FAQs

If you’re taking the abortion pill, you’ll actually be taking two different medications at different times. You’ll take the first medication (mifepristone) at the health center and the second medication (misoprostol) 24 to 48 hours later at home (or somewhere else safe and comfortable). The health center you’re going to should give you specific instructions about what to bring and do to prepare for the appointment where you will take the first medication, but make sure you bring: 




• Your insurance card if you have insurance and want to use it. 

• A photo ID (you may not need this if you don’t plan to use insurance). 

• A form of payment the clinic accepts. 

• A list of all of the medications you take regularly, including vitamins and supplements. A list of any medical conditions you have. 

• Money for public transportation if that’s how you’ll be getting home. 


Before your appointment, make sure you: 




• Ask if there is anything you should avoid eating, drinking, or doing leading up to your appointment. Some providers may suggest you eat lightly beforehand since the first medication may cause nausea, diarrhea, or an upset stomach. 

• Ask which of your medications you should continue to take leading up to your appointment and which (if any) you shouldn’t take. 

• Don’t take any additional over-the-counter medications, like Tylenol or Advil, before your appointment, unless your health care provider tells you to. 

• Ask what over-the-counter pain medication you can take during your abortion if your provider doesn’t offer you prescription pain medication. 


To prepare for taking the second medication at home, you may want to gather the following supplies in advance: 




• A heating pad

• Comfortable clothes, including comfy underwear 

• Super absorbent maxi pads 

• A blanket in case you have chills 

• Ice chips and/or popsicles to suck on in case you have nausea or vomiting 

• Easily digestible food like plain crackers, white rice, bananas, broth, and plain white bread 

• Something to distract you, like movies, tv, magazines, coloring books, or video games 

• A friend or other support person to keep you company and help you with anything you need help with


If you’re having an abortion procedure, the abortion provider you’re going to should give you specific instructions about what to bring and what to do to prepare for your appointment, but in most cases:



• Prepare (and bring) a list of all of the medications that you take regularly, including vitamins and supplements, to your counseling appointment and your abortion procedure appointment. 

• Prepare (and bring) a list of any medical conditions you have. 

• Discuss which of your medications you should continue to take leading up to your abortion and which (if any) you shouldn’t take. 

• Don’t take any additional over-the-counter medications, like over-the-counter pain medication, before your appointment, unless your health care provider tells you to. Wear comfortable clothes to your appointment. 

• If you’ll be getting IV sedation for your abortion procedure, you will need to fast for several hours (your provider will tell you how long) before the procedure. That means no food at all, but clear liquids may be allowed. Talk to someone at the clinic about what you can and can’t eat and drink before your abortion. 

• Arrange for a support person to pick you up afterwards. If you’re having sedation with your procedure, you won’t be able to drive, take public transportation, or take a cab or other ride service by yourself afterwards and will be required to have someone pick you up.

If you’re having an abortion procedure, the abortion provider you’re going to should give you specific instructions about what to bring and do to prepare for your appointment, but make sure you bring:



• Your insurance card if you have insurance and want to use it. 

• A photo ID (you may not need this if you don’t plan to use insurance). 

• A form of payment the clinic accepts. 

• A list of all of the medications that you take regularly, including vitamins and supplements. 

• A list of any medical conditions you have. 

• An extra pair of comfortable underwear (think: granny panties) that you can use a maxi pad with. 

• Something to read or do (like knitting, a crossword puzzle, or coloring) while you wait.
• Comfy clothes to leave in. You can wear comfortable clothes to your appointment (we’d recommend something without a tight waistband) and then wear the same clothes home, or you can change into comfortable clothes after the procedure. 

• If your provider says you’re allowed to drink clear liquids leading up to your procedure, bring the clear liquid of your choice — this could include water, apple juice, tea without milk, or sports drinks. If you’re not sure if something counts as a clear liquid, ask someone at the health center. 

• Money for public transportation if that’s how you’ll be getting home. If you are choosing to have sedation during your procedure, you’ll need a support person to go with you on public transportation, ride with you in a cab or other ride service, or drive you home. 

• A support person, if you have one. This person may be able to wait for you in the waiting room, or they may need to wait outside due to COVID-19 restrictions. They can also just come pick you up after the procedure. This will be required if you have sedation during your procedure.

Avoid any substances that will alter your mental state, like alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs, on the day of your abortion. If you’ve used these substances, the health care provider may not be able to offer you pain medication or may not be able to perform your abortion at all. If you’re concerned about pain or you’re feeling anxious, many abortion providers offer pain medication and medication for anxiety. Talk to your provider in advance about what they can do for you.