FAQs
What is a Crisis Pregnancy Center (CPC)?
A Crisis Pregnancy Center (CPC) is a clinic that looks like a real health center or mobile health van. They advertise providing services like pregnancy counseling, free pregnancy tests, and STD testing.
But the real aim of CPCs is to dissuade people from accessing reproductive healthcare, including abortion and contraception. They are typically run by anti-abortion activists and use shame and lies to pressure people out of receiving care. You can use The Fake Clinic Database and this map to see which clinics in your area are CPCs.[1]
I'm still deciding if abortion is right for me - what resources are available to help?
Deciding whether abortion is the best option for you can feel daunting and isolating. While only you can know what is best for you, there are many resources that provide information and support so that you can make an informed choice.
If you decide that abortion is the best option for you, there are organizations that provide mental and emotional support afterwards. Although research shows that abortion does not do long-term harm to the health or mental well-being of women, it is normal to have complex emotions during this time.
All Optionsopen_in_new
A free talk line that provides a confidential space to talk through decisions regarding pregnancy. This resource is available at any point during a pregnancy.
Planned Parenthoodopen_in_new
The Planned Parenthood site has a list of questions you can ask yourself to determine if abortion is right for you. They also have trained, nonjudgemental professionals who can talk through your options and help you make the best decision for you.
National Abortion Hotlineopen_in_new
The largest national, toll-free, multi-lingual hotline for information regarding abortion in the U.S. and Canada. They provide confidential consultations and limited financial assistance to help people afford the cost of care and travel-related expenses.
Abortions Welcomeopen_in_new
A group of faith leaders committed to supporting people making decisions regarding pregnancy. They have interactive resources and a clergy counseling line where you can talk to compassionate clergy about any spiritual concerns and questions.
Is abortion legal?
It depends where you’re trying to receive care. Abortion is still legal in many states and countries, but there are some states and countries that have abortion bans or restrictions in place.
If you’re stationed in the United States, learn about the current laws in your state using interactive maps at the Guttmacher Institute or Center for Reproductive Rights.
It’s legal to travel out of state to receive an abortion. More information about where abortion is legal and how you can receive care in the United States is available at AbortionFinder.org and IneedanA.com.
If you’re stationed outside the United States, visit the Guttmacher Institute (or Center for Reproductive Rights (scroll all the way down) to learn about the abortion laws in the country where you’re located. It’s legal to travel to receive an abortion. More information about where you can receive a legal abortion overseas is available under International Options.
Is abortion safe?
Abortion is very safe and common. You are almost 14 times more likely to die in childbirth than from having an abortion.
In-clinic abortions have lower risks of complications than common medical procedures like wisdom teeth removal or cancer-screening colonoscopies. Uncomplicated abortions do not affect your fertility. The pills used in medication abortions are safer than common medications like Tylenol or Penicillin. Serious problems after an abortion are very rare, but all medical procedures have risks. Read more about the risks of in-clinic abortion and the risks of medication abortion.
Further reading:
Effectiveness and safety of telehealth medication abortion in the USA. Upadhyay UD, Koenig LR, Meckstroth K, Ko J, Valladares ES, Biggs MA. Nat Med. 2024 Apr;30(4):1191-1198. doi: 10.1038/s41591-024-02834-w. Epub 2024 Feb 15. PMID: 38361123; PMCID: PMC11031403.
What are the different kinds of abortion?
Medication abortion
You take medicine(s) that end the pregnancy and cause the pregnancy tissue to come out of the uterus through the vagina. Medication abortion is like an early miscarriage and causes cramping and bleeding. Medication abortions can be done using Mifepristone and Misoprostol (two separate medications). Or just Misoprostol (one medication).
In-clinic abortion
A medical provider uses gentle suction and medical instruments to remove the pregnancy out of the uterus and through the vagina. The procedure typically takes about 10 minutes, but you will spend a few hours receiving care before and after the procedure. Abortions occurring later in pregnancy may take longer or require multiple visits.
Learn more about different kinds of abortion methods.
How much does an abortion cost?
Medication abortion can cost as little as $5 and up to $800.
An in-clinic abortion can cost up to $800 in the first trimester and $800 – $2,000 in the second trimester.
Abortion funds are available to help people receive care in the U.S. The National Network of Abortion Funds can help connect you with financial assistance organizations.
Learn more about financial assistance resources for medical and travel costs.