Abortion Options: Compare Pills & Procedures, Understand Laws & Costs

How do I know which abortion option is right for me?

Choosing the right abortion option (pills or procedure) is a personal decision. Consider factors like how far along you are, any medical conditions you may have, your emotional well-being, finances, available options in or near your state, and your support system.

Pills can typically be taken at home and on your own schedule. Many people say it feels like a "natural" process, because it's like an early miscarriage. An abortion procedure is done by a healthcare provider in a clinic. It's quicker than a medication abortion and you may be able to receive pain medication or be sedated.

Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance and consider your personal preferences. Take your time, gather information, and always prioritize your well-being.

How do abortion pills compare to an abortion procedure?

There are two main types of abortion care: abortion pills and abortion procedures. Both are generally very safe and effective for ending a pregnancy. Here is how they compare across key areas:

Availability

If you are more than 13 weeks pregnant, abortion pills may be difficult to get in the United States, but you may be able to get an abortion procedure at any point in pregnancy.

Many providers in the US only offer abortion pills up to 10 or 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Travel

You do not have to travel to get abortion pills. You may have them delivered or pick them up at a clinic. You may need to travel to get an abortion procedure if you can't find care in your state, depending on where you live and how far along you are.

Price

Abortion pills are usually cheaper than an abortion procedure in the first or second trimester. Beyond that, it can become much more expensive. Ordering pills online usually costs $150 or less, and getting them from a clinic usually costs $500-$600. Most providers will offer lower prices if you need it, or even send you pills for free.

An abortion procedure could be $500 to $2,000+. Abortion funds may be able to cover all or most of the cost if you can't afford it. If you live in a state where abortion is protected, your insurance or Medicaid may cover the cost, but not all plans do.

Legal Risk

In most cases, medical providers have more legal risk when providing abortion care than pregnant people do. In some states, people who help a pregnant person get an abortion may also face legal risk. It is legal for you to travel to another state to get an abortion.

In some states, getting and using abortion pills can have a small amount of legal risk. You do not need to tell anyone that you took them, even if you need to visit a healthcare provider for follow-up care. The symptoms of a miscarriage and a medication abortion are the same, and there are no tests that can confirm a medication abortion.

Pain Management

In an abortion procedure, you may choose to take pain medication or be sedated. Although you may have cramping, pain, and other side effects from abortion pills, over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen work to lessen pain for most people. If you pick your pills up at a clinic, you may be able to get a prescription for pain medication.

Wait Times

Depending on availability near you, you may have to wait longer to get an appointment at a clinic than it would take to get abortion pills via telehealth. You may be able to have abortion pills delivered in as little as 1-5 days.

Procedure Length

You will likely spend 2-6 hours at the clinic, but the procedure itself typically takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. It may take up to 2-3 days for the pills to finish working.

Is abortion illegal?

Abortion laws vary from state to state. In some places, it's legal and accessible, while in others, it may be heavily restricted or providers may even be totally prohibited from doing abortions. Most states that prohibit abortion care typically make it a crime for healthcare providers to provide an abortion to someone else, but it is generally not a crime to have an abortion - whether that's by traveling to a clinic in another state or getting abortion pills to take at home. However, some states have used unrelated laws to charge pregnant people with a crime after having an abortion or a miscarriage.

It's important to know the laws in your state to understand your rights and options. Learn about abortion laws in your state by chatting with Charley, or at The Repro Legal Helpline. State laws can change, so it's important to stay informed.

Is abortion safe?

Both abortion pills and abortion procedures are generally very safe. The pills are typically safer than taking Tylenol and are 98% effective at ending a pregnancy. Abortion procedures are one of the safest medical procedures there are. Overall, about 1 in 4 women in the US will have an abortion by the time they're 45 years old. Serious problems after an abortion are very rare.

Will an abortion affect my health?

Abortion is safe. It does not generally affect a person's overall health or ability to have healthy pregnancies in the future, except in rare and untreated serious complications. There are a lot of myths and misinformation about abortion. Here are the facts: abortion does not cause cancer, it does not cause depression or mental health issues, and it does not lead to infertility. In fact, it is possible to get pregnant shortly after an abortion.

How will I feel after having an abortion?

After an abortion, how you feel emotionally can vary. The most common emotion people report after an abortion is relief, but it's common to feel sadness, guilt, or a mix of feelings. There's no right or wrong way to feel. It's important to give yourself time and reach out to supportive friends, family, or professionals if needed.

Remember, your experience is unique, and taking care of your emotional well-being is important. Physically, plan to rest and take it easy. You can typically resume most normal activities the next day. Avoid hard physical work or heavy exercise for a few days. You can use pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup for bleeding, unless your provider tells you to stick with pads. Most people feel fine within a day or two, but bleeding can last up to a week (or several weeks after taking the abortion pill). You may also have cramping for a few days.

What should I know about traveling out of state for an abortion?

Depending on the laws where you live and how fast you can get an appointment, you may need to travel out of state to get an abortion procedure. Here are some things to think about when you make travel plans: It is legal for you to travel to another state to get an abortion.

You may have to contact more than one clinic to find an appointment. If you need help getting to your appointment, talk to your provider. They may be able to connect you to a group that can help with things like food, travel, medicine, child care, finding a place to stay, or how to pay for this. You might also be able to get help paying for travel and childcare from an abortion fund in your state.

Keep in mind that some states have mandatory waiting periods that require multiple appointments a certain number of hours apart, so plan your travel around how long you'll have to spend there. In some states, you might get counseling and/or an ultrasound on the first day, and then return for the abortion on the second appointment.

Can I get an abortion if I'm under 18?

Laws regarding abortion for minors (under age 18) vary by state. Some places have specific rules, like requiring parental consent or notification. But people of all ages sometimes use telehealth to get abortion pills mailed to them without parental consent. Still, it's important to know the laws in the state where you may get abortion care.

Charley can help guide you by explaining what your legal options are, both in your state and out-of-state. You can also learn more about your reproductive rights as a minor through the Repro Legal Helpline. Talking to a trusted adult like a parent, other relative, or a healthcare provider can help you figure out your options. But if you don't have a supportive adult in your life or you want to gather more information first, Charley can help guide you to resources for legal, medical, and emotional support.