Can I get abortion pills before I need them?

Yes, you can order abortion pills in advance! This is also called advanced provision, which means ordering abortion pills by mail ahead of time so you have them when and if you need them.

Imagine this: your period is late, so you take a test. It comes back positive, and you already know you don’t want to be pregnant. Instead of waiting a week for pills to arrive, you go to your medicine cabinet and grab the combination pack of mifepristone and misoprostol that you ordered a few months ago. You decide to take the pills the next day, when you’re off work.

So, why do people get abortion pills in advance?

Advanced provision is mostly about timing, privacy, and peace of mind — especially when laws and court decisions are constantly changing.

Knowing that mifepristone and misoprostol are safe and effective, and that you already have them on hand if you need them, can ease a lot of stress.

Having pills ahead of time means:

• You don’t have to wait for shipping
• You can take them as soon as you’re ready
• You have more privacy and control
• You don’t have to figure out your options while feeling overwhelmed
• You don’t have to make decisions based on rapidly changing access

How long do abortion pills last?

Abortion pills (mifepristone and misoprostol) do expire, but they usually last a while.

• Shelf life: Typically around 2 years
• Storage: Keep them in a cool, dry place away from light
• Packaging: Check the expiration date on the box

How much do abortion pills cost?

Abortion pills by mail typically cost $90-$150, but many providers offer pay what you can or discount pricing.

There are providers that mail pills to all 50 states and U.S. territories, though not all offer advanced provision. Learn more about shield providers.

Do I need to confirm I’m pregnant before taking the pills?

No, not always. Some people use abortion pills as “period pills.” This means taking the same medications (mifepristone + misoprostol or miso-only) without confirming a pregnancy first.

The main difference is uncertainty — you may or may not be pregnant. The medications work the same way either way.

Is it legal to get abortion pills ahead of time?

Laws around abortion pills vary by state and can be really confusing.

In general, laws are often written to target providers or people helping someone get an abortion, not the pregnant person themselves. But there can still be legal risks in some situations.

For example in Texas, it is a felony for someone to give another person abortion pills to end a pregnancy and in Louisiana, abortion pills are classified as controlled substances, and it can be a crime for someone who is not pregnant to possess them.

Because laws change and are enforced differently, what’s written in law isn’t always how things play out in real life.

If you’re thinking about helping someone else, it’s worth understanding how legal risk can vary depending on the situation — Are there legal risks to helping someone have an abortion?

Find all of your options — whether you’re planning ahead or already pregnant — at ineedana.com 💜

If you want to learn more about ordering pills in advance, you can visit Plan C Pills: plancpills.org/in-advance

There’s a lot in the news right now about abortion pills — specifically mifepristone. Court decisions are changing quickly, and the legal language can be confusing.

What exactly is this case about?

The case, Louisiana v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is about how mifepristone can be prescribed and dispensed.

In 2023, the federal government allowed certified pharmacies and telehealth providers to mail mifepristone to patients instead of requiring an in-person visit. The state of Louisiana is trying to reverse that rule and bring back older restrictions.

At its core, this case is about how people get the medication — not whether the medication itself is safe or effective.

Requiring an in-person visit doesn’t change the medication or how it works, it just adds an extra step. No matter how you receive abortion pills, you still take the mifepristone and misoprostol at home (not in a clinic). Many abortion rights advocates see these kinds of rules as part of a broader effort to create barriers to healthcare.

And importantly, people are still finding ways to get the care they need.

According to the Society of Family Planning’s #WeCount project:

• 1.14 million abortions were reported in the U.S. in 2024 — more than in 2023 or 2022
• The monthly average has steadily increased since 2022
• 1 in 4 abortions in 2024 was provided via telehealth
• By mid-2025, about 15,000 abortions per month were provided under shield laws

This shows that despite restrictions and bans on abortion, people continue to access abortion through traveling and by getting pills by mail.

What does this mean right now?

Right now, nothing has changed for patients:

• You can still get abortion pills through telehealth
• Providers can still mail mifepristone
• You can still get mifepristone in person at a clinic

We know things feel uncertain, but abortion access is still available.

Even IF courts eventually block U.S. providers from mailing mifepristone, medication abortion will still be available by mail in all 50 states through a range of options. We expect some services will continue to mail mifepristone. And using misoprostol on its own is safe and effective, and people around the world have been using it for decades. The main difference is that it can take a little longer and usually requires more doses compared to the mifepristone and misoprostol combination.

We will update this page as new information becomes available.

Yes! If you have trouble swallowing pills, you can split the tablet in half or crush the mifepristone and swallow it with water or juice.

It will still be just as effective. What matters is that you take the full dose.

How do I take mifepristone if I crush it?

There are a few ways to crush the pill — but you don’t need anything fancy.

• You can use a pill crusher from a pharmacy
• A mortar and pestle works too
• Or place the pill between two spoons or inside folded paper (wax paper works best), then press down with a heavy object

Once it’s crushed into a powder:

• Mix it with a small amount of food (like apple sauce or pudding), water or juice
• Swallow all of the pieces right away

A small amount of food or drink can help with the taste — mifepristone can be bitter and chalky, which is totally normal. Mifepristone should still be swallowed, even when crushed.

This is different from the second set of pills, misoprostol, which are usually held between the gums and the cheek or under your tongue. The misoprostol tablets should not be split in half or crushed.

What if I throw up after taking mifepristone?

If mifepristone stays in your body for at least 60 minutes, you’ve absorbed most of the medication and do not need another dose. But if you throw up before 60 minutes or see the pill residue when you vomit, you’ll need to take more Mifepristone. Keep in mind, it may take time to request more mifepristone from the provider.

Learn more about what to do if you throw up and remedies for nausea.

Another option is switching to the misoprostol only protocol (which requires more misoprostol).

Have more questions about abortion pills?

Check out our guides:

• What do abortion pills cost online?
• Abortion with Pills Before 6 Weeks
• Abortion with Pills After 12 Weeks
• What if I throw up after taking abortion pills?
• Smoking Weed + Taking Abortion Pills
• How to have an abortion with pills if mife isn’t available
• What if my provider gave me a different regimen for the medication abortion?
• How do I know if the abortion pills worked?

Want to talk to a real person?

Telehealth abortion is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy that doesn’t require an in-person visit to a clinic. Instead, you connect with a licensed clinician online, by phone, or through a secure form. If you’re eligible, the provider will send the medications — mifepristone and misoprostol — either through the mail or have you pick them up at a pharmacy or the clinic.

Most providers prescribe abortion pills through telehealth up to about 12 weeks of pregnancy, though some only 10 weeks while others will go up to 13. Each provider has their own protocol and gestational limits.

Search your options at ineedana.com to see which clinics offer telehealth care and what their gestational limits are.

How does telehealth abortion work?

1. Consultation

First, you complete an intake. Each telehealth provider has their own process — this could be an online form, phone call, or video visit with a licensed clinician. After that, they will review your medical history and let you know if you’re eligible. Most telehealth providers offer abortion pills up to about 12 weeks of pregnancy, though each provider has their own gestational limit and protocols. You can check the exact limit on ineedana.com, on the provider’s website, or when filling out their intake form.

As part of the intake, providers will ask the first day of your last period to estimate how many weeks pregnant you are. Most will also ask if you’ve had a positive pregnancy test, though some providers won’t ask or require it.

Your provider will explain:

• how and when to take the pills
• what to expect during the abortion
• possible side effects
• when to seek medical care

They should also explain how to contact them if you have questions during the process. Each provider works a little differently. Some offer a more self-guided experience if that’s what you prefer, while others give you the option to talk with a clinician by phone or message if you want to ask questions or get support.

2. Prescription

The clinician will then prescribe the abortion pills. Depending on the provider, you may:

• receive the pills by mail (usually within a week), or
• pick them up from a pharmacy or clinic

Some providers offer only one option, while others offer both.

3. Taking the medication

You’ll take the mifepristone first, followed by the misoprostol. Your provider will give instructions and may offer follow-up support if you have questions.

Want to learn more about what to expect? Learn more from our friends at the Miscarriage + Abortion Hotline.

4. Follow up if needed

Some providers ask you to confirm the abortion pills worked through a self-check, online form, or follow-up message.

If you’re unsure whether the pills worked or have questions afterward, you can learn more about how to know if the abortion pills worked.

Is telehealth abortion safe?

Yes! Research shows that telehealth abortion is very safe.

A large U.S. study of more than 6,000 telehealth abortions found that about 98% were completed successfully and 99.8% had no serious complications — which is similar to medication abortion care provided in person at a clinic.

If I’m in a restricted state, do I have to travel to another state to get a telehealth abortion?

Short answer - no.

You can travel, but you don’t have to. It is legal to travel to another state for abortion care, including telehealth services. But even in states where abortion or telehealth abortion is restricted, people are still receiving abortion pills by mail.

Some telehealth providers are located in states with shield laws, which protect clinicians who prescribe abortion pills to people in other states. These providers can legally prescribe and mail abortion pills to people in all 50 states.

Telehealth is just one way to receive abortion pills by mail. Even if you live in a state where abortion is banned or restricted, people access pills by mail in several ways:

• U.S.-licensed telehealth providers (including shield law providers)
• Community support networks
• Websites that sell abortion pills

Learn more about and compare these options here.

How much does telehealth abortion cost?

The cost of telehealth abortion varies depending on the provider. On average, they charge around $150 but most offer sliding scale pricing based on your income or allow you to pay what you can — don’t be afraid to ask!

​​Does Medicaid cover abortion in every state?

Not in every state. Some states allow Medicaid to cover abortion, while others only cover it in limited situations.

Even in states where Medicaid does cover abortion, telehealth services may not always be included. We recommend checking directly with your Medicaid plan or provider to understand what’s covered.

Here are the states where Medicaid covers abortion services, and which of those also allow telehealth for abortion:

West

• California
• Colorado
• Hawaii
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• Oregon
• Washington

Midwest

• Illinois
• Minnesota

Northeast

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• New Jersey
• New York
• Vermont

Need to talk to a doctor?

M+A Hotline has medical professionals available to talk by phone or text.

Want support while taking abortion pills?

Connect with trained peer counselors at Reprocare or Aya Contigo.

Worried about legal risks in a restricted state?

Repro Legal Helpline offers free and confidential legal services.

It is not necessary to get follow up care at a hospital or clinic after an abortion unless complications occur (which are very, very rare). Still, some people want reassurance, answers to questions, or medical support — which is absolutely ok and should be supported!

This guide explains what abortion aftercare looks like for some people, when to seek help, and where you can safely get care after either a medication abortion or a procedural (in-clinic) abortion.

Optional follow-up care some people choose

Some people want follow-up care for reassurance or support. This can include:

• An ultrasound or lab test to confirm you are no longer pregnant
• Birth control counseling
• Getting answers to medical questions
• Emotional support or space to ask questions, including faith-based questions
• Emergency care, in the rare case complications happen

Most people recover safely at home without any follow up visits, but it's normal to have questions and want support or confirmation. If you're worried about your symptoms, there are resources available to you.

If you had a medication abortion and want to know what signs to look for, you can read more in our article How do I know if the abortion pills worked?

Where can I get vetted abortion aftercare in states with abortion bans?

Finding Local Follow-Up Care

If you want in-person follow-up care, I Need An A has a vetted database of providers offering miscarriage and follow-up care in restricted states. This is not comprehensive, but we’re optimistic it’s a better-than-nothing starting point. If you have providers that should be added to this list or you’d like us to secret shop a facility please fill out this form.

OB-GYNs, Clinics, and Urgent Care

Care for miscarriage, pregnancy complications, ultrasounds, and follow-up visits is allowed in all states — including states with abortion bans. Many OB-GYNs, primary care providers and clinics can provide this type of care. If you do not want to say you had an abortion, when calling to make an appointment you can say, “I had a positive pregnancy test and then I started bleeding so I would like to make an appointment to know what is happening.”

However, not all doctors or urgent care centers are equipped to treat miscarriage or complications after a pregnancy loss. In some cases, they may refer you to a local emergency department for evaluation or treatment.

And unfortunately, not all doctors may be supportive of abortion care. Again, you never have to explain how your pregnancy ended if you don’t feel comfortable. If you had a medication abortion there are no blood or urine tests for mifepristone or misoprostol.

If you need to go to the emergency room

You have the legal right to emergency medical care in every state, even if your state bans abortion. Emergency care includes treatment for miscarriage or pregnancy complications. This right applies regardless of your age, immigration status, or whether you have insurance.

You never have to explain how your pregnancy ended to receive emergency care. There's no way a doctor or anyone can test if someone took abortion pills or had a spontaneous miscarriage, and the treatment for any complications is the same for both. The only exception is if abortion pills were inserted into the vagina, which can sometimes be visible during an exam.

You can read more about what to expect if you go to the ER after an abortion or miscarriage here.

If you are being refused care, call the Repro Legal Helpline at 844-868-2812.

Support by phone or online

Medical Questions

If you want to talk to someone before deciding where to go, confidential and expert help is available:

M+A Hotline
https://mahotline.org | Call or text 1-833-246-2632
Medical support from clinicians who can help you understand symptoms, decide if you need emergency care, and may be able to refer you to a local provider.

Reprocare
https://reprocare.com | Call or text 1-833-226-7821
Medical support from experienced peer counselors who provide information and support after abortion or miscarriage. They can help you understand symptoms, talk through concerns, and decide when and where to seek in-person care.

Legal Questions

Most people do not have legal issues related to abortion care. However, laws can be confusing, and medical providers do not always understand what is legal — especially in states with abortion bans.

If you have questions about your rights, privacy, or legal risk, confidential legal help is available:

Repro Legal Helpline
https://reprolegalhelpline.org | 844-868-2812
Free, confidential legal information from lawyers who specialize in reproductive health law.

You can contact them before or after seeking medical care.

Emotional Support

Aftercare isn’t only medical. Some people want emotional support, space to talk, or help processing their experience — whether they’re feeling relief, sadness, stress, or something else entirely.

All-Options Talkline
https://www.all-options.org | Call 1-888-493-0092
Emotional support before, during, or after an abortion or miscarriage. You don’t need to be in crisis to call.

Exhale Pro-Voice
https://exhaleprovoice.org | Text 617-749-2948
After-abortion emotional support through text, virtual groups, and resources.Online peer supportSome people find it helpful to read or share experiences with others online. The subreddit r/abortion is a peer-led space where people talk about abortion experiences and support each other.

Faith Aloud
https://faithaloud.org | Call or text 1-888-717-5010
Compassionate, nonjudgmental support from trained clergy and religious counselors before or after an abortion, for people of any or no faith.

For people traveling out of state for an abortion or taking pills at home, finding local support can be incredibly useful. You may want or need a pre-abortion ultrasound to confirm how many weeks you are, or post-abortion follow-up care to make sure the abortion was successful.

But these services can be hard to find online. If you’ve ever Googled “free ultrasound,” you know you’re more likely to land on a fake clinic than a real medical provider. In states with abortion bans, unclear and often misinterpreted laws have made some providers overly cautious, which can limit care or referrals even when services are legal. That’s why having vetted, trustworthy options for pre-abortion care, miscarriage management, follow-up care, and exceptions-based care is more important than ever.

What is the Wraparound Services Database?

I Need An A built the wraparound services database to help people find reliable, local care before or after an abortion—especially in states with abortion bans.

A little history… the database began with independent abortion clinics that stayed open after bans took effect. While these clinics could no longer provide abortions, they could still offer ultrasounds, miscarriage management, and other reproductive health care.

Today, the database includes:

• Planned Parenthood clinics that provide pregnancy dating, follow-up care, and miscarriage management
• Hospitals that may offer legally allowed exceptions-based care
• Other vetted medical providers offering reproductive health care—not fake clinics or crisis pregnancy centers

Every listing is reviewed by humans and updated regularly.

This database is used by abortion seekers, people self-managing with pills, and abortion funds, practical support groups, doulas, and navigators who need accurate referrals.

What care does the database include?

The Wraparound Services Database helps people find:

Pre-abortion ultrasounds / pregnancy dating
Accurate dating for people traveling for care or planning a medication abortion.

Post-abortion follow-up care
Providers who can answer questions, confirm that an abortion worked, or help manage symptoms.

Miscarriage management
Evidence-based care without delays, stigma, or misleading information.

Exceptions-based abortion care
Hospitals and providers offering legally allowed care in cases like serious health risks or nonviable pregnancies.

Why this database matters

The wraparound services database addresses a critical gap in abortion access: reliable, local care before and after an abortion in states with bans or severe restrictions. As abortion access has narrowed, finding trusted providers for routine services like pregnancy dating, miscarriage management, and post-abortion care has become increasingly difficult.

Many abortion seekers now travel long distances for care and cannot return to the same clinic for follow-up. Others manage abortions with pills and need in-person care without stigma or misinformation. Meanwhile, legal confusion has made many local providers hesitant to offer wraparound abortion care, even when it’s legal.

This uncertainty delays routine care and increases the risk of people being turned away or redirected to fake clinics. It also makes it harder for abortion funds, practical support organizations, and providers to make safe, confident referrals.

By verifying providers and clearly documenting what services they offer, this database reduces confusion across the ecosystem. It supports faster referrals, safer handoffs, and more consistent access to essential reproductive health care — even in the most restrictive states.

How we vet and maintain this database

Each provider is reviewed through a verification process by I Need An A’s data team, partners, and trained volunteers. We confirm that a provider:

• Offers real medical care (not anti-abortion counseling)
• Provides nonjudgmental care for abortion and miscarriage
• Is operating within state laws without putting patients at risk

We maintain accuracy with regular check-ins, phone calls, cross-referencing with partners, clinic updates, and ongoing monitoring.

Find wraparound care near you

Related Guides

These resources can help you understand your options and what to expect:

• How to calculate how many weeks pregnant you are
• How do I know if the abortion pills worked?
• What if I go to the ER after an abortion or a miscarriage?
• What if I go to a fake clinic?
• Miscarriage Fact Sheet

Explore More Providers

You can view all wraparound providers using our Advanced Search at: ineedana.com/advanced-search.

Organizations in our vetted network — including abortion funds, practical support groups, and clinics — can access additional private notes in our secure logged-in view. If you need access, email team@ineedana.com.

Abortion is a safe and common part of reproductive healthcare. Research shows that 95% of people who have abortions say it was the right decision, and the most common emotion they report is relief (PLOS One, 2015). According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2018), abortion care is safe at every stage of pregnancy and has a complication rate lower than childbirth or even getting your wisdom teeth removed.

More people are getting abortions, despite increasing restrictions.

According to the Society of Family Planning’s #WeCount project, more people have gotten abortions in the years since Dobbs v. Jackson than before. People are finding safe, effective, and supported ways to get the care they need—whether by traveling for in-clinic care or ordering abortion pills online.

• 1.14 million abortions were reported in the U.S. in 2024 — more than in 2023 or 2022.
• The monthly average rose from 79,620 (2022) → 88,180 (2023) → 95,250 (2024) → 98,630 (Jan - June 2025)
• 1 in 4 abortions in 2024 was provided via telehealth. About half of these abortions occurred under shield laws—legal protections for providers in supportive states who mail abortion pills to patients in states with bans.
• By June 2025, it was reported that 15,000 abortions per month were provided under shield protection.
• Independent clinics remain a cornerstone of abortion care. According to the Abortion Care Network’s Communities Need Clinics report (2024), independent providers make up 62% of all U.S. clinics that offer abortion after the first trimester.

💡 These numbers only reflect abortions that could be tracked through participating providers. The real number is likely higher—community networks, mutual aid groups, and informal providers offering abortion pills are not included in this dataset.

Who gets abortions?

Abortion is a normal part of reproductive health care for people across ages, genders, and life experiences.

• Parents: Nearly 6 in 10 abortion patients already have at least one child (KFF, 2022).
• Young people: Teens and young adults often reach care later in pregnancy due to barriers like cost, travel, and parental involvement laws.
• Trans and nonbinary people: Research confirms that transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse people also need abortion care (PubMed).

Abortion is care for anyone who can become pregnant—and everyone deserves safety, privacy, and respect in how they access it.

When abortions happen—and why barriers push people later

Most abortions happen early in pregnancy. About 90% take place before 12 weeks. Generally, abortions become less common with each passing week of pregnancy.

But many people are unable to get care as soon as they would like. Barriers like travel distances, waiting periods, funding limits, and bans are pushing more people later into pregnancy before they can get an abortion (PMC, 2022).

Learn more about abortions later in pregnancy at Who Not When.

Public support for abortion access remains strong

Most people in the United States support the right to make their own decisions about pregnancy and abortion care. Recent polls show this support is steady and widespread.

A March 2024 Axios/Ipsos poll found:

• More than 70% of Americans say medication abortion should stay legal, including majorities from both major political parties.
• Most people believe patients should be able to get abortion pills from a doctor or clinic, no matter where they live or how they vote.
• Only a small minority support new limits on FDA-approved abortion medication.

Other national surveys show the same pattern:

• An ABC News/Washington Post poll found that 78% of adults believe the decision to have an abortion should be between the patient and their doctor.
• A Fox News poll reported that 70% of voters support access to abortion pills.
• And the trend isn’t new. PRRI’s American Values Atlas shows long-term stability: 66% of women and 62% of men say abortion should be legal in all or most cases.

This majority reflects a shared belief: abortion is healthcare, and access strengthens families and communities.

Abortion access is adapting—and so are we.

Behind every data point is a person making the best decision for themselves. Abortion access will continue to grow stronger—through technology, compassion, and community support.

No matter how laws change or where people seek care, I Need An A will still be here—protecting privacy and helping abortion seekers understand every option available to them.

We work directly with clinics, abortion funds, and community networks to keep our information accurate, responsive, and reflective of what’s really happening across the country.

As access evolves, we’ll keep updating, adapting, and building the tools that protect abortion access for everyone. 💜

References

Abortion access is constantly changing, but the data remains clear and consistent. Here are the key studies and organizations that keep us grounded in facts.

• Foster, D.G. et al. (2015). Decision Rightness and Emotional Responses to Abortion: Results From a Longitudinal Study. PLOS One. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0128832
• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2018). The Safety and Quality of Abortion Care in the United States. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/24950
• Society of Family Planning. (2025). #WeCount Report 9: December 2024 Data. https://societyfp.org/wecount/
• Abortion Care Network. (2024). Communities Need Clinics. https://www.abortioncarenetwork.org/communities-need-clinics/
• World Health Organization. (2022). Abortion Care Guideline. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240039483
• KFF. (2022). 10 Things to Know About Abortion. https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/fact-sheet/fact-sheet-10-things-to-know-about-abortion/
• Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI). (2023). American Values Atlas. https://www.prri.org/american-values-atlas/
• National Library of Medicine (PubMed). (Various). Research on Abortion Care for Transgender and Nonbinary People. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
• PubMed Central (PMC). (2022). Barriers to Early Abortion Care and Delays in Access. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9382185/
• Axios/Ipsos. (2024). American Health Index Poll on Abortion Medication. https://www.axios.com/2024/03/29/abortion-pill-supreme-court-case-poll
• ABC News/Washington Post. (2023). National Poll on Abortion Attitudes. (Original poll available through ABC News and Washington Post reporting.)
• Fox News. (2024). National Voter Poll on Medication Abortion. (Summary available through Fox News reporting.)

The short answer is — it’s totally up to you.

Most doctors recommend avoiding putting anything in the vagina (like tampons, menstrual cups, or having penetrative sex) for about one to two weeks after an abortion. This is because your cervix — the small opening to your uterus — may still be slightly open, which makes it easier for bacteria to travel into the uterus and cause an infection. That’s true if you had an abortion with pills or in a clinic.

That said, this guidance is mostly based on caution rather than hard evidence. The vagina itself isn’t sterile — it naturally contains bacteria — but the concern is about bacteria reaching the uterus while the cervix is still open. There’s no strong medical research that proves an exact number of “safe” days after an abortion, so the most important thing is to listen to your body and reach out for help if something doesn’t feel right.

Can I use tampons after an abortion?

Yes — once your bleeding has slowed to light spotting, it’s totally okay to use whatever feels most comfortable, including tampons, menstrual cups, sponges, period underwear, or liners.

Doctors usually measure bleeding by pads, not by what you see in the toilet or what’s on a tampon. If you’re soaking through more than 2 overnight maxi pads per hour for 2 hours in a row, call your doctor or go to the ER — that could mean you’re bleeding too much.

When bleeding lightens to spotting, switch to whatever feels most comfortable. And if your bleeding picks up again, go back to pads so it’s easier to monitor.

Can I use tampons after a medication abortion?

Eventually, yes.

After taking mifepristone, you may not bleed much at first. The heavier bleeding usually happens after you take misoprostol, often within a few hours. That’s the time to use pads — not tampons — so you can monitor bleeding and pass clots safely.

Once the heaviest bleeding has stopped and you’re back to light bleeding or spotting, you can use tampons, menstrual cups, or whatever feels best for your body. Many people have some light bleeding or spotting on and off for a few weeks, which is normal.

Can I take a bath after an abortion?

You can shower right away, but many doctors suggest waiting about a week before taking a bath, using a jacuzzi, or swimming, just to lower the risk of infection while your cervix is closing.

What about douching?

And definitely skip douching — it’s never medically recommended. Douching can disrupt your vagina’s natural balance of bacteria and actually make infection more likely.

When can I work out again?

You can start light activity — like walking or stretching — as soon as you feel up to it. If you’re dizzy, tired, or cramping, take it slow and rest. Most people feel back to normal within a few days.

If you had a surgical abortion, you might want to wait a few extra days before resuming heavy exercise or lifting. If you had a medication abortion, you can usually return to normal activities once bleeding and cramping have eased.

Listen to and trust your body — nurture it. Eat nourishing food, drink plenty of water, rest when you need to, and move in ways that feel good in the moment.

When can I masturbate after an abortion?

You can masturbate again as soon as it feels good to you!

Again, most providers recommend waiting a few days to a week to lower your risk of infection — similar to waiting before using tampons or putting anything in your vagina. That same guidance applies to fingers, toys, or penises. (Pro tip: make sure whatever’s going in is clean!)

External stimulation, like clitoral touch or using a vibrator on the outside of your body, is totally fine if you’re not bleeding heavily and you feel ready!

And here’s a bonus — orgasms may be able to actually help with cramping and pain by releasing natural endorphins that relax your body and improve your mood. So if it feels good, it might also make you feel better physically.

Have questions about when to have sex or your fertility after an abortion? Learn more here.

What are signs of complications after an abortion?

If you ever experience the following after an abortion, reach out to your provider or the M+A Hotline (1-833-246-2632) for free, confidential support from medical professionals.

• A fever of 101°F or higher
• Foul-smelling discharge (especially with pain)
• Very heavy bleeding — soaking more than 2 overnight maxi pads per hour for 2 hours in a row
• Severe abdominal pain that doesn’t get better with over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen or Tylenol

Learn what to expect if you go to the ER after an abortion or miscarriage so you know your rights and what kind of care you should receive.

It’s totally normal to have questions about your body after an abortion — like when it’s safe to have sex again, how soon you can get pregnant, or when your period will return. The good news is: your body starts healing right away, and you can go back to having sex whenever you feel comfortable and ready.

When can I have sex after an abortion?

Whether you took abortion pills or had an in-clinic (surgical) procedure, you can have sex again whenever it feels right for you. Most providers recommend waiting a few days to a week to lower your risk of infection but this guidance is mostly based on caution rather than hard evidence.

The same applies to tampons, fingers, toys, or penises. (Pro tip: make sure whatever’s going in is clean!)

The most important thing to know is that you can get pregnant again right away — even before your next period, which usually returns about 4–6 weeks after an abortion.

How fertile am I after an abortion?

Abortion does not affect your ability to get pregnant in the future. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) confirms that abortion, whether by pills or procedure, has no negative impact on future fertility.

You can ovulate as soon as two weeks after an abortion — meaning it’s possible to get pregnant almost immediately, even if you’re still bleeding or haven’t had your period yet.

If you’re trying to avoid pregnancy, this is a good time to think about birth control options.

Can I start birth control after an abortion?

Yes! You can start birth control as soon as you want. Some people begin right away, even the same day as their abortion (talk to your doctor about options).

There are lots of choices depending on what feels right for your body and your life:

• Short-term options: pills, patches, or the ring (you can start immediately).
• Long-term options: IUDs, implants, or shots (can often be started at your appointment).

Explore all the forms of birth control here.

Can I get pregnant if I’ve had more than one abortion?

Yup. Having multiple abortion (whether 2, 3, or more) doesn’t affect your ability to get pregnant or have a healthy pregnancy in the future. Abortion is safe, common, and nothing to be ashamed of—no matter how many you have.

Millions of people have had more than one abortion for many different reasons. You aren’t alone — read real stories from people who’ve had multiple abortions on our stories page or at 2+ Abortions.

Your body is resilient. You can have sex whenever you’re ready, use birth control right away if you don’t want to become pregnant again, and rest easy knowing abortion doesn’t harm your fertility. The choice is always yours.

If you ever have pain, fever, or heavy bleeding, reach out to your provider or the M+A Hotline (1-833-246-2632) for free, confidential support from medical professionals.

What is an abortion shield law?

As some states have banned abortion, others have passed abortion shield laws to protect doctors who mail abortion pills, provide telehealth care, or assist people traveling across state lines for an abortion. Shield laws aim to create a “safe haven” for abortion care and to limit the reach of anti-abortion states into those jurisdictions.

You can view a list of states that have shield laws here.

As short-hand, we often refer to the medical professionals operating from a state with a shield law as “shield providers.”

Can you still get abortion pills by mail from shield states?

Yes! When it comes to abortion pills by mail, providers operating under shield laws are sometimes called shield providers or online providers. The language is always changing, but for now, these are companies that legally prescribe or ship abortion pills from shield states to people living in states where abortion is banned or restricted. So, even if you live in Texas, Louisiana, or Mississippi, you can still have pills mailed to you — compare the different ways to get pills here.

As of October 2025, there are 6 shield providers in the U.S. Many offer discounts or even free services:

• A Safe Choice — through 13 weeks | Serves all 50 states + Puerto Rico | $150
  Get more info
• Abuzz — through 12 weeks 6 days | Selected states + Puerto Rico | $150, sliding scale is available
  Get more info
• Aid Access — through 13 weeks 6 days | Serves all 50 states | $5 - 150, sliding scale is available
  Get more info
• Cambridge Reproductive Health Consultants (The MAP) — through 11 weeks | Selected states | $5 - 150, sliding scale is available
  Get more info
• Choices Rising — through 12 weeks | Serves all 50 states + Puerto Rico | $150
  Get more info
• We Take Care of Us — through 13 weeks | Serves all 50 states + Puerto Rico | $5 - 300, sliding scale is available
  Get more info

While self managing an abortion is not a crime before 24 weeks in any state, what the law says and what happens in reality can be different. Ordering pills online may come with legal risk.

If you have any questions or want to talk about risks specific to you and your life, you can call the Repro Legal Helpline at 844-868-2812 to talk with a lawyer.

What happens if a provider sends pills to a banned state like Texas? I heard they banned pills by mail?

In December 2025, a new law will take effect in Texas that allows private citizens to sue health providers who prescribe, mail, or give abortion medication to patients in Texas. However, this law does not criminalize or penalize the pregnant person, so it doesn’t increase someone’s legal risk—only the legal risk of the provider.

We expect to see more laws like this in other anti-abortion states. We also expect to see continued legal challenges of shield laws.

If you have any questions or want to talk about risks specific to you and your life, you can call the Repro Legal Helpline at 844-868-2812 to talk with a lawyer.

And remember that abortion pills are available in all 50 states — search your options at ineedana.com/search