Cost

Abortion pills range from $0–$475, depending on the type of care you choose — whether that's online care, advance provision (pills for future use), or an in-person visit at one of our health centers.

Financial assistance is available for those who qualify, and we work closely with abortion funds to make sure cost is never a barrier to getting the care you need.

The abortion pill is actually a combination of two medications — mifepristone and misoprostol — taken in sequence. In the U.S., this method is most commonly used during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

The first pill, mifepristone, blocks the hormone needed for a pregnancy to continue. Most people take this pill in our health center, though it can sometimes be taken at home. Some people may notice light bleeding afterward, but that’s not very common.

The second pill, misoprostol, is taken at home within 72 hours of the first. It causes cramping and bleeding as your body passes the pregnancy — similar to a miscarriage. Most people start to feel cramping and see bleeding within an hour of taking it, though it can sometimes take longer.

You may also experience nausea, chills, diarrhea, or flu-like symptoms — that’s all normal. It’s a lot like a very heavy, crampy period. We recommend having thick maxi pads, a heating pad, and some quiet time set aside. We also provide anti-nausea and pain medications to help you stay as comfortable as possible.

For most, the heaviest cramping and bleeding lasts 3–4 hours, with lighter bleeding that may continue until your next period, usually 4–6 weeks later.

The abortion pill is a safe and highly effective option for ending an early pregnancy. Research shows that when used correctly, medication abortion works about 98% of the time for pregnancies up to 10–12 weeks.

Most people pass the pregnancy within a few hours after taking the second medication (misoprostol), and symptoms like cramping and bleeding are usually strongest during this time. A small number of people (around 2–5%) may need a follow-up dose of medication or a simple in-office procedure to complete the abortion — and that’s normal and ok.

The abortion pill is very safe and has been used by millions of people worldwide for over 20 years. In the United States alone, it's been safely used by hundreds of thousands of people since it was approved by the FDA in 2000.

There’s no evidence that using the abortion pill affects your ability to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy in the future. When you're ready to have a baby, your fertility returns quickly — often within a few weeks.

Both are safe and effective options — and the best choice depends on what feels right for you.

The abortion pill (also called medication abortion) uses two FDA-approved medications to end a pregnancy and is typically available up to 12 weeks. You’ll take the first pill in a health center or at home, and the second at home within 0–72 hours. Cramping and bleeding usually begin a few hours after the second medication and feel similar to a heavy period. Many people like this option because it allows them to have their abortion in the privacy of their own space, on their own schedule.

A procedural abortion (sometimes called an in-office or aspiration abortion) takes place in a carafem health center with a supportive, licensed provider. The procedure itself takes about 5 minutes -- similar to the same amount of time as a pap test. Your provider uses a quiet, handheld suction device to gently empty the uterus—like releasing your period all at once. The full visit typically lasts under 90 minutes, depending on your needs. One key difference: with a procedure, you’ll leave the office no longer pregnant.

Yes — medical abortion and the abortion pill refer to the same process: using two FDA-approved medications (mifepristone and misoprostol) to safely end an early pregnancy. It’s a non-invasive option that can often be done at home.