What does it mean when a state has a “waiting period” or requires a “delay”?

The further along in pregnancy you are when you get an abortion, the more complicated and more expensive it can be and the harder it can be to find an abortion provider. How far along you are can also affect what type(s) of abortion are available to you, since the abortion pill (medication abortion) is only available through around 14 weeks of pregnancy (and with many providers, it isn’t even available through around 14 weeks of pregnancy). Also some states don’t allow abortion past a certain point in pregnancy. It’s important to take the time you need to make a decision about whether you want to get an abortion. Just keep in mind that the sooner you seek abortion services, the less expensive and easier it will be, and the more options you might have.

There are two main ways abortion can be done: the [abortion pill (also called medication abortion)](/abortion-types/pill) and an [abortion procedure (also called in-clinic abortion)](/abortion-types/procedure). Everyone is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what type of abortion is better. Both types of abortion have a very low risk of serious complications. Which one is right for you will depend on a lot of factors, including what’s available closest to your location and how far along in pregnancy you are, since the abortion pill is generally only available earlier in pregnancy (and each provider has its own rules about how far into pregnancy they offer it–some may offer it through around 14 weeks of pregnancy and some may stop offering it much earlier in pregnancy). For some people, being able to have their abortion at home at a time that works for them is the most important thing. For some, an abortion with the abortion pill feels more like a “natural” process because it’s similar to an early miscarriage. For those who want it to be over as quickly as possible, it’s important to know that the abortion may take several hours when you take the abortion pill, but it usually takes just 5 to 10 minutes when you have an abortion procedure. Others may want to get an abortion procedure because they’re able to get IV sedation that makes them very relaxed or puts them to sleep so that they don’t have to experience the abortion itself. And still others choose an abortion procedure because it is more likely to be effective than the abortion pill, especially the later in pregnancy you are. For more help deciding what type of abortion makes the most sense for you, check our [list of pros and cons for each abortion type](/abortion-types/pill-vs-procedure-how-to-decide).

Some states have laws that allow you to do your counseling appointment via telehealth, and then do your ultrasound and abortion at the same appointment, if you have to travel a long distance to get an abortion. These laws prevent you from having to travel a long distance twice or having to stay far from home during the waiting period. If you’re going to have to travel a long way for your abortion, ask if virtual counseling is an option when you call to make your appointment. Other states may allow you to get abortion pills online through telehealth, which means you don’t have to meet with a provider in person to have an abortion.