Most people do not need emergency care after an abortion or miscarriage. Research shows that abortion is safe and complications happen in less than 1% of cases. And most miscarriages happen on their own without needing any medical support. Abortions and miscarriages are also the same process, so the medical treatment for both is the same. In fact, the medical term for a miscarriage is “spontaneous abortion” and usually refers to a loss before 20 weeks of pregnancy. You can read more about the similarities of medication abortion and miscarriage here.

You may be worried about getting into legal trouble for a pregnancy loss or worried if you’ll be able to get the medical care that you need. You aren’t alone! There is a lot of misinformation and fear around abortion care, especially depending on where you live. That’s why the Repro Legal Helpline and Ineedana.com teamed up to make sure that if you go to the ER after an abortion or a miscarriage, you will feel prepared.

Here’s what we want you to know:

• You have the legal right to get emergency medical care in an emergency room in every state, even if your state bans abortion. Emergency medical care includes treatment for a pregnant person in labor or having a miscarriage. You have this legal right no matter your age, immigration status, or whether you have insurance.
• You do not have to tell anyone about your abortion.
• You can bring someone you trust with you to the hospital so you don’t have to stand up for yourself alone. But keep in mind that hospitals can have different visitor policies.
• If you're bleeding a lot, you can say things like "I'm pregnant, I started bleeding and I'm very worried. I would like blood work and an ultrasound to figure out what's going on."
• You do not have to tell anyone what you want to do with a pregnancy, or if you change your mind about what you want to do.
• You have the legal right to travel between states for any reason and no matter your age, unless you’re under a court order like probation or parole. You don’t have to tell anyone why you’re traveling. No state makes it a crime for pregnant people to travel to another state for an abortion, but there can be reasons why traveling between states has legal risks. Call the Repro Legal Helpline at (844) 868-2812 if you’re not sure if you can travel.
  

How do I know if I need to go to the hospital?

• If you have very heavy bleeding and soak through more than 2 overnight maxi pads per hour for 2 hours in a row
• Running a fever of 101°F or greater
• A really foul smelling discharge with severe pain that isn't better with over the counter pain medications (like tylenol or ibuprofen), and fever are signs of an infection that should be treated immediately.

You can also call the Miscarriage + Abortion Hotline at (833) 246-2632 to discuss your symptoms—they can help you understand if you need medical attention. Check out this article for more information on what to expect when having a miscarriage.

What to expect at the hospital

You only have to share what you feel comfortable telling hospital staff. A healthcare provider only needs to know that you were pregnant, how far along you were (if you know), and what symptoms (e.g., bleeding, cramping, fever, etc.) you have. If you are more than 12 weeks pregnant, read more here. There is no law that says you have to tell anyone about having an abortion.

Unless you tell them, hospital staff probably will not know whether you had a medication abortion or a miscarriage.

Healthcare providers can't tell the difference between a medication abortion and a miscarriage by examining or testing you—the symptoms for both are the same. And if you need medical care after either, doctors will usually treat them in the same way.

When misoprostol is dissolved under the tongue or between the cheek and gum, and any leftover pieces are swallowed or spit out, doctors won’t be able to see the pills. But if misoprostol is placed in the vagina, a doctor might notice any leftover pill during an exam. That’s why many people prefer to take the pills by mouth.

You can read more about how to talk to a healthcare provider here.

What do I do if I go to a hospital and they refuse to help me?

Call Repro Legal Helpline at (844) 868-2812 or contact us through our secure online form to speak with a lawyer. Tell us that you’re being denied emergency medical care and we’ll get back to you immediately.

We encourage you to bring a friend or family member with you to the hospital, because you may be in a situation where you need to advocate for yourself. It’s hard to do that alone if you’re scared or in pain.

You, or your trusted person, should write down (on paper or in a Notes app on your phone) everything that happens, including:

• The name of the hospital
• Any treatment you are offered and/or receive
• What the hospital staff says to you and any reasons they give about why they will not treat you
• The names of the nurses, doctors, or other staff you talk to
• The date and time you arrived and left the hospital

We recommend you write or use your Notes app instead of recording at the emergency room, because some states do not allow people to record others without their permission.

If you feel comfortable, you can:

• Ask why you are being denied care and that they put their reason in your medical chart
• Tell them: “I have the right to stabilizing medical care under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).”
• Ask the hospital to transfer or transport you to another hospital that will provide you care that you need
• Ask how to request your medical records, including a copy of labs and imaging, and to sign up for the online patient portal, like MyChart, if you haven’t already

Make sure to write down in your notes that you asked these questions and their answers.

If you forget to take notes, or can’t, that’s okay. When the emergency is over, you can write down everything you remember, or call the Repro Legal Helpline (844) 868-2812 and tell us what you remember. The Repro Legal Helpline is free and confidential.

What do I do if the hospital calls the police?

Do not talk to the cops

Tell the police that you will not talk to them without a lawyer present. It is always better for you, no matter what, to talk to a lawyer before you answer questions from a police officer. You have the right to remain silent, or to have a lawyer with you if you do answer any questions. . After you refuse to talk to the police without a lawyer, call or have a loved one call the Repro Legal Helpline at (844) 868-2812 immediately. Be sure to tell Repro Legal Helpline that you’ve been contacted by the police and include a phone number where you can be reached.

You may need to be careful about talking to anyone at the hospital

Hospitals are not supposed to share your private medical information with the police. But, sometimes doctors, nurses, or other hospital staff may do that anyway, and people who work with cops, like a social worker or child protective services worker, might try to question you too. Any of those people might tell the police what you say. You don’t have to talk to them. You can always say, “I’m not comfortable answering your questions and I want to talk to a lawyer first.” then contact the Repro Legal Helpline.

Learn more about your rights when contacted by police, immigration, or CPS here.

Are some emergency rooms better than others?

Not everyone has a choice of more than one hospital. You might live near only one hospital with an emergency room. Or you might have insurance that pays for only certain medical centers. Even if you have only one option, that emergency room has to take care of you in a medical emergency.

If you have more than one hospital option and want to be prepared in case you ever need to go to the hospital, it can be helpful to do some research ahead of time. You can call hospitals or doctor’s offices and try asking:

"Hi, I’m calling to get some information about miscarriage management at your hospital. Can you connect me with someone who can answer questions about hospital policies and available treatment options?"

• (You may need to ask for Labor & Delivery, the Emergency Department, or a patient advocate.)

"Can you tell me about your hospital’s miscarriage management guidelines?"

• (If they seem unsure, you can clarify: “I’m specifically asking about how early pregnancy loss is treated and whether there are standard protocols in place.”)

"When a patient is experiencing a miscarriage, are doctors expected to go over all three management options—watch and wait, medication, and a procedure?"

• (Follow-up: “Will the doctor allow the patient to choose their preferred treatment, or are there restrictions on certain options?”)

"Does your hospital have doctors who are trained in D&E (dilation and evacuation) procedures? Are any of them fellowship-trained in Complex Family Planning?"

• (If they don’t know, ask: “Is there someone in OB/GYN I can speak to who might know?”)

"If a patient needs a higher level of care or a procedure your hospital doesn’t provide, what is the process for transferring them to another facility?"

• (Follow-up: “Does the hospital have any policies that could delay or prevent a transfer?”)

"Is your hospital Catholic-affiliated or connected to a religious system that restricts miscarriage or abortion care?"

• (If they seem unsure: “Do your hospital policies allow for miscarriage management even if there is still a fetal heartbeat?”)

Keep in mind:

• It may be hard to get someone on the phone or even have these questions answered by hospital staff. You can try connecting with a local pregnancy/birth doula who may have a better idea on hospital policies and people’s experiences too.
• In some communities the only available hospital or healthcare providers available are religiously affiliated (i.e., most likely anything with “St.” in the name)
• Some people live in very small towns where everyone knows everyone and it’s hard to keep things private.

And remember, you know your community and where you live best and how providers may react.

If you’re not experiencing a medical emergency and just want to get checked out after a miscarriage or abortion, you do not have to go to the emergency room. You’re already in the right place to find trusted medical providers who offer abortions.

This is a guide for sex workers from sex workers on how to navigate abortion. We teamed up with the baddies at SWOPLA who run the Sex Workers’ Abortion Navigation Services (SWANS) to create this guide that offers a supportive, sex worker–informed perspective on accessing abortion.

[Not a sex worker but want to know more about what sex work is? Click here]

Abortion is a deeply personal decision—one that can bring up a lot of emotions, questions, and considerations. For sex workers, the reality of navigating abortion care can be even more complex because of ongoing stigma and the criminalization of sex work in many parts of the U.S. We recognize that every experience is unique; our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to make the decisions that are best for you.

What does abortion access look like right now?

There are three types of abortions; in-clinic abortion, medication abortion and self managed abortion. All are proven safe, but how easy they are to get really depends on where you live. Some states make it easier to access in-clinic abortions or abortion pills, while others have banned abortion entirely (however, pills by mail is always an option no matter where you live!). Ultimately, you know what’s best for your life—whether that means going somewhere in person or getting pills mailed to you.

What do I need to consider if I’m traveling for an abortion?

Most people have the right to travel between states—unless they are on probation, on parole or under some form of state surveillance. Read more about deciding to travel for an abortion.

If you travel for an abortion—especially if you live in a highly restricted state—or for work, there are additional considerations for sex workers. While there aren’t any federal laws criminalizing sex work itself, there are federal policies that indirectly target sex workers:

• Laws such as the Mann Act and the Travel Act can target sex workers, even when traveling across state lines for unrelated reasons (e.g., seeking medical care).
• Sex workers who are non-U.S. citizens, undocumented, of immigration status, and/or more likely to be racially profiled may face extra risks when crossing state lines. You never have to tell TSA, border agents, or cops why you are traveling. Check out this informative post: “Know Your Rights”.
• The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) was designed to protect trafficking victims, but its broad language allows law enforcement to conflate trafficking with consensual sex work. This can lead to raids and arrests of sex workers, criminalizing them, increasing their vulnerability to abuse, and limiting their access to essential services and resources.
• Be mindful of what you share on social media or through text/email about your plans, and consider taking extra steps to secure your devices and data.

How can I make sure my information is kept private and confidential during an abortion appointment?

Abortion providers, like all medical professionals, are required by HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) to keep your information private. No one can join your appointment unless you explicitly agree to it. If you have health insurance and someone else is the policy holder (e.g., spouse, parent, guardian), they may see certain billing information. However, if you choose to self-pay, pay out-of-pocket, or receive funding from an abortion fund, your records will remain private.

Do I need to tell the doctor I’m a sex worker?

Nope. You are never legally required to disclose your employment status to a healthcare provider.

If you do disclose, watch out for possible red flags. Examples include the provider conflating sex work with sex trafficking; blaming your work for unrelated health issues; pressuring you to leave your profession; assuming that you use/abuse alcohol or substances; and/or asking inappropriate, intrusive questions about your sexual history. If you experience any kind of discrimination, you have the right to file a grievance with the healthcare facility or a complaint with your state medical board.

At the clinic, they may question you about your job. If you don’t want to disclose your sex work, you don’t have to! You can make up another profession, say you do gig work, or whatever else feels right to you. Remember, you are allowed and encouraged to set boundaries during your appointment—apply the same skills you use with your clients to keep the appointment focused on your health and not on personal details that don't matter for your healthcare.

How can I make sure my information is private when booking a place to stay?

If you're worried about sharing your ID or other identifying information when booking lodging, consider these tips. First, check Vrbo for places that offer lockboxes or coded entry so you can stay contactless—a feature that's especially helpful if someone else is booking the Vrbo for you. Additionally, consider using an alias, as some hotels don't require ID at check-in.

Programs like SWANS can help you find confidential booking!

What things should I prepare for before and after my abortion?

Plan for time off

If you are a full-service or in-person worker, you may need a few days or more to rest before returning to your routine. If you work mostly online, try to set up some posts ahead of time using social media scheduling tools while you recover.

Financial planning

Do you have a client that might be more open to virtual options, such as digital content, phone sex, or sexting? Consider other platforms or services you can offer that may be more comfortable while you care for yourself. 

Talking to clients

You NEVER have to disclose why you aren’t able to take clients in person or aren’t available on certain days. You should never feel pressured to share the abortion with a client.Let your regulars know in advance that you'll be on vacation and have content ready to share! This is especially helpful if you do a variety of sex work. If you're traveling out of state, consider reaching out to that generous client to book you before you leave.

Need an extra boost after missed wages? Chat with SWANS to see how we can help!

Take care of yourself and monitor your symptoms

It’s common to experience cramping and bleeding for a couple of weeks. Use pads to monitor bleeding (you can have bleeding and spotting for up to 2-6 weeks). Heating pads or a warm compress can help ease the pain of cramps. You may feel relief, sadness, anxiety, joy, or a mixture of emotions. All feelings are valid, and professional or peer-based support can help. Many sex workers build strong communities, so don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted friends or sex workers–led organizations (SWOPLA has support group offerings - reach out to services.swopla@proton.me)

Returning to work

Some doctors recommend avoiding putting anything in the vagina—tampons, penetrative toys, or sexual activities—for at least one week to prevent infection. However, there is no evidence of this increasing your risk of infection. You know your body best so do what feels most comfortable for you.

If you choose to return to in-person work sooner, some sex workers use makeup sponges or specially designed products like Beppy sponges to prevent bleeding. You can have sex with a sponge—there’s no string visible, the client won’t feel it, and it can be softer and more comfortable. If you do have heavier bleeding again, switch back to pads because it’s a better way to monitor. If you’re filling up 4 overnight pads in 2 hours, it could be a sign that you’re hemorrhaging and you may need to go to the hospital.

It’s common to ovulate again within 1-4 weeks after an abortion, so the chances of getting pregnant again are possible, even if you’re still bleeding. Some people may lactate after their abortion. It's more common if an abortion happens after 14-16 weeks but it can also happen earlier in pregnancy. Abortion providers who are providing abortions in the 2nd trimester often give medication to help prevent this, but not always (you can definitely ask them about it!).

I don’t have anyone to talk to about this..

As a sex worker, sharing your decision to have an abortion can feel especially vulnerable. Focus on what feels right for you—whether it’s asking for support or simply telling loved ones. Choose someone you trust and set boundaries around what you’re comfortable sharing about your work and decisions. It’s okay if their reaction isn’t what you expected or hoped for. Prioritize your safety and emotional well-being. Reach out to your local SWOP chapter for support groups (Can’t find one? Ask us!).

SWANS is creating community support for sex workers who have had abortions—reach out to us!

What if I’m worried about needing an abortion in the future?

If you aren’t pregnant now but want to be prepared if you ever are, there is advanced provision of abortion pills. Which means you can order pills before you’re pregnant, so you have them in case you are pregnant in the future.

Wanting more 1-on-1 support?

I Need An A and SWANS want you to feel supported and cared for! While stigma and legal obstacles may make the journey complicated, it’s important to remember you are not alone. There are organizations, hotlines, and fellow sex workers who understand your circumstances and are ready to help! Whether you choose a self-managed abortion, an in-clinic procedure, or something in between, you deserve compassionate, respectful care—without having to compromise your safety or privacy.

Contact SWANS. They provide not only financial aid and trauma-informed peer support for those seeking an abortion, but also flights, hotels, meals, missed wages, and assistance booking and scheduling appointments and travel. This service is FOR sex workers, BY sex workers. You do not have to live in California to receive aid.

• Repro Legal Helpline: get legal questions answered
• M+A Hotline: get medical questions answered
• Reprocare: peer support hotline for people using pills
• SWOP-LA & SWANS: financial, travel, and peer support for sex workers
• All-Options: pregnancy counseling and emotional support
• Digital Defense Fund: online tools to keep you safe

Everybody deserves safe & accessible abortion care! #sexworkiswork

Miscarriages can be incredibly heartbreaking and relieving — there’s no “right” way to feel. They are also incredibly common and normal.

What are normal symptoms of a miscarriage?

• Heavy bleeding
• Passing small or large clots or some gray or white tissue
• Cramps or abdominal pain
• Back pressure or pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea

These symptoms can range from minor to severe and could last a few days or weeks.

**** many people pass their miscarriages on their own without medical intervention ****

When is it an emergency?

• If you have very heavy bleeding and soak through more than 2 overnight maxi pads per hour for 2 hours in a row (make sure you are tracking your bleeding by what’s on the maxi-pad and not what’s in the toilet.)
• Running a fever of 101°F or greater
• A really foul smelling discharge + severe pain that isn't better with over the counter pain medications (like tylenol or ibuprofen). These (in addition to a fever) are also signs of infection and should be treated immediately

What do I do if I’m having an emergency?

Go to your OBGYN or the emergency room.

What are my options for treatment during a miscarriage?

1. Watch and wait

Wait for the pregnancy tissue to pass. The uterus will contract on its own and push the pregnancy out.

• Being aware of the potential emergencies + symptoms we listed above.
• Monitor your bleeding with overnight maxi pads
• Take ibuprofen and use a heating pad for cramps
• Monitor your temperature with a thermometer
• Monitor how your body feels and make sure your pregnancy symptoms are going away within a few days.

2. Medication

Doctors can prescribe Mifepristone and misoprostol (the same pills used for a medication abortion) to take at home that induce a miscarriage and empty the uterus. Using misoprostol only is also an effective option for miscarriage management. Read more about the medication process here. If you live in a state where abortion is severely restricted, they may not provide these pills.

3. Procedure

If the pregnancy was less than 12 weeks, a doctor may remove the pregnancy tissue using an in-office procedure, called vacuum aspiration. The cervix is dilated and a gentle suction is used to remove the pregnancy. Typically, sedation can be used to help with pain management. Read more about the procedure here. If you were in the second trimester or later, the procedure would likely be a longer process.

If you live in a state where abortion is severely restricted, you may find physicians hesitate to provide the health care you need.

If you’re not experiencing a medical emergency and just want to get checked out after a miscarriage or abortion, you do not have to go to the emergency room. You’re already in the right place to find trusted medical providers who offer abortions!

We also have a database of providers in heavily restricted states where you can get ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, post abortion care and miscarriage management without fear of judgment or threats.

Taking Abortion Pills After 12 Weeks

We are excited to share our new article in partnership with Abuzz that offers comprehensive information about safely and effectively using abortion pills after 12 weeks.

Read Abortion Pills After 12 Weeks here.

This resource is not medical or legal advice; it’s meant to empower abortion seekers with knowledge so they can make informed decisions that feel right for them. Below is an overview of what’s included in this resource, why we created it, and how it can support you or someone you know.

This article contains:

• Evidence-based data
• Legal considerations and privacy tips
• Step-by-step guidance
• What to expect and how to prepare
• Visual aids
• Practical resources

Why This Article Matters

Many U.S. providers cap medication abortion around 12 weeks, but research and real-world experience confirm safety beyond that point. Our goal is to get rid of the shame around abortion and replace it with knowledge that allows people to choose the right path for themselves. In addition to medical facts, we offer emotional and legal support recommendations so no one feels alone.

If you know someone who might need this information, consider passing it along. We welcome questions and suggestions at ineedana@protonmail.com.

But don’t just take our word for how great this article is, check out what our partners say:

Thank you for reading and for being part of a community that values accurate, stigma-free health information!

Feeling that inauguration dread?

Ditto. You're not alone.

But there are things we can all do to prepare in case we or someone we love needs an abortion in 2025.

#1 Share up-to-date abortion information

People will always need and get abortions. You can help them by making sure you share accurate and comprehensive info about your closest clinic, pills by mail options, support organizations, and laws. I Need An A is the most comprehensive and user-friendly resource for you and the people you love to find all of that info. You can help us get the word out by sharing a post on social media or putting up stickers around your town.

We've also launched a new "quick-start" hub of resources with our friends at Shout Your Abortion, Plan C, and Charley at YouHaveOptions.com. The goal of this new page is to be an easy-to-remember website that can be part of a bigger cultural-awareness campaign.

#2 You can order abortion pills by mail before you need them

No matter what state you live in, there are telehealth providers that will mail you abortion pills in advance. Sometimes they call this "advanced provisioning." Abortion pills are medically very safe to take on your own and don't expire for years if they're stored in a cool, dry place.

You can find more info on getting abortion pills in advance at YouHaveOptions.com

#3 Get plugged in locally

We’re going to need community more than ever. Find your local abortion fund and practical support organizations on our newly re-launched Support Organization Hub.

This page includes all members of National Network of Abortion Funds, members of Apiary for Practical Support's Hivemind, and more! All organizations have been verified and will be regularly reviewed. We hope it will be an easy place for you to learn how to donate to them, volunteer with them, and contact them if you need an abortion.

Finally, take a deep breath.

It's unlikely that abortion access will get easier in the next 4 years, but people will keep having abortions. In fact, data shows that more people are getting abortions now than we did before the overturn of Roe v. Wade.

We believe that's due to three things

• Pills by mail are more accessible in every state thanks to telemedicine and "shield laws."
• Abortion funds & support organizations are and will continue to perform heroics to ensure people get care (that's why we need to support them!).
• Information is more easily accessible thanks to people like you are sharing I Need An A 💜

Each of these facts gives us confidence that together we'll be able to keep helping people get the abortions they want, need, and deserve in 2025 and beyond.

People who live in a state that bans or severely restricts access to abortion have two ways to access abortion care:

1. Get abortion pills by mail (through licensed telehealth clinics, community networks, or websites that sell pills)
2. Travel to a state that allows abortion to get pills (to take at home) or an abortion procedure (in clinic).

We’ve outlined some basic descriptions of getting abortion pills by mail to help you understand the type of support that’s offered and generally, where the pills are coming from. This information is up to date as of December 2024. Because information changes frequently, we recommend you check options specific to your location at iNeedAnA or Plan C Guide.

*Studies show taking abortion pills after 12 weeks can be safe and effective. At this length of pregnancy an abortion with pills can take longer, requires multiple doses of misoprostol, and ends with pregnancy tissue that is more developed (usually a fetus + placenta). Read more about taking abortion pills after 12 weeks.

*If you have questions about abortion before, during or after, reach out to the Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline to talk with a volunteer doctor. Call or text (833) 246-2632

What are crisis pregnancy centers aka “fake clinics”?

Crisis pregnancy centers (sometimes called pregnancy resource centers) are anti-abortion religious organizations that try really hard to seem like a normal doctor’s office.

The reality is that crisis pregnancy centers (or what we tend to call “fake clinics”) are heavily biased and their main goal is to talk people out of having abortions. They’ve been known to give wrong and misleading information about how long you’ve been pregnant. They’ve been known to lie about how abortions can change future fertility or cause breast cancer.

Tactics they use:

• Over-emphasizing the dangers of abortion (when in fact science shows us that abortion is very very very safe and doesn’t have long term negative effects on physical or mental health)
• Presenting adoption as the best option for someone who doesn’t want to parent
• Promising money or other things like diapers if you choose to parent
• Calling you multiple times after you visit to come back for follow up appointments
• They often co-opted abortion clinics’ website designs and language to make it look like they’re the same, and are often right next door to actual medical providers and abortion clinics. Sometimes it’s even hard for us to tell right away!

You can see some of their lies and anti-abortion tactics first hand here and here.

How to spot a fake clinic

Typically, crisis pregnancy centers advertise free ultrasounds and are located in a church or their website only talks about prenatal care and adoption. You can check to see if the clinic you’re planning to go to is listed as a fake clinic so you’re prepared (and they aren’t just located in states with strict abortion bans, there are plenty in states like New York and California):

Why do people go to these fake clinics?

• They aren’t sure how long they’ve been pregnant which is making it hard to decide what type of abortion is right for them and the fake clinic offers free ultrasounds (learn how to calculate!)
• They aren’t totally sure they are pregnant and the fake clinic offers free pregnancy tests (note: dollar store tests are very accurate, see more below)
• They want to talk to someone to learn more about abortion options (Talk to someone at Reprocare)
• They aren’t sure if they want an abortion or not (Check out All-Options)

What should I know about “fake clinics” if I decide to go to one?

Where can I find better places to go for pre and post abortion care?

You’re already in the right place! Ineedana.com keeps a list of trusted medical providers who offer abortions. We also have a database of providers in heavily restricted states where you can get ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, post abortion care and miscarriage management without fear of judgment or threats.

If you go to your primary care provider or obgyn..

They can likely order an ultrasound for you if you really don’t know when your last period was or you’ve had some weird bleeding or think you’re still pregnant after an abortion. You do not need to tell them you are considering an abortion or had an abortion. You can simply call them or send a message on your patient portal to let them know you had a positive pregnancy test and have irregular periods or bleeding and want to know how many weeks pregnant you are or know if you had a miscarriage. After you get your ultrasound you don’t need to follow up with them further if you don’t want to.

Another alternative are Title X and Federally Qualified Health Centers.

They may not provide abortion care themselves, but they often provide free or very discounted care to people with and without insurance (just ask about financial assistance when you make the appointment).

And if you have questions about abortion before, during or after, reach out to the Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline to talk with a volunteer doctor. Call or text (833) 246-2632

We want to acknowledge this isn’t fair or okay. You should be able to go to a trusted abortion clinic in your neighborhood to get accurate information but in the U.S. and especially in abortion restricted states, that’s not always an option. You absolutely deserve better. We will keep fighting for access but don’t forget that ineedana.com and the M+A Hotline always have your back <3

Can I Smoke Weed During a Medication Abortion?

Yes, you can smoke weed or take an edible during a medication abortion. Smoking weed will not affect how the pills work. In a study on pain management during abortion, all participants who used marijuana said it was at least somewhat effective at relieving pain and cramps.

What should someone know about getting high during the abortion?

• Weed can help with nausea as well as cramping.
• Indica strains might be a better choice than sativa, as they tend to be more relaxing.
• Write down how often you’re changing pads and any other symptoms, just in case you do need to call the M+A Hotline you don’t have to think too hard ;)
• Don’t rely solely on cannabis for pain management—make sure you have other pain relief options on hand like Ibuprofen (advil/motrin), Acetaminophen (tylenol) and a heating pad.
  You can take these pain relievers two different ways:
  • Take 800mg Ibuprofen with 1000mg Acetaminophen every 6- 8 hours as needed for pain (it is safe to take the medications together as they work differently).
  • Take 800mg of Ibuprofen every 6 hours. In between doses of Ibuprofen take 1000mg Acetominophen every 6 hours. This looks like: take 800mg ibuprofen, wait 3 hours, take 1000mg acetominophen, wait 3 hours and keep repeating.
    
    (Ibuprofen has been shown to work better than acetaminophen for cramping pain during the process, so if you only take one, ibuprofen is recommended!)

You don’t want to be so high that you can’t stay alert.

While complications with abortion pills are super rare (less than 1% of the time), they can happen. You’ll need to monitor how much you’re bleeding, keep an eye on your temperature, and be able to communicate with a healthcare provider if something feels off. The M+A Hotline is a great resource if you need to reach a doctor and have more questions — they've heard it all!

Everyone’s experience with a medication abortion is different. Some people have mild cramping, while others experience more intense pain. Both are normal and so is everything in between. The goal is to get as relaxed as possible: put on your coziest PJs, gather up some snacks and water, snuggle into a blanket, put on your favorite show, and if you want, light up a joint or take an edible. If you end up falling asleep, even better!

What about smoking weed after an in-clinic abortion?

It’s also safe and a great tool to use for pain management after the in-clinic abortion! However, on the day of your procedure you need to have a clear mind to sign consent forms so getting high before your appointment isn't recommended. If the doctor or clinic suspects you’re under the influence of any drugs, they will probably make you reschedule your appointment.

If you’ve never tried weed before, maybe now isn't the best time to experiment.

Having an abortion can already feel unfamiliar, and you want to be in a space (physically, mentally emotionally, spiritually) where you feel as safe and comfortable as possible. If you do already have experience with weed—whether smoking or taking edibles—and you know your tolerance and the right dosage, it can actually be a great way to relax and help manage cramping.

If you’re in a state where marijuana is prohibited, be sure to weigh the legal risks before getting high.

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At ineedana.com, our mission is design and build tech that helps people who need abortions in the United States.

Since 2016, we’ve worked to build better tools for people who need abortions. This election doesn’t change that. A lot remains unknown about what will happen in 2025, but we know for sure:

People in every state will keep needing abortions and they will always have options.

We will continue to track how people are getting abortions and share that data. We will continue to design and build new and better ways for people to understand and compare all of their options. We will help them confidently decide on the best abortion for them (be it pills by mail or an in-clinic abortion). We will help them seamlessly navigate the logistics of abortion access, no matter what chaos and confusion the future brings.

Different people will have different needs for their abortions. Many people will want to and benefit from talking to trusted experts about their personal situation.

We will build new tools so people can connect with experts at hotlines like M+A Hotline and Repro Legal Helpline quickly, more securely, and with fewer phone calls directly on ineedana.com.

People living in the most restricted states will need trusted places to go for follow up care and legal miscarriage management.

We will expand our database of trusted providers in restricted states so people can safely access services like ultrasounds and avoid anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers.

The national network of grassroots support and clinics will continue to be innovative heroes and experts in helping their communities get the care they need.

We will improve the infrastructure that enables support organizations to share information with each other, empowering a more resilient and efficient grassroots network.

More work will be needed to fight censorship and make sure we're reaching abortion seekers when they need us most.

We will continue to invest in search engine advertising and optimization. We will also collaborate on educational campaigns like YouHaveOptions.com

By the end of November 2024, we will have helped more than 1.3 million unique users understand their abortion options.

At least one million people will need abortions in 2025. We're going to need *your* support to reach and serve them.

How you can help:

#1 Spread the word
Share ineedana.com with your loved ones and community so they know #YouAlwaysHaveOptions. We've got graphics and swag to help.

#2 Make an abortion plan with ineedana.com and keep it up to date!
Check ineedana.com regularly to review your options for how to get an abortion if you needed one. Start tracking your period with Euki. You can even order abortion pills in advance to have on hand in case you or someone you love needs them. Doing this prep now not only helps possible future you, but also makes you an incredibly knowledgable resource to your community.

#3 Invest in our work
As a non-profit project, we accept tax-deductible donations that may be matchable by your employer.

The need has never been greater, but together, we can help people get the abortions they want, need, and deserve. Thank you for your support.

Getting an Abortion Past 20 Weeks

After 20 weeks from someone’s last menstrual period (LMP), access to abortion can get logistically more challenging. Later in pregnancy the cost of care goes up, the number of providers goes down, and more restrictions go into effect. Before Roe was overturned, 1 in 10 people traveled for abortion care, now that number has doubled to 1 in 5 people. We know this can feel overwhelming, but this guide will break down each step including how to get financial, logistical and emotional support. You aren’t alone in this.

Our Advanced Search can filter abortion providers that go beyond 20 weeks:

Step 1:

Calculate how many weeks you are here. If you’re unsure, check out our blog How to Calculate How Many Weeks Pregnant You Are.

Step 2:

Make an appointment at the clinic. Use our search feature to find the nearest clinics based on how many weeks pregnant you are.

Step 3:

Ask the clinic to connect you to support for paying for the procedure and travel and or reach out to the organizations who can help (see below).

You need to book an appointment in order to receive support from abortion funds. You do not need to know how you’re going to pay for the procedure or how you’re going to get there when you book your appointment.

Step 4:

Prepare for your trip and review our travel checklist!

Who can help me get to or pay for my abortion appointment after 20 weeks?

The Brigid Alliance helps anyone who is 15 weeks pregnant or more with the travel costs, food, lodging, child care and/or other logistical parts of accessing abortion care (this is also known as “practical support”). First make an appointment with one of their partner clinics. Ask your clinic to make a referral to the Brigid Alliance on your behalf. One of their coordinators will contact you for a confidential conversation within 24-48 hours.

Additionally, there are two national organizations that may cover a portion of the procedure depending on which clinic your appointment is at:

Use our Advanced Search to filter by type of support needed. Check to see if there are organizations who can help in your home state as well as the state where your appointment is.

What are the reasons people get abortions past 20 weeks?

If you’d like to hear about other people’s experiences who had abortions past 20 weeks check out our stories.

People seek abortion later in pregnancy for the same initial reasons they do earlier in pregnancy. However, not everyone is able to get care as soon as they would like. Some people receive important new information later in their pregnancy, like the health of their pregnancy, a fetal indication, or most commonly, that they are pregnant. Later recognition of pregnancy is common, especially for young people and other marginalized groups.

Others experience delays due to circumstances like abortion bans, gestational limits and parental involvement laws. These laws frequently force people to travel hundreds of miles out of state for care. Planning a trip quickly while requesting off work or school, finding childcare and paying for travel and procedure costs can further delay access to abortion services. Further into pregnancy, the cost of abortion care goes up, the number of providers goes down, and more and more restrictions go into effect.

Most people will experience both: they find out new information later in their pregnancy and then are delayed due to barriers.

Whatever your circumstances, all abortion seekers deserve care and support, not judgment.

To learn more about how abortion bans can delay care and why people discover pregnancy later, check out Who Not When.