If you’ve just found out you’re pregnant and don’t want to continue the pregnancy, you have three main paths: medication abortion, in-clinic (surgical) abortion, or adoption. Which options are available to you depends largely on how far along you are and where you live. The most important first step is figuring out your gestational age, because that number determines what’s on the table.
Figure Out How Far Along You Are
Gestational age is counted from the first day of your last menstrual period, not from when you think conception happened. So if your last period started six weeks ago, you’re considered six weeks pregnant even though the actual embryo is younger. This matters because every option has time limits, and the earlier you act, the more choices you have.
If you don’t remember the exact date of your last period or your cycles are irregular, an ultrasound can pin down gestational age more precisely. Many clinics will do this as part of an initial appointment.
Medication Abortion (Up to 10 Weeks)
Medication abortion, sometimes called “the abortion pill,” is available up to 10 weeks from the first day of your last period. It’s the most common method for early pregnancies and can be done at home after a clinic visit or, in many states, after a telehealth appointment.
The process involves two medications taken on separate days. The first is taken at the clinic or at home, depending on your state’s rules. Then, 24 to 48 hours later, you take the second medication, which causes the uterus to empty. It feels similar to a heavy, crampy period. Most people pass the pregnancy within a few hours of taking the second dose. A follow-up appointment happens about one to two weeks later to confirm the process is complete.
The average cost at Planned Parenthood is around $580, though it can range up to $800 without insurance or financial assistance. Many insurance plans cover it, and abortion funds exist to help with costs if you can’t afford it.
In-Clinic Abortion (First Trimester and Beyond)
An in-clinic procedure, also called aspiration or suction abortion, uses gentle suction to empty the uterus. It’s typically available starting around 5 to 6 weeks and, depending on the provider and state law, can be performed much later in pregnancy. At facilities like UCLA Health, it’s offered through 23 weeks and 6 days.
The procedure itself takes only a few minutes. You’ll usually receive medication for pain and relaxation. Most people go home the same day and can return to normal activities the next day. Bleeding can last up to four weeks on and off, though it’s often lighter than a period. Cramping typically lasts a few days. Pregnancy symptoms like nausea and fatigue usually fade within three days, and breast tenderness resolves within seven to ten days.
The average cost for a first-trimester in-clinic abortion at Planned Parenthood is about $600, similar to medication abortion. Later procedures cost more.
How Safe Are These Procedures?
Legal abortion is one of the safest medical procedures. A University of Maryland study using data from 2018 to 2021 found that the risk of dying from pregnancy and childbirth is 44 to 70 times higher than the risk of dying from abortion. For context, maternal mortality during that period was 32.3 deaths per 100,000 live births. Serious complications from abortion are rare.
Legal Restrictions Vary Widely by State
Where you live has a major impact on your options. As of now, several states have near-total bans on abortion, including Alabama, Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, and Oklahoma, with exceptions only for life-threatening emergencies or, in some states, cases of rape or incest with strict time limits. Other states, like Florida, technically ban abortion but allow exceptions in the first trimester for rape or incest.
On the other end, states like California, Colorado, Maine, Montana, and Oregon have no gestational limit or protect access through viability (around 24 weeks). Many states fall somewhere in between, with limits at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 22 weeks, or viability. These laws change frequently, so checking your state’s current rules is essential before making a plan.
If your state restricts access, traveling to a nearby state with fewer restrictions is an option many people pursue. Abortion funds and hotlines can help with logistics and travel costs.
How to Find a Legitimate Provider
When searching online for abortion services, be cautious. Crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) are organizations that deliberately present themselves as medical clinics but exist to discourage abortion. Staff sometimes wear white coats without medical training, offer ultrasounds they may not be licensed to interpret, and use pressure tactics. They are not regulated like medical facilities.
To find a verified provider, use the National Abortion Federation’s directory, which lists member facilities that undergo regular quality inspections. You can also call the NAF Hotline at 1-800-772-9100 for help finding a provider, learning about your options, and accessing financial assistance for procedure costs or travel. Planned Parenthood’s website is another reliable starting point.
Financial Help Is Available
If cost is a barrier, several resources can help. The NAF Hotline connects callers with financial assistance programs. Many local and national abortion funds cover part or all of the procedure cost, and some also help with travel, lodging, and childcare. Planned Parenthood locations often offer sliding-scale fees based on income. Medicaid covers abortion in some states but not all.
Adoption as an Alternative
If you want to continue the pregnancy but don’t want to raise the child, adoption is a separate path worth understanding. As the birth parent, you choose the type of arrangement.
- Open adoption: You maintain direct contact with the adoptive family. This can include phone calls, video chats, texts, and visits. Your child grows up knowing you.
- Semi-open adoption: Contact happens through a middleman, like an adoption agency, rather than directly. You might exchange letters or photos without sharing identifying information.
- Closed adoption: No contact or identifying information is shared between you and the adoptive family after placement.
You get to decide which level of contact feels right. Adoption agencies, hospitals, and family law attorneys can walk you through the process. There is no cost to the birth parent for placing a child for adoption, and in most states, pregnancy-related expenses are covered by the adoptive family or agency.
Taking the First Step
The single most useful thing you can do right now is call a verified provider or the NAF Hotline at 1-800-772-9100. They can help you figure out how far along you are, what’s legal in your state, what your options are, and how to pay for it. Earlier action gives you more choices, so even if you’re still deciding, making that call keeps your options open while you think.