Can You Order the Abortion Pill Online?

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be considering ordering the abortion pill online. 

As with any medication or medical procedure, it is important to understand how it works, which state laws apply, and the potential risks before making a decision. This article provides key information on legality, safety, and potential side effects.

Can You Get the Abortion Pill Online in North Carolina?

No, abortion pills cannot be obtained online in North Carolina. The current law requires an abortion provider to provide an in-person exam and provide an ultrasound 72 hours before a medical abortion[1]

Is It Safe to Order the Abortion Pill Online?

It is not safe to 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, and they could be expired, counterfeit, or contain the wrong amount of medication.[2] 

Before obtaining the abortion pill, women should speak with a medical professional first. 

What to Know Before the Abortion Pill in North Carolina

Before taking the abortion pill in North Carolina, by law you must obtain an ultrasound first. An ultrasound will help to determine: 

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 of gestation (or 70 days or less since the first day of your last menstrual period).[2] 

Taking the medication beyond this timeframe increases the risk of complications and may require further medical intervention, including emergency surgery to address excessive bleeding or incomplete abortion.[3]

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.[4]

If no heartbeat is detected, further evaluation is needed to determine whether a miscarriage has occurred, and your provider will discuss the next steps. In that case, the abortion pill is no longer an option to consider, and you can move forward with the appropriate medical care.

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.[5] 

Unlike a normal pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy cannot progress to term because the fetus cannot survive outside the uterus. For the pregnant woman, it’s a serious, life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.[5] 

It’s important to know that ectopic pregnancies are not treated with the abortion pill. Additionally, ectopic pregnancy requires immediate medical treatment, and care for this condition is not restricted by abortion laws.

Call Life Care Pregnancy Center at (910) 947-6198 today 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[6]

• Bleeding (up to several months) 
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea 
• Fever or chills 
• Cramping and abdominal pain

Severe side effects:

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock)[7]
• Heavy or prolonged bleeding (hemorrhage)[8]
• Incomplete abortion (when pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus))[9]
• Infection[6]

If you experience severe symptoms such as excessive bleeding, high fever, or severe pain, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Want to Order the Abortion Pill Online? Get the Facts at Life Care Pregnancy Center.

Ordering the abortion pill online may seem like a convenient solution to an unplanned pregnancy, but it is not legal in North Carolina and could put your health at risk. 

At Life Care Pregnancy Center, we offer free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and a safe place to ask questions and get answers. We’re committed to empowering you to make a safe and informed decision for your unplanned pregnancy.

Give us a call at (910) 947-6198 or schedule your appointment online today.

Please be aware that Life Care Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to order abortion pills through the mail in North Carolina?

No, it is not legal to order abortion pills through the mail in North Carolina. Women considering abortion must first have an in-person visit with a healthcare professional and receive an ultrasound. 

How much does the abortion pill cost?

The cost of medication abortion in North Carolina can vary depending on the provider, required appointments, and dosage, and may range from approximately $400 to $800.

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

1. North Carolina State Law as of June 2026. 
2. 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
3. Redinger, A., & Nguyen, H. (2022, June 27). Incomplete Abortions. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559071/
4. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 3). Fetal Development. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth
5. Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). Ectopic Pregnancy - Symptoms & Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088
6. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html 
7. 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
8. FDA. (2019, July). Prescribing Information for Mifeprex. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/022348s014lbl.pdf 
9. Mayo Clinic. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687 
10. As advertised by abortion providers in North Carolina in June 2026.