increase the risk of complications and could require additional medical care, including treatment for excessive bleeding or incomplete abortion.[4]
Viability of the Pregnancy
A viable pregnancy is one that appears to be progressing normally. During an ultrasound, technicians look for signs like a detectable heartbeat, which typically appears between 6.5 and 7 weeks of gestation.[5]
If a heartbeat cannot be detected, it may mean a miscarriage has already occurred. In that case, the abortion pill is no longer the issue to address, and different medical care may be needed.
Location of the Pregnancy
An ultrasound also helps determine whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus.
An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most often in the fallopian tube, but sometimes in the abdominal cavity or on an ovary.[6]
An ectopic pregnancy cannot continue normally and can become a serious medical emergency if left untreated.[6] The abortion pill does not treat an ectopic pregnancy.
Call CAPS at 619-337-8080 today to see if you qualify for a free ultrasound.
What are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?
Before ordering the abortion pill by mail, it’s important to understand possible side effects and complications.
Common side effects include[7]:
- Bleeding that can last up to a month
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea and digestive pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Abdominal cramping
More serious complications may include:
- Allergic reaction or anaphylaxis[8]
- Hemorrhaging or heavy bleeding[9]
- Incomplete abortion with remaining pregnancy tissue[10]
- Infection[7]
If you experience severe bleeding, intense pain, fever, or other concerning symptoms, seek emergency medical care right away.
Want to Order the Abortion Pill by Mail? Get the Facts at CAPS.
Ordering the abortion pill by mail may seem like a quick solution, but your health deserves careful attention and clear information first.
At CAPS, we provide free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and a confidential place to ask questions and understand your options. Our goal is to help you to make a safe and informed decision about your pregnancy.
Call or text us at 619-337-8080 or schedule an appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge.
Please be aware that CAPS does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to order abortion pills through the mail in California?
Yes, abortion pills can be mailed in California, but you still need a prescription from a certified provider.
How much does the abortion pill cost?
The average cost of the abortion pill in California is $612.[11] Prices vary depending on the dosage, provider, and insurance coverage. This usually does not include shipping costs.
What should I do if I experience complications?
If you experience severe bleeding, intense pain, fever, or other concerning symptoms, seek emergency medical care right away.
Sources
- Executive Department, State of California. (2019, May 31). Proclamation on Reproductive Freedom. https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Proclamation-on-Reproductive-Freedom.pdf
- Breborowicz, G. (2001, January). Limits of fetal viability and its enhancement. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11753511/
- 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. (2024, March 19). 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.