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, safe, and the risks and side effects. Keep reading to learn more.
Can Abortion Pills be Mailed to California?
Yes. Abortion pills may be prescribed through telehealth and mailed to California residents by a certified pharmacy following a prescription from a certified prescriber.
Is It Safe to Order the Abortion Pill Online?
No, it is not safe. Women should never 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[1] and could be expired, fake, or contain the wrong amount of medication.
What to Do Before Ordering the Abortion Pill Online
Before ordering abortion pills online, we strongly encourage you to confirm your pregnancy and have an ultrasound. An ultrasound can provide valuable information about:
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 gestation (or 70 days or less since the first day of your last menstrual period).[1]
Taking abortion medications beyond the FDA-approved timeframe may increase the likelihood of complications or an incomplete abortion. In some cases, additional medical treatment or a surgical procedure may be needed.[2]
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.[3]
If a heartbeat cannot be detected, it may be too early in the pregnancy to see it, or it could indicate a possible pregnancy loss. Follow-up testing or another ultrasound may be recommended before any conclusion is reached.
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.[4]
Unlike a normal pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy cannot develop normally and can become life-threatening if it causes internal bleeding. It requires prompt medical evaluation and cannot be treated with abortion pills.[4]
It’s important to know that ectopic pregnancies are not treated by the abortion pill. Treatment for an ectopic pregnancy is medically necessary care and is not the same as medication abortion.
Give us a call or text us at 619-337-8080 to see if you qualify for a free ultrasound.
*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.
What are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?
Before ordering the abortion pill online, you need to understand the side effects and potential complications.
Common side effects[5]
- 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)[6]
- Hemorrhaging (heavy, excessive bleeding)[7]
- Incomplete abortion (remaining pregnancy tissue)[8]
- Infection[5]
If you experience any of the severe side effects listed above, go to the nearest emergency room immediately to receive medical treatment.
Considering the Abortion Pill? Get the Information You Need First at CAPS.
Ordering the abortion pill online may seem like a convenient solution to an unplanned pregnancy, but it could put your health at risk.
If you’re considering ordering abortion pills online, you deserve clear information and a safe place to ask questions. CAPS provides free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds for eligible patients, and confidential support at multiple locations across San Diego.
Call or text us at 619-337-8080 or schedule your appointment online. All services are free and confidential!
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 to California residents. However, a telehealth visit and a prescription from a certified provider is required.
How much does the abortion pill cost in California?
As of September 2026, the average cost of the abortion pill in California is $612.[9]
Prices vary depending on the dosage required and the provider from whom you purchase it. This does not include the shipping costs if you order the abortion pill online.
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.
Sources
- 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.