Getting an abortion in the United States involves choosing between two main methods, finding a provider or online service, and navigating costs and legal access that vary dramatically by state. The process looks different depending on how far along you are, where you live, and whether you pursue medication or an in-clinic procedure. Here’s what you need to know at each step.
Two Methods: Medication vs. In-Clinic Procedure
Medication abortion uses two pills taken one to two days apart to end a pregnancy. It’s FDA-approved through 10 weeks of pregnancy (70 days from the first day of your last period). You take the first pill, which stops the pregnancy from progressing, and then 24 to 48 hours later, you place four smaller tablets in your cheeks and hold them there for 30 minutes. The second medication causes the uterus to contract and empty. Most people experience strong cramps for one to four hours, followed by heavy bleeding for several hours. Lighter bleeding, similar to a regular period, continues for about two weeks afterward.
An in-clinic procedure (aspiration or suction abortion) is available from about four weeks through 14 weeks of pregnancy. The procedure itself takes 5 to 10 minutes. The full appointment runs around three hours for pregnancies under 10 weeks; later procedures may require longer or multiple visits. Most people feel cramping during or shortly after, with light bleeding at home for two to three weeks.
Both methods are safe and highly effective. The choice often comes down to timing, personal preference, and access. Medication abortion lets you go through the process at home on your own schedule. An in-clinic procedure is faster and finished in a single visit, and it’s available further into pregnancy.
Where You Live Changes Everything
Abortion access depends on your state. The Guttmacher Institute tracks policies across a spectrum from “most protective” to “most restrictive,” and as of 2025, states fall into seven categories along that range. Some states ban abortion entirely or very early in pregnancy, while others have passed laws explicitly protecting access. You can check your state’s current status on Guttmacher’s interactive map at states.guttmacher.org.
If you live in a state with heavy restrictions, you still have options. Several states with protective laws have enacted “shield laws” that protect clinicians who prescribe abortion medication via telehealth to patients in restricted states. As of July 2025, eight states have these shield laws in place. The laws work by shielding providers from prosecution brought by other states, as long as the provider is located in a state where the care is legal. New York’s shield law, for example, has successfully blocked enforcement of judgments from Texas and Louisiana.
Telehealth and Pills by Mail
If you’re under 10 weeks pregnant, telehealth services can connect you with a provider through a video or phone consultation, and the medication is mailed to you. Virtual clinics had a median cost of $150 in 2023, significantly less than in-person visits. Online pharmacies listed on the resource site Plan C range from $25 for pills without a clinician consultation to around $150 with one.
Whether this option is available to you depends on your state’s laws and whether a shield-law state covers your situation. Researching your specific circumstances before ordering is important, since the legal landscape shifts frequently.
Finding a Legitimate Provider
The National Abortion Federation (NAF) maintains a directory of member clinics that undergo regular site visits to ensure quality care. You can search their provider map at nationalabortionfederation.org or call their hotline at 1-800-772-9100 for help finding a provider and learning about financial assistance.
Be cautious of “crisis pregnancy centers,” which look like abortion clinics but exist to discourage you from having one. They often appear in search results and may offer free pregnancy tests or ultrasounds, but they do not provide abortions or referrals. A real abortion provider will clearly state the services they offer and discuss all your options without pressure.
What It Costs
In 2023, the median out-of-pocket cost for a first-trimester medication abortion at a clinic was $563. A first-trimester in-clinic procedure ran about $650. Second-trimester procedures cost more, with a median of $1,000. Virtual clinics and online pharmacy options are substantially cheaper, ranging from $25 to $150.
Insurance coverage is a patchwork. Thirteen states require both private insurance and Medicaid to cover abortion. Six additional states have no coverage limitations on the books. But 29 states plus Washington, D.C., limit Medicaid coverage to cases of rape, incest, or life endangerment (the federal Hyde Amendment standard). Ten states restrict private insurance from covering abortion at all, and 25 states prohibit marketplace plans from including it.
Financial Help If You Can’t Afford It
Abortion funds exist specifically to help cover costs for people who can’t pay out of pocket, and they often assist with travel and lodging too. Here’s how to access them:
- Schedule a clinic appointment first. You need an appointment before you can apply for most discounts or fund assistance, so book one even if you’re unsure how you’ll pay.
- Check if Medicaid covers abortion in your state. If it does, you may be able to get an abortion at no cost through government insurance.
- Ask the clinic about income-based discounts. Many clinics offer sliding-scale pricing or have their own internal funds. Eligibility is often tied to federal poverty guidelines.
- Contact the NAF Hotline. Call 1-800-772-9100 or use the chat on their website. The line is busy, so keep redialing. Calling persistently for an hour gives you a good chance of getting through. If someone you trust knows your situation, ask them to call simultaneously from another phone.
- Reach out to a local abortion fund. The National Network of Abortion Funds (abortionfunds.org) connects you with funds in your area that may cover procedure costs, travel, or both.
What Recovery Looks Like
After either type of abortion, cramping and bleeding are normal. Cramps typically last two to three days and should lessen each day. Bleeding continues for about two weeks, though it varies depending on how far along the pregnancy was. Using pads instead of tampons is recommended while bleeding continues.
You’ll likely be given a pregnancy test to take 14 to 21 days afterward to confirm the pregnancy has ended. Contact your provider right away if you experience bleeding much heavier than a heavy period, fever, worsening abdominal pain, or foul-smelling discharge. These can be signs of infection, which is uncommon but treatable when caught early.