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 Iowa?
Currently, abortion is illegal in Iowa after cardiac activity can be detected by an ultrasound, typically around 6 weeks of pregnancy. Exceptions can be made in cases of rape, incest, or when abortion is considered necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman.
To qualify for an exception, people must report the rape resulting in pregnancy within 45 days to law enforcement or a public health agency or doctor, and within 140 for cases of incest.[1]
So, you cannot order the abortion pill online and have it mailed to an Iowa address.
Is It Safe to Order the Abortion Pill by Mail?
No, it is not safe. Women should never order the abortion pill by mail from a pharmacy that has not been approved by the FDA.
The FDA has not evaluated those pills for safety[2] and they could be expired, fake, or contain the wrong amount of medication.
What to Do Before Ordering the Abortion Pill by Mail
Before ordering the abortion pill by mail, you should receive an ultrasound 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 from the first day of your last menstrual period.[3]
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.[4]
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.[5]
If a heartbeat cannot be detected, it may indicate that a miscarriage has occurred. 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.[6]
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.[7]
It’s important to know that ectopic pregnancies are not treated by the abortion pill. Additionally, there are no abortion laws that would prohibit women from receiving care for ectopic pregnancies.
Call Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center at (319) 200-2125 today to to see if you qualify for a free ultrasound.
What are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?
Before ordering the abortion pill by mail, you need to understand the side effects and potential complications.
Common side effects[8]
- 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)[9]
- Hemorrhaging (heavy, excessive bleeding)[10]
- Incomplete abortion (remaining pregnancy tissue)[11]
- Infection (fever lasting more than 24 hours)[12]
If you experience any of the severe side effects listed above, go to the nearest emergency room immediately to receive medical treatment.
Want to Order the Abortion Pill by Mail? Get the Facts at Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center.
Ordering the abortion pill by mail may seem like a convenient solution to an unplanned pregnancy, but it could put your health at risk.
At Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support 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 (319) 200-2125 or schedule your appointment online today.
Please be aware that Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to order abortion pills through the mail in Iowa?
Currently, abortion is illegal in Iowa after cardiac activity can be detected by an ultrasound, typically around 6 weeks of pregnancy. So, you cannot order the abortion pill online and have it mailed to an Iowa address.
Additionally, the FDA does not recommend ordering abortion pills through the mail. The pills you receive have not evaluated those pills for safety and could be expired, fake, or contain the wrong amount of medication.
How much does the abortion pill cost?
The abortion pill can cost between $150 and $1,100 without insurance.[14] 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 by mail.
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
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- The Iowa Legislature. (2024, November 19). Chapter 146C. Abortion — Detectable Fetal Heartbeat. https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/146C.pdf
- 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
- See source #2.
- 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
- See source #6.
- 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
- See source #8.
- See source #1.
- As advertised by abortion providers as of October 2025.