Millions of pregnancies happen every year. For their own reasons, some people may decide to end their pregnancy and seek abortion care. Additionally, there are times when someone who wants to carry a pregnancy may need abortion care at some point during their pregnancy because of medical complications or safety concerns. No matter a person’s pregnancy circumstances know this: All abortion decisions should be made solely between you and your provider, without outside interference. Abortion is a safe, effective, and very common form of health care.
About 1 in 4 women in the U.S. will get an abortion by the age of 45. Only you know what’s right for your life and future. If you’re thinking about having an abortion, support and medically accurate information can help you make the decision that’s best for you.
Step 1: Get familiar with your state’s laws
The unfortunate reality is that the U.S. is in the middle of an abortion access crisis right now. Around 20 states ban or severely restrict abortion care, stripping people of their ability to control their own health care decisions.
In some states where abortion is legal, there are medically unnecessary restrictions in place that make it harder for people to get the care they need. For example, laws may require a waiting period — forcing you to wait 1-3 days after an initial appointment before you can get care. Depending on where you live, you may need to travel to another state for abortion.
Planned Parenthood health centers offer resources to help you find affordable care that meets your timing needs — hopefully near where you live. If not, Planned Parenthood can help you navigate the complex web of barriers that come with traveling for abortion care — including financial assistance. You can also visit Planned Parenthood or AbortionFinder.org to locate your nearest abortion provider. Tools like this interactive abortion map can help keep you updated on abortion laws across the U.S.
Step 2: Explore your options
There are two kinds of abortion — medication abortion, a combination of two medicines also known as abortion pills, and in-clinic abortion, sometimes called procedural or surgical abortion. Overwhelming evidence from professional organizations like the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology cite that abortion care — both in-clinic and abortion pills — is safe and effective health care.
In 2023, medication abortions made up 63% of all U.S. abortions. In states where it’s legal, medication abortion requires a prescription from a health care provider. Some states allow telehealth visits, which give you the option to get your abortion pills by mail and take them at home, or in the setting you feel most comfortable. An in-clinic abortion is a procedure done by a medical provider; there are different kinds, depending on your pregnancy. Your provider will discuss your needs with you and decide which type of in-clinic abortion is right for you.
Step 3: Book your appointment
Look for trusted sources like your nearest Planned Parenthood health center or AbortionFinder.org to find a provider once you decide on the type of abortion that’s right for you. And book your appointment online or by phone. If you can’t afford care, most abortion funds and financial aid resources require you to make your appointment first. Note, some states require people under 18 to get parental consent or notify a parent, but exceptions are possible. Visit the Repro Legal Hotline to learn more.
Beware of so-called “crisis pregnancy centers” as you research abortion information. These fake health centers — which often have no medical staff onsite — are typically fronts for anti-abortion groups. And they exist solely to talk people out of abortion care — usually through shame, scary propaganda, and misinformation.
Step 4: Figure out cost
Support from a partner, friend, or loved one can be especially important during this time. Plan ahead and communicate your needs so that people who care can be there for you — whether that means a ride, your favorite comfort foods, or simply someone to talk to. Abortion providers can offer some emotional support. At Planned Parenthood, and many abortion providers, there are also counselors on hand.
Insurance coverage and financial assistance can vary, so it’s important to plan for your ahead of time. Here’s what you can do:
- Call your insurance provider to find out if abortion is covered.
- If not, reach out to the health center where you booked your appointment. They may be able to help you with the cost of your abortion, as well as other costs like travel if you need to go out of state for care.
- Abortion funds may also be available to help you cover both the cost of care and other costs like travel and lodging. Visit abortionfunds.org to learn more.
Step 5: Know what to expect after your abortion
People who get abortion care may experience some pain and discomfort. Common symptoms after a medication abortion include cramps and bleeding which should gradually lessen. These symptoms can last several hours and range from a little uncomfortable to very painful. Bleeding usually starts a few hours after taking the second set of pills and can range from light spotting to heavy bleeding with clots or clumps of tissue. Any chills, fever, or nausea should resolve within a day. Call your doctor or health center right away if you have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever for more than 24 hours, as this could be a sign of infection. You can go back to work, school, driving, exercise, and other usual activities as soon as you feel ready.
For an in-clinic abortion, you can also expect pain or cramping during and after, and you may have bleeding afterward. You’ll rest at the health center for up to an hour following your procedure. You should arrange for someone to help you get home safely if you receive any kind of sedation. Depending on how you feel the next day, you can resume usual activities, but plan to take it easy the day of. It’s normal to have some bleeding or spotting for several weeks after your abortion, but you may also have no bleeding at all.
For both types of abortion, it’s a good idea to have maxi pads for bleeding and ibuprofen to manage pain or cramping. Your provider may also prescribe anti-nausea medication. Plan ahead to make your abortion as smooth and comfortable for yourself as possible.
