Can You Buy Abortion Pills Over the Counter?

Dec 10, 2024

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.

In today’s blog, we’ll discuss whether you can get abortion pills over the counter and what you need to know before moving forward. Keep reading to learn more.

 

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 certified healthcare provider.[2] Only a certified pharmacy can dispense the medication. 

Can I Get Abortion Pills Over the Counter in New York?

Currently, the abortion pill is legal in New York. However, as mentioned above, you cannot get it over the counter. You will need a prescription from a qualified provider to be able to purchase it from a certified pharmacy.[3]

You should never order abortion pills online from overseas pharmacies, as studies show that the pills contain an unknown amount of the medication and could be dangerous.[4]

What Pharmacy Provides Abortion Pills Over the Counter?

As of 2024, only certified pharmacies provide abortion pills to women who have a prescription from a qualified physician. No pharmacy will provide the abortion pill over the counter. 

What You Need to Know Before Taking the Abortion Pill

These are a few things you’ll want to know before you search for 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 exact way to determine the gestational age.[5]
  2. Location of the Pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy develops outside of the uterus and can be life-threatening if not properly treated. So, before taking abortion pills, it is recommended that a woman receive an ultrasound first. 
  3. Viability of Pregnancy. Almost 10-20% of known pregnancies end in a miscarriage, and almost 80% of those occur within the first three months of pregnancy.[6]

You will not be eligible for the abortion pill if[7]:

  • You’re more than ten weeks pregnant. 
  • 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 Care Net Northern New York today for a free appointment at (315)782-5433. 

Abortion Pill Information in Watertown, New York

Making a decision about an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Care Net Northern New York is here to help! We provide free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and information on the abortion pill, adoption, and parenting, so you can make the best decision for your health and future.

Give us a call at (315)782-5433 or make an appointment online. All services are free and confidential!

Make An Appointment
Please be aware that Care Net Northern New York 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. Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. FDA. (2023, January). 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. See source #2.
  4. See source #2.
  5. Ultrasound in Pregnancy. Cleveland Clinic. (2022). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9704-ultrasound-in-pregnancy
  6. Miscarriage. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, September 8). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298 
  7. See source #2.