OKAY-
HERE’S
THE DEAL:
Abortion pills have been around for decades, and tens of millions of people use them every year. They’re tried and true. And they’re medically safe to use on your own up to 12 weeks from the first day of your last period.
When life doesn’t go as planned, know your Plan C.
You might be wondering…
With all the news about abortion bans, is it possible to get abortion pills by mail in my state?
Yes, there are a lot of ways to access abortion pills, and we want you to understand any possible legal risks. If you need someone to answer your legal questions for free, Repro Legal Helpline can help.
YOU DON’T
HAVE TO DO
THIS ALONE.
If you have medical questions during your abortion with pills, the M+A (Miscarriage + Abortion) hotline can help. They don’t sell pills, but they’ll help answer all of your medical questions—for free.
FAQs
Have more questions? We've got answers.
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Abortion pills are exactly what they sound like: Pills you take to have an abortion. They’re not an emergency contraceptive (like Plan B); they’re specifically used to end a pregnancy up to 12 weeks. If you decide to take abortion pills, you’ll take the pills over a 48 hour period to complete the process.
Learn more about what they are and how they work here.
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Approved by the FDA for over 20 years, abortion pills are super safe. In fact, they’re safer than Tylenol. And just so you know, the pills you get in the mail are the exact same pills you’d get in a clinic. Trust us: You’re good.
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Abortion pills are most effective when used within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (counting from the first day of your last period). If you think abortion pills might be the right option for you, keep this timeline in mind.
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The physical experience is different for everyone. You’ll have some bleeding and cramping. These are normal symptoms that should go away in a few hours or days. You’ll need to choose a safe and comfortable location and take time to rest.
Here is a resource that provides information about how to prepare for an abortion and what to expect during and after.
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You sure can. If you’re looking for nonjudgmental support before, during, and after your abortion, here are some good resources:
All-Options Talkline offers toll-free peer counseling and support at 1-888-493-0092.
Exhale offers a free and anonymous text line at 617-749-2948.
Faith Aloud supports people with free, nonjudgmental, and confidential spiritual counseling from clergy of diverse faith backgrounds at 1-888-717-5010.
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That depends on where you are and your unique circumstances. Use Plan C’s Guide to Pills for more details on how people are accessing abortion pills in your area. You can also find answers to common questions about abortion pill access here.
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That depends on several things. If you want to know how taking abortion pills might affect you legally, you don't have to guess. There are people you can speak with about your rights and potential legal risks—for free.
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Prices can range from around $110 to $600. But if paying for abortion pills is difficult, there’s good news. Help is available for those who need it. You can learn more about cost and how to get financial support here.
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While you have every right to seek information about abortion and share your abortion experience, you should also take measures to protect yourself online. A few things you can do to stay safe, from our partners at Digital Defense Fund:
Share your experience carefully: Everyone should be able to share their abortion experience. But be mindful of who you tell about accessing abortion – whether it's online or in person to people you know. Unfortunately, the most common way that people have been criminalized for managing their own abortion is by sharing their experience with someone they know.
Protect your digital privacy: Your phone or computer keeps a copy of the websites you visit, the calls you make, and texts you send. You can use a secure browser like DuckDuckGo to protect your online history, clear your browsing history on your phone or computer, and delete your call and text history on your phone.
Use secure messaging apps: Use secure apps like Signal or Wire and use disappearing messages if you need to discuss anything abortion related through text. Avoid using Facebook Messenger, the texting app on your phone, or any other unsecure messaging app to discuss your abortion.
Protect your devices: Try not to give anyone access to your phone or computer, and if law enforcement asks to see your phone or computer, say “I do not consent to a search,” as long as you feel safe doing so.
Need more info?
Plan C is here to help.
Plan C is a team of public health advocates, researchers, social justice activists, and digital strategists who have been fighting for your right to abortion access since 2015. We provide education, resources, and support for accessing and using abortion pills. Interested in learning more? Go to PlanCPills.org.
© 2023 Plan C / NWHN
Plan C is a project under the fiscal sponsorship of the National Women’s Health Network, a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Disclaimer:
This is not legal or medical advice and does not substitute for the representation of an attorney or the advice of a medical provider. No attorney client relationship has been formed by reviewing this material. Plan C provides research-based information about sources of abortion pills but is not affiliated with nor endorses the services listed. For questions or support, please contact these services or other support hotlines directly.