Understanding MTP Kits and Abortion Pills
MTP kits, also known as medical termination of pregnancy kits, are used to safely and discreetly terminate early pregnancies at home. MTP kits contain two medications - mifepristone and misoprostol - which are commonly referred to as abortion pills or medication abortion.
Mifepristone works by blocking the hormone progesterone which is essential for a pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol then causes contractions and expels the contents of the uterus. When used together in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, mifepristone and misoprostol are up to 98% effective at ending a pregnancy.
MTP kits provide a non-surgical abortion option that many people prefer over in-clinic surgical abortions. Medication abortions using MTP kits have been proven in clinical studies to be a safe and effective method for pregnancy termination when used as directed.
Is It Legal to Buy Abortion Pills Online?
In many countries, abortion pills are a restricted medication that can only be prescribed by a licensed physician. However, in certain areas it is legal to buy abortion pills online for personal use after an online consultation with a medical provider.
Some examples of countries where purchasing abortion pills online is allowed include:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
It's important to check your local laws and restrictions before attempting to buy abortion pills online. While it may be legal to buy them, there are often gestational limits placed on how far along in a pregnancy you can be to use medication abortion.
How to Safely Buy Abortion Pills Online
If you have decided that a medication abortion is the right option for you, here are some tips for safely purchasing MTP kits online:
Choose a Reputable Provider
Make sure you order from a trusted and legitimate telehealth abortion service. Some key things to look for include:
- Established company with a professional website
- Requires a consultation with a licensed medical provider
- Ships medications from a verified pharmacy
- Offers discreet and confidential packaging
- Provides support before, during and after the abortion
Doing your research to find a reputable, transparent online abortion pill provider is crucial for having a safe experience.
Consult with the Prescribing Doctor
After initiating the order process, you will have a video consultation with the service's partner physician. This doctor will review your medical history and confirm you are eligible for a medication abortion per any legal requirements or restrictions in your area.
Be prepared to answer questions about the timing of your last menstrual period, any medical conditions you have, and confirmation that you are seeking abortion care voluntarily. The consultation is confidential and judgement-free.
Follow the Directions Closely
Once approved and shipped, your MTP kit will come with clear instructions on how to take the mifepristone and misoprostol and what to expect throughout the process. It is extremely important that you follow these directions exactly.
Never take extra doses or use the medications for longer than prescribed. Make sure to have an emergency contact on hand in case any concerning side effects occur.
Plan for the Process
Its important to mentally and logistically prepare for what will occur after you take the medications. The process usually takes several hours, with most of the effects happening 1-4 hours after taking the misoprostol.
Make sure you have a support person available, plenty of pads/tampons, access to a restroom, and a private place to rest. Have a heating pad and any other comfort items on hand. Clear your schedule for the day.
Follow Up If Needed
If you have any concerns about heavy bleeding, fever, or other worrisome symptoms during or after the abortion process, follow up promptly with the prescribing doctor or your local healthcare provider.
You should also schedule a follow up appointment in 2-3 weeks to confirm the abortion was completed successfully.
What Does an MTP Kit Contain?
A typical MTP kit for a medication abortion contains:
- Mifepristone - This stops the pregnancy hormone progesterone, detaching the pregnancy from the uterus.
- Misoprostol - Taken 24-48 hours after mifepristone, this causes uterine contractions to expel contents.
- Anti-nausea medication - Helps with one of the common side effects of mifepristone.
- Pain medication - Ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain reliever for cramps.
- Prescription - Required for the pharmacist to dispense mifepristone.
- Instructions - Details correct dosing and what to expect.
MTP kits may also include pregnancy tests, pads, heating pads or hot water bottles to help ease cramps during the process.
How Much Does an MTP Kit Cost?
Costs for MTP kits can range from $150 to $500+ depending on the provider and components included in the kit. Some factors affecting MTP kit pricing are:
- Online consultation fee - Many providers charge a fee for the video call appointment with the prescribing doctor. This can range from $50 to $200.
- Medications - The mifepristone and misoprostol pills themselves are often $150-300 for the set.
- Shipping and handling - Overnight shipping or discreet packaging costs extra with some providers.
- Accessories - Includes like pregnancy tests, pain meds, heating pads can add cost.
- Insurance coverage - Some public or private insurance plans may cover part of the cost.
Reputable MTP kit providers are transparent about their fees and any additional costs associated with your order. They understand cost can be a factor in access to care.
Where to Buy Abortion Pills Online
To access medication abortion safely online, look for an established telehealth platform that offers discreet shipping, instructions for use, and medical supervision. Some options to consider include:
Aid Access
Aid Access is a European organization of licensed doctors and pharmacists providing home-use MTP kits to people seeking abortion care early in pregnancy. They conduct online consultations and shipapproved medication kits from India.
Plan C
Plan C uses a direct-to-patient model to ship approved MTP kits with mifepristone and misoprostol to all US states, excluding South Dakota. Patients have an online consultation first.
Choix
Choix provides telehealth services specializing in medication abortion kits prescribed by partner physicians and delivered through US pharmacies.
Hey Jane
Hey Jane offers mail order medication abortion care including online medical evaluation, prescribed MTP kits, and follow up. They ship kits with overnight delivery.
No matter which provider you choose, be sure to do your own research and vet them thoroughly first. Purchase only from legitimate telehealth sites - not third parties or unfamiliar online pharmacies.
What to Expect When Using the Abortion Pill
If you utilize an MTP kit as prescribed, here's an overview of the process and what to expect:
Step 1 - Mifepristone
First, you will take the mifepristone pill orally, either at the prescribing clinic or in the privacy of your home, depending on local laws. Mifepristone blocks the pregnancy hormone progesterone.
Plan to
FAQs
Is it legal to buy abortion pills online?
It depends on where you live. In many countries such as the US, UK, Canada and Australia it is legal to obtain abortion pills online after a consultation with a medical provider. However, there are often gestational limits on eligibility.
What is included in a MTP kit?
A typical MTP kit contains mifepristone and misoprostol pills, instructions for use, anti-nausea meds, pain medication, pregnancy test, heating pad, and any other medical supplies needed for the medication abortion process.
How much does an abortion pill kit cost?
Cost for an at-home medical abortion kit can range from $150 to $500+ depending on the provider. Cost varies based on online consultation fees, medication pricing, shipping, and included supplies.
What happens after taking the abortion pill?
After taking mifepristone expect some bleeding. 24-48 hours later misoprostol is taken to induce uterine contractions to expel pregnancy tissue. This causes cramping and heavier bleeding for 4-6 hours. Light bleeding can last 4-8 weeks.
Are abortion pills safe?
Abortion pills are very safe when used correctly under medical supervision. The combination of mifepristone and misoprostol has about a 2% minor complication rate and less than a 0.5% rate of major complications.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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