Abortion pills are currently the method used for more than half of abortions in the U.S. They’re proven to be a safe way to end early pregnancies, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruled that people can permanently access them by mail, as of December 2021. (
However, restrictions on when someone can get an abortion vary from state to state. You can find resources with information about state-level restrictions on medication abortion on the Planned Parenthood and Guttmacher Institute websites.
The Cost of the Abortion Pill
The price you pay for the abortion pill will vary depending on where you get the abortion pill and whether or not you have insurance. Plan C, a resource for finding abortion care, puts cost estimates at anywhere from $40 to $600. Hey Jane’s abortion pills cost $250, for example, without insurance.
Where You Can Get the Abortion Pill
Despite the FDA ruling allowing abortion pills to be available by mail and in person, not every state’s government is on board with it. Prior to the fall of Roe v. Wade, 19 states in the U.S. did not allow any medication that terminates a fetus to be accessible via mail. And in states that have now banned abortions or have trigger laws that will soon restrict all or nearly all abortions, medication abortions are also prohibited, according to NBC News.
FTR, U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland asserted in a statement following the fall of Roe v. Wade that “states may not ban Mifepristone based on disagreement with the FDA’s expert judgment about its safety and efficacy.” However, Mississippi has argued that FDA approval doesn’t overrule the Supreme Court’s decision to give states the authority to regulate abortions, according to Reuters. In turn, the legality of accessing abortion pills in states where abortion has been banned or soon will be is currently unclear. In fact, there hasn’t been an instance before in which you could legally use an FDA-approved drug in one state but not in another, Alina Salganicoff, director women’s health policy at the Kaiser Family Foundation, recently told NBC News. So exactly what happens next is still up in the air.
However, if you live in a state where abortion pills are available,you can get an abortion pill from your local Planned Parenthood, including via telemedicine, and get your pills by mail or by picking them up at a local clinic or pharmacy. Or, you can use Hey Jane as your abortion pills provider. When using Hey Jane, you won’t need a prescription; you’ll just need to fill out forms regarding your medical history and your consent, provide payment, and speak to a consultant.
Plan C is a super helpful resource for finding both abortion pills and clinics, and it can help you figure out what’s available for you based on where you live. (The resource even has instructions and tips for creative ways to get pills if you live in a state with restricted access.)
Possible Side Effects of the Abortion Pill
Although both medications have been proven to be safe, there's always the chance for side effects, no matter what meds you're taking.
"Medication abortion is very safe," says Dr. Shaw. "Serious complications occur in less than one out of every 100 people that take the abortion pills. Occasionally, people will experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after taking the [mifepristone] abortion pill."
Misoprostol, the second medication, usually causes strong uterine cramping and bleeding, like a heavy period, says Dr. Shaw. (For the record, Hey Jane offers anti-nausea pills for potential mifepristone side effects and suggests getting some ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen as well for the second misoprostol pill.)
For most people, the only side effect of the mifepristone is nausea and minimal bleeding. It’s the misoprostol that does the most work as it passes the pregnancy tissue out of the body, something that can take four to five hours, or up to 12 hours, depending on the person. Cramps can also continue for a couple of days afterward, but again, it depends on the person.
Just an FYI, “allergies to the abortion medications are rare,” says Dr. Shaw. “Reactions occur in only 0.008 percent of cases and are generally mild, but if you experience itching or hives contact your care provider immediately. If you experience facial swelling or difficulty breathing after taking mifepristone or misoprostol call 911 for emergency care.”
At any time during your abortion, if you experience side effects or just have general concerns, you shouldn't hesitate to contact your doctor. And, no, abortion pills don't damage your uterus.
“Medication abortion is extremely common and has been widely studied, so we know that it’s safe, does not cause depression, does not cause breast cancer, and will not affect your future ability to get pregnant when (and if) you decide the time is right,” says Dr. Shaw. “Furthermore, there are many negative consequences associated with denying an abortion to someone who wants one,” she adds. For example, the mental, emotional, physical, and financial anguish of being forced to carry a fetus to term.
How to Prepare for a Medication Abortion
It's important to realize that while you're taking just a pill, you're still having an abortion. While the side effects of the abortion pill will vary from person to person, it's paramount to be prepared and not treat it as if it were just any other type of medication.
“When taking the abortion medications, you can complete the entire treatment at home or any place you feel comfortable,” says Dr. Shaw. First, it’s helpful to have over-the-counter pain medications approved by your healthcare provider, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. “Menstrual pads, comfortable clothes, and a heating pad are also great items to have around. If you’ve got the time before your treatment, consider making yourself a few meals you can throw in the oven or microwave, so that the only thing you’ll need to focus on is self-care.” (See: The Best Heating Pads for Every Body Part)
After your abortion, you can resume things, such as work and your regular physical activity, when you feel ready, according to Dr. Shaw. For some people, that can happen right away, while others may need more time to rest.
The same goes with sexual activity — only resume it if you feel ready. That said, some medical doctors suggest waiting until the bleeding has stopped, and that can take up to four weeks. Dr. Shaw emphasizes checking in with yourself and assessing your comfort level before you make a decision to become sexually active again. But when you do start having intercourse again, know that you can become pregnant immediately after an abortion.
"The abortion procedure has no impact on fertility," says Dr. Shaw. "Because of this, choose and begin using birth control immediately after your treatment if you do not wish to get pregnant."
And just in case you were wondering, “There is no data that suggests there’s a limit on the number of abortions someone could safely have,” says Dr. Shaw. (Though, with so many birth control options, you might want to consider one to prevent unwanted pregnancy.)
However, no prevention method is foolproof, meaning unintended pregnancies aren’t going to go away. Ultimately, abortion is health care, and access to safe abortion options is vital.
