A Complete Guide to Abortion Care
I’ve been trying to process the recent Supreme Court ruling and it’s one of those times where I feel like all hope is lost. I’ll admit that I have no idea how to move forward, but I want to help as much as I can with the platform that I have.
I have created a guide and list of resources for abortion care below. Education is always key and with the recent Supreme Court ruling, there is no more important time to learn the proper protocol than now. I was not taught any of this in school and I’m sure millions of other Americans weren’t either.
Please send this guide to anyone in your life who has the ability to get pregnant and/or share to your socials.
Disclaimer: the information in this guide are neither legal nor medical advice.
WHAT IS AN ABORTION?
❗️ Abortion refers to a procedure that ends a pregnancy.
There are two ways of ending a pregnancy: an in-clinic abortion (“surgical abortion”) and abortion pills (“medication abortion”). Both are effective, safe, and common.
MEDICATION ABORTION
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), self-managing a medication abortion (using “abortion pills”) is the safest and most effective way to self-manage an abortion.
Medication abortion or “abortion pill” refers to the use of a combination of two drugs (mifepristone and misoprostole) to induce an abortion and end a pregnancy. It is an option for women in the early stages of pregnancy, from 4 to 10 weeks since the first day of their last menstrual period. Around 95 percent to 97 percent of women respond successfully to the medications. [source]
How effective is the abortion pill?
According to Planned Parenthood, the abortion pill is very effective but works less well when you’re more than 8 weeks pregnant.
For people who are 8 weeks pregnant or less, it works about 94-98 out of 100 times.
For people who are 8-9 weeks pregnant, it works about 94-96 out of 100 times.
For people who are 9-10 weeks pregnant, it works about 91-93 out of 100 times. If you’re given an extra dose of medicine, it works about 99 out of 100 times.
For people who are 10-11 weeks pregnant, it works about 87 out of 100 times. If you’re given an extra dose of medicine, it works about 98 out of 100 times.
❗️ Abortion pills have been used for 20 years and are safe, effective, and approved by the FDA.
Keep in mind that medication abortion might not be the best option for everyone—an in-clinic abortion might be the better option if you have a bleeding disorder, an IUD, or need an abortion in later pregnancy.
Where to Get Abortion Pills Online
There are plenty of places where you can get abortion pills by mail.
Plan C has a database of verified abortion pill providers including telehealth services that provide support through the abortion process as well as online pharmacies that can mail you pills.
Mayday Health has created a guide here for how you can get an abortion by mail if you live in a state which has banned access to them.
AidAccess can connect you with a US doctor that will provide you with the proper medications, which you will receive by mail within a few days if you live in certain states. If you live in a state where this service is not available, AidAccess will connect you with a European doctor and a trusted pharmacy in India to ship the medicine to you by mail. The delivery of the packages take 1 to 3 weeks after shipment.
❗️ Since abortion is time-sensitive and you might be waiting weeks for your medication to arrive, AidAccess can prescribe abortion pills to people who are not currently pregnant, but might need them in the future. This is a great option for those who want to plan ahead in case they need them.
Ways to get abortion pills online:
Other Resources
IN-CLINIC OR SURGICAL ABORTION
Surgical abortion or in-clinic abortion refers a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy and requires an in-clinic visit. Though they are sometimes referred to as “surgical” abortions, they’re generally an in-office procedure—not a surgery. There are two types of minor operations that can be performed at a clinic: vacuum aspiration and dilation and evacuation.
Vacuum Aspiration
Suction abortion (also called vacuum aspiration) is the most common type of in-clinic abortion. It’s usually used until about 14-16 weeks after your last period. [source]
Vacuum aspiration uses gentle suction to remove the pregnancy and takes about 5-10 minutes from start to finish, but plan to be at the clinic for longer. This method can be used with local anesthetic, conscious sedation, and very rarely general anesthetic. If you are awake for your procedure, you will feel cramping, like period pains. [source]
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
After 16 weeks since your last period, surgical abortions are done via a dilation and evacuation—also referred to as a “D&E”. You can get a D&E later in a pregnancy than aspiration abortion.
The procedure takes about 10-20 minutes, but plan to be at the clinic for longer. It uses suction and medical tools to empty your uterus. [source]
How effective are in-clinic abortions?
In-clinic abortions are extremely effective. They work more than 99 out of every 100 times. Needing to get a repeat procedure because the abortion didn’t work is really rare. [source]
What happens during an In-Clinic Abortion?
Watch the video below by Planned Parenthood to learn what to expect at an in-clinic abortion appointment.
Where to Find a Clinic
If you are in need of an in-clinic abortion, check the following resources for finding a brick and mortar clinic:
❗️ There are potential risks to relying on Google to find an abortion clinic. Many Google results can suggest anti-abortion organizations and fake clinics.
Other Resources
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Birth Control
❗️ While an abortion stops an existing pregnancy, birth control refers to the act of preventing pregnancy in the first place and there are a lot of different options available. See here to learn more.
Emergency Contraception
❗️ Plan B, sometimes referred to as the morning after pill, is emergency contraception that helps prevent pregnancy within 72 hours after unprotected sex.
You can take Plan B up to five days after unprotected sex. But sooner is better — the longer you wait to take it, the less effective it is. You can get Plan B at your local drugstore or pharmacy. See here to learn more.
Legal Resources
Since abortion laws vary by state, you might benefit from asking a professional about legal questions surrounding abortion. See below for some resources:
For legal questions, call the Repro Legal Helpline: 844-868-2812 or send a message via their secure online form.
Funding Assistance
There are organizations that can assist you if you cannot afford your procedure or live close to an abortion clinic. See below for some options:
Apiary Collective (for practical support e.g. transportation, lodging, childcare arrangements, meal assistance, and more)
Where to Donate
Support Abortion Access (All-Options, Abortion Care Network, We Testify)
Counseling & Mental Health
Reprocare – an anonymous healthline that offers accurate information and compassionate emotional support during a medication abortion.
All Options – an organization that promotes judgement-free support and counseling for people in all of their decisions, feelings, and experiences with pregnancy, parenting, abortion, and adoption.
Exhale ProVoice – a textline providing nonjudgemental after-abortion support. You can text: (617) 749-2948
Connect & Breathe – a talkline providing nonjudgemental after-abortion support. You can call: 1-866-647-1764
DOPO – an international reproductive justice co-operative providing holistic, stigma-free abortion care and education
DOPO Directory – find an abortion doula (what is an abortion doula?)
Miscarriage + Abortion Hotline – a talk and text line that provides support to self-manage a miscarriage or abortion. You can call or text: 1-833-246-2632
If you have any other resources that you’d like to share, please comment them down below!