What can you do to prepare for an abortion procedure (also called in-clinic abortion or surgical abortion)?

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 provider 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.

How long an abortion takes depends on what type of abortion it is. **If you’re having a medication abortion with two different medications (mifepristone and misoprostol)**, you’ll get the first medication at your provider’s office and the second one to use at home (or someplace else safe and comfortable) one or two days later. The first medication stops the pregnancy from continuing to develop, and the second medication starts the actual abortion process. Once you take the second medication, the abortion can take up to several hours to be completed. **If you’re having a medication abortion with just one medication (only misoprostol)**, you will probably take four pills three times, every three hours. So, for example, if you take the first dose of four pills at noon, you’d take the second dose of four pills at 3 pm and the third dose of four pills at 6 pm. You’ll be taking a total of twelve pills over the course of 6 hours. Your provider may also tell you to take a fourth dose. Different providers may give different instructions, so make sure to read any instructions that are given to you. It’s important to take all of the pills that your provider tells you to take to end the pregnancy. With a misoprostol-only medication abortion, bleeding should start within four hours after taking the first dose. It may be heavy. You may have very strong cramping and pass large blood clots. Some side effects of the medication may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, back pain, headache, dizziness, and feeling tired. You may also have a mild fever on the day you take the pills. **With the abortion procedure**, the actual abortion typically only takes five to ten minutes, though you should plan on being at your abortion provider’s office for a few hours.