If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may have turned to the internet for a solution. All of the information can feel overwhelming. But, as with any medication or procedure, there are many things to consider before you take abortion pills.
If you live in Texas, you may also be wondering whether abortion pills can legally be mailed to you. Keep reading to learn more about current Texas law, the abortion pill, and what to know before ordering medication online.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill (medication abortion) is a two-drug regimen used to end a pregnancy in its early stages. It consists of two medications[1]:
- Mifepristone: The first pill blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary to sustain the pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot continue, and the embryo stops growing.
- Misoprostol: The second pill is taken 24-48 hours after mifepristone. It causes contractions to expel the pregnancy tissue.
By understanding how the abortion pill works, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.
How Far Along Can You Take the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill is FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks 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]
Call Metroplex Women’s Clinic at (817) 299-9599 to see if you qualify for a free ultrasound.
Can Abortion Pills Be Mailed to Texas?
Texas law prohibits a person from mailing, transporting, delivering, prescribing, or providing an abortion-inducing drug to or from a person or location in Texas, subject to certain exceptions.[3]
Federal FDA regulations are different. Under the FDA’s Mifepristone REMS Program, certified pharmacies can dispense mifepristone by mail when prescribed by a certified prescriber. However, state laws may separately restrict abortion or the mailing of abortion-inducing drugs.[2]
The FDA does not recommend purchasing mifepristone outside of the Mifepristone REMS Program, such as from an unregulated online or foreign source. The FDA cannot ensure the safety, effectiveness, or quality of medications obtained outside the regulated U.S. drug supply chain.[2]
What To Know Before You Order the Abortion Pill by Mail
Before ordering abortion pills, a woman should speak with a qualified healthcare professional. Important information about the pregnancy includes:
- Estimated Gestational Age. Gestational age (how far along you are in pregnancy) can be estimated based on a woman’s last menstrual period. An ultrasound can provide more accurate information about gestational age.[4]
- Location of the Pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy develops outside of the uterus and can be life-threatening if not properly treated. The abortion pill is not the proper treatment for a confirmed or suspected ectopic pregnancy.[2] If you think you may be experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, go to the nearest emergency room to be treated immediately.
Metroplex Women’s Clinic provides free ultrasounds to women who receive positive pregnancy tests at our center. Call us at (817) 299-9599 today to see if you qualify.
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.
Is It Safe to Order Abortion Pills From Any Website?
Not every website selling abortion pills is part of the FDA-regulated U.S. drug supply chain.
The FDA does not recommend purchasing mifepristone outside of the Mifepristone REMS Program. Medications obtained from foreign or unregulated sources may not be FDA-approved versions, and the FDA cannot ensure their safety, effectiveness, or quality.[2]
What are the Risks of an At-Home Abortion?
As with any medication or procedure, women should be aware of the risks associated with the abortion pill, including:[5]
- Incomplete abortion — the pregnancy may not be completely expelled, and additional medical treatment may be required
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to the medications
Women should know how to access medical care if complications or concerning symptoms occur.
Abortion Pill Information in Arlington, Texas
Sorting through all of your abortion options can feel overwhelming. But you aren’t alone! Visit Metroplex Women’s Clinic to speak with our qualified and compassionate staff. We provide a confidential space for you to sort through all of your options.
Please be aware that Metroplex Women’s Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. (2024, January 16). Medical Abortion.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion - FDA. (2026, April 8). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
- Redinger, A., & Nguyen, H. (2022, June 27). Incomplete Abortions. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559071/
- Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 171A. Abortion-Inducing Drugs. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.171A.htm
- MedlinePlus. (2026, February 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html