If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy in Tennessee, you may be wondering whether ordering the abortion pill by mail is a quick, private option. Before making that decision, it’s important to understand:
- Tennessee’s current abortion laws
- The risks of ordering the abortion pill by mail
- Why you need an ultrasound before considering abortion
Keep reading to learn more.
Can Abortion Pills be Mailed to Tennessee?
All forms of abortion are illegal in Tennessee, though exceptions can be made if the woman’s life is medically at risk. [1]
Is It Safe to Order the Abortion Pill by Mail?
No, it is not safe. Women should never order the abortion pill by mail, as it could be expired, fake, or contain the wrong amount of medication. It’s important to have an in-person visit to evaluate your health and the pregnancy before you take medication. [2]
What to Do Before Ordering the Abortion Pill by Mail
Before considering abortion, 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.[2]
Taking the medication beyond this timeframe increases the risk of complications that could 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, medical staff check for signs like a detectable heartbeat, which typically appears between 6-6.5 weeks of gestation.[4]
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 ultrasound can also rule out an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes. However, it can also be 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, there are no abortion laws that would prohibit women from receiving care for ectopic pregnancies.
Call Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic at (931)526-5525 or book an appointment online.
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 include[6]:
- 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 include:
- Allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock)[7]
- Hemorrhaging (heavy, excessive bleeding)[8]
- Incomplete abortion (remaining pregnancy tissue)[9]
- Infection (fever lasting more than 24 hours)[6]
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 Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic.
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 Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic, we offer free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and a safe place to ask questions and get answers.
Give us a call at (931)526-5525 or schedule your appointment online today.
Please be aware that Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services.
*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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to order abortion pills through the mail in Tennessee?
As of August 2026, all forms of abortion are illegal in Tennessee, though exceptions can be made if the woman’s life is medically at risk.
How much does the abortion pill cost?
The average cost of the abortion pill will vary from state to state.[2] It’s important to note that there may be additional expenses, such as an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and gestational age, lab work or blood tests, follow-up appointments, or over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or anti-nausea medicine.[10]
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
- Tennessee General Assembly. (2022, June). Human Life Protection Act. https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1029&GA=111
- 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
- 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
- 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
- As advertised by abortion providers.