Comparing the Different Ways to Get Abortion Pills in Restricted States
Posted January 10, 2025
People who live in a state that bans or severely restricts access to abortion have two ways to access abortion care:
- Get abortion pills by mail (through licensed telehealth clinics, community networks, or websites that sell pills)
- 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.
Online clinics
Description
US-licensed clinicians who mail pills to patients after a brief online form or phone/video visit
Cost
$0 to $150
Financial aid
Providers often give discounts if you ask
Gestational limits*
Most up to 13 weeks
Medical support
Provided by clinicians
How to order
Online form and email
Under 18
Depends on the provider. Several online clinics will mail to people under 18.
What is provided?
The FDA approved medications (mifepristone + misoprostol), extra misoprostol. Original product packaging.
Delivery time frame
1-5 days
Community networks
Description
Community volunteers that mail generic abortion pills and provide text-based accompaniment
Cost
$0
Financial aid
Free service
Gestational limits*
Up to 13 weeks and beyond
Medical support
Provided by volunteers
How to order
Online form, email, or messaging through Signal
Under 18
Yes
What is provided?
Generic pills manufactured overseas, extra misoprostol. May be repackaged in small, unmarked bags/packets.
Delivery time frame
5-10 days
Websites that sell pills
Description
E-commerce sites that mail pills
Cost
$30 and up
Financial aid
None
Gestational limits*
None listed
Medical support
Not provided
How to order
Online checkout
Under 18
Yes
What is provided?
Generic pills manufactured overseas. Original manufacturer’s blister packaging.
Delivery time frame
3-6 days
In-person care
Description
Travel to a clinic in another state
Cost
$600 on average
Financial aid
Assistance may be available through clinics, abortion funds and insurance.
Gestational limits*
Varies by state and clinic
Medical support
In person during the appointment. Follow up care may be limited if patient returns to a restricted state.
How to order
Schedule an appointment that may require in person testing and/or ultrasound.
Under 18
What is provided?
The FDA approved medications (mifepristone + misoprostol), extra misoprostol. Original product packaging.
Delivery time frame
Depends on scheduling, travel distance, and state waiting periods
*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
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