Abortion: Your GoodRx Guide

Definition

An abortion is the termination of a pregnancy. It refers to the removal or expulsion of a pregnancy from the uterus. There are many similar and overlapping terms, which can make things confusing. Here are a few definitions: 

• Spontaneous abortion: This is when a pregnancy ends without medical intervention. It’s another term for a miscarriage.

• Induced abortion: This is usually what people mean when they refer to an abortion. It’s the use of a medical procedure or medication to intentionally end a pregnancy. Other terms are “​​elective abortion,” “termination of pregnancy,” or “therapeutic abortion” (if performed to preserve the health of the mother).

You might also have heard of “late-term” abortions. This is a confusing and inaccurate description of abortions that happen in the second trimester (between week 13 and 26 of pregnancy.) Abortions do not happen in the late stages (third trimester) of pregnancy. 

What Are ‘Late-Term Abortions’?

Written by Khama Ennis, MD, MPH, FACEP

Types of abortion

There are two types of abortion: 

1. Medication or medical abortion: This is when you take pills to end and expel a pregnancy. You can take the pills at home or at a healthcare facility. This is also called a “pill abortion,” “at-home abortion,” or “Plan C.” 

2. Surgical abortion: This is a procedure to remove a pregnancy. It takes place in a clinic or hospital, so it’s also called an “in-clinic” abortion.  

To help figure out which type of aborition is the best fit for your personal and medical situation, consider talking to a healthcare professional or an abortion provider. In the U.S., this will depend on a few things, including your:

• State’s laws

• Pregnancy timeline (how far along your pregnancy is)

• Health

• Personal preferences

• Access to abortion care and resources   

What Are the Different Types of Abortion?

Written by Mandy Armitage, MD

Medical or ‘pill’ abortion

A medical abortion (Plan C) is usually the best option for an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy in the first trimester. A pill abortion is FDA approved for pregnancies up to 70 days (10 weeks). In some states you may be able to have a medical abortion up to 77 days (11 weeks). 

To get medical abortion pills, a healthcare provider must prescribe them to you. You’ll usually take 2 different medications over 2 days. It’s different from Plan B (the “morning-after pill”), which is an emergency contraceptive that stops a pregnancy from starting in the first place.  

In some states, abortion pills can be mailed to you after an online visit with a certified provider. In other states, you’ll need to have an in-person visit and have your medical abortion supervised in a clinic. And there are some states where this type of abortion is not legally available at all. 

You can find more information about abortion pill providers through the National Abortion Federation or the Abortion Care Network. 

A medical abortion is safe and very effective. The earlier you take a medical abortion, the more effective it is. 

Everything You Need to Know About Medical Abortion (the Abortion Pill)

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Surgical or ‘in-clinic’ abortion

A surgical abortion involves a procedure to remove a pregnancy. It happens in a hospital or a clinic. You’ll need to take medication to soften the cervix and medication for pain control. In some cases you may also need medication to make you sleepy, like sedation or a general anesthetic. 

During the procedure, a skilled provider widens (dilates) the cervix and uses suction or another type of surgical tool to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. It’s similar to the procedure for a miscarriage, but you don’t pass all of the pregnancy tissue.     

Most second-trimester abortions are surgical abortions. But a surgical abortion is an option in the first trimester as well. 

Surgical abortions are quicker, more effective (especially if the pregnancy is more advanced), and often result in less bleeding afterward.     

How Do Abortions Work? Understanding the Process Behind Medical and Surgical Abortions

Written by Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Recovery

How quickly you feel better will depend on the type of abortion you had and how far along your pregnancy was. Most people start to feel better within 2 to 3 days after an abortion. But it’s common to have cramping and vaginal bleeding for up to a few weeks. 

Schedule some time off work or school, and get plenty of lying-down rest time. If you have family responsibilities, try to get as much help as you can. It’s also a good idea to stock up on heavy-duty period pads and over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Skip the aspirin, as that can make bleeding worse. 

You should feel like you’re improving day by day after an abortion. If you start to feel worse instead of better, that’s a sign you need to get checked out.  

After a medication abortion, you’ll need a checkup between 7 and 14 days. An hCG pregnancy blood test and/or an ultrasound scan will check that the pregnancy has ended and the uterus has fully emptied. 

Most people don’t need a follow-up visit after a surgical abortion. 

Risks and complications

Legal abortions are very safe. 

Both medical and surgical abortions are safer than pregnancy and childbirth in the U.S. The risk of death is less than 1 in 100,000 for both medical abortions and legal surgical second-trimester abortions. By contrast, 24 out of 100,000 American women die from pregnancy and childbirth-related complications every year.

The most common and serious complications of medication abortions are bleeding and infection. If the uterus doesn’t empty fully, pregnancy tissue is left inside and can become infected. Both infected pregnancy tissue and heavy bleeding after an abortion can make you very sick, very fast. 

Call your abortion clinic right away if you don’t feel right or notice that you have:  

• Pain that is getting worse, not better

• Vaginal bleeding that is getting worse, not better 

• Fever

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

• Abnormal or smelly vaginal discharge

Can You Safely Have an Abortion at Home?

Written by Khama Ennis, MD, MPH, FACEP

Abortion cost

A handful of factors affect the cost of an abortion. The cost will depend on the: 

• Type of abortion

• Stage of pregnancy

• Medications and care that you need

• Distance you have to travel

• Insurance you have (if any) 

A medication abortion can cost up to $750 — but it’s often less. The average cost (without insurance) is about $500. 

For a surgical abortion in 2022, the cost at Planned Parenthood in Washington, D.C., ranged from $578 to $2,008. 

How Much Do Abortion Pills Cost?

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Resources and support

The decision to end a pregnancy is a big deal. Whether it feels like a straightforward decision — or a very complicated one — it’s still a big decision. It’s normal to feel worried, scared, overwhelmed — and lots of other big feelings. There’s no right or wrong way to process this moment.

Whatever your unique situation, there are people you can speak to and resources to help you learn about your options. You’ll want to understand the risks and benefits, costs, implications, and laws in your state. 

If you have a primary care or women’s health provider, that’s a good place to start. If not, a local public health or women’s clinic may be a good option. 

There are also plenty of online sources of information and confidential support. Here are just a few examples:

• All-Options

• National Abortion Federation 

• Planned Parenthood

• Pregnancy Decision Line