Getting the abortion pill online - a step by step.

A lot has changed in just a few years. We’re living more of our lives online — work, school, doctor’s visits — and abortion care is no different. Today, most people choosing abortion in the U.S. are choosing the abortion pill, and many are doing it at home. In fact, 63% of all abortions are now medication abortions, aka "the abortion pill" and that number continues to grow as more people learn how safe, effective, and supported at-home care can be.

Still, if you’ve never done this before, it’s completely normal to wonder what online abortion care actually looks like. So here’s a clear, honest walk-through of what to expect when you choose carafem for at-home abortion care — what it feels like, how the process works, and what support looks like every step of the way.

At-Home Abortion Pill - Hands-on Care From Anywhere

Here’s the part a lot of people are surprised to learn: with carafem, online care is real care. You’re getting the same medications, the same medical oversight, and the same level of support you’d get in one of our health centers — just without the commute or waiting room.

Cara guides every medication abortion we provide, our 24/7 text-based abortion care companion. Cara walks you through each step, checks in when it matters, and answers questions in real time so you’re never left Googling alone at midnight.

Depending on your state, you’ll either chat with a clinician over secure video or complete an immediate evaluation online — both take place from your phone, tablet, or computer. It’s designed for real life: parents who can’t find childcare, people working two jobs, anyone who lives hours from a clinic, or anyone who simply feels more comfortable managing their abortion at home.

Keep reading — we’ll walk you through exactly how it all works.

Step 1: Take a Pregnancy Test (or choose missed period pills)

If your period is late or you’re noticing early pregnancy symptoms, the first step for many people is taking an at-home pregnancy test. It’s quick, inexpensive, and gives you information that helps you decide what comes next. Tests are most accurate first thing in the morning, when your urine is more concentrated, and usually work best about 7–14 days after sex. If you get a negative result but your period still hasn’t come, test again at 21 days to be sure. Just make sure the test isn’t expired and follow the instructions closely, since both can impact accuracy.

But here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: if your period is late and you don’t want to be pregnant, you don’t necessarily have to wait for a positive test. carafem offers missed period pills, which use the same medications as the abortion pill and can be taken without confirming a pregnancy first. For many people, especially those with irregular cycles or anyone who wants to move forward sooner, missed period pills offer a private, timely option that doesn’t require waiting for enough hCG to show up on a test.

If you want a deeper dive into timing and accuracy, you can learn more about when to take a pregnancy test here.

Step 2: Decide If Online Abortion Care Is Right for You

Abortion Pill Care

If you’re like most people, you might not think much about your options for abortion care until you actually need them. Today, the abortion pill is the most common way people end a pregnancy in the United States.

Medication abortion is most often used up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. It's a series of pills that cause cramping and bleeding from the vagina, resulting in the pregnancy leaving the body, similar to a miscarriage. It is incredibly safe and effective and has been used by trusted medical providers in the US for over 25 years.

Many people choose the abortion pill because it gives them the ability to manage their abortion at home, on their own schedule, in a space that feels private and familiar. Whether you’re juggling work, school, childcare, long distances to a clinic, or you simply prefer the privacy of your own home, medication abortion can be a comfortable and supported option.

Costs & Eligibility

You can use our pregnancy calculator to find out if you qualify to have an abortion with carafem. Find the latest costs for online abortion care, check our list of eligible states, and learn about your eligibility for financial assistance. If you live outside of a state where we offer services, you can still travel to one of our states to receive care. Many people travel to a nearby state for a visit or Immediate Evaluation with carafem, then pick up their medications there — safely, legally, and with 24/7 support the entire time.

Step 3: Choose How You Want to Get Care

Once you’re ready to move forward, scheduling is simple. You can schedule an appointment at one of our in-person locations. You can also explore our options for abortion pills online. There are two options for online care: a secure video visit with a clinician or an Immediate Evaluation you can complete anytime. Both are safe, private, and designed to meet you exactly where you are.

Step 4: Check Your Email

If you scheduled a video visit appointment, you will receive an email with instructions on how to join the video call or information on your next steps. Please provide an email address that you can access and a phone number we can contact you at as a backup when scheduling your appointment.

Step 5: Chat with a Kind, Compassionate Provider Over Video or Fill Out Your Immediate Evaluation Form

However you choose to meet with us, the goal is the same: making sure you feel informed, supported, and completely at ease. Truly — don’t overthink it. Show up in your pajamas, messy bun, no makeup, whatever. This is care on your terms.

Immediate Evaluations (Available 24/7 in Online Care States)

If you live in one of our online care states, you can complete a short Immediate Evaluation to find out right away if you’re eligible for abortion pills by mail. It takes about 15 minutes, costs are available on a sliding scale, and you can do it anytime — day or night.

After you submit your responses and sign your consent forms, a medical provider reviews your history within 1–2 business days. If you’re medically eligible, your prescription is approved, and your abortion pills are shipped in a discreet, plain package. Most clients receive their medications within 1–4 business days, along with clear written instructions.

And throughout the process, your carafem medical team is available 24/7 to answer questions, reassure you, and help you feel confident using the medications at home.

Step 6: Your medications arrive discreetly within 1–4 business days

Once your prescription is approved, we’ll ship your medications directly to the address you choose in plain, discreet packaging. You’ll get tracking information as soon as your order goes out, so you’ll know exactly when to expect it — just like any other online delivery.

Because comfort matters, we include a few supportive items in every package (like tea and a heating pad), along with clear, easy-to-follow instructions for using your medications at home.

Standard shipping is included in your cost and usually takes 1–4 business days. If you need your package sooner, you can upgrade to 1–2 day shipping for $25. And if you live near one of our health centers, you’re always welcome to pick up your medications in person.

Step 7: Take Medications and stay connected with Cara

When it’s time to use your medications, simply follow the plan you discussed with your provider. And you won’t be doing it alone — Cara, our text-based abortion care companion, stays with you through every step. Cara sends reminders, checks in when it matters, and answers questions in real time, from the moment your package ships all the way through your final pregnancy test. You can ask anything, anytime — Cara is private, judgment-free, and always available. And if you ever want to talk with a human, your care team is only a phone call away.

If you want a clear walkthrough of what the process looks and feels like, you can find our video and detailed instructions for taking the abortion pills at home here. Learn what to expect after taking the abortion pill here.

A few days after you take your medications, Cara will reach out for a quick check-in to see how you’re feeling and how things went. We also share self-care suggestions — for yourself, or for supporting a friend or partner — because recovery is not just physical.

Medication abortion is very safe, and complications are rare. To confirm everything is complete, your care coordinator will ask you to take a urine pregnancy test about 4–5 weeks after using the pills. Cara will remind you when it’s time, and your care team will be there if you have questions.