Your guide to abortion options through different stages of pregnancy

Deciding to have an abortion is a deeply personal choice, and understanding your options can help you make the decision that’s right for you. The type of abortion you can have depends on several things, including how many weeks you’ve been pregnant (measured from the first day of your last period), your health history, available providers, and legal restrictions in your state. In some cases, you may need to travel to another state to receive care. 

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This guide will break down each type of abortion, when it’s available to you, and where you can access it, ensuring you have the information you need to make an informed and safe decision about your abortion.

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Medication abortion (abortion pills)

Medication abortion, often called the abortion pill, is a safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy without a procedure. It involves taking two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. The first pill, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone and stops the pregnancy from growing. The second medication, misoprostol, is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes the uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy from the body. This process typically takes a few hours, and people may experience pain and cramping, heavy bleeding, nausea, and other side effects as their body passes the pregnancy tissue. Medication abortion can often be done at home or another comfortable setting, making it a preferred option for those who want a more private experience or who cannot easily access a clinic. 

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When can you have a medication abortion? 

Medication abortion is FDA-approved up to 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy, though some providers may offer it up to 13 weeks. If you are between 9 and 13 weeks pregnant, your provider may have you take an additional dose of misoprostol to ensure the treatment is completed. 

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Where can you have a medication abortion?

Medication abortion is legal in many states, including the 20 states (plus DC) that Hey Jane operates in. The availability of medication abortion varies by state due to differing laws, however, and several states restrict abortion in different ways. This includes restrictions based on how many weeks the pregnancy is, the mailing of abortion pills, or abortion in virtually all cases. To learn more about abortion access in your state, check our guides on the cost and availability of abortion here.

Surgical (procedural) abortion 

Procedural abortions are medical procedures performed by health care professionals in clinical settings. While they are sometimes referred to as surgical abortions, there is no cutting that occurs as the tools are inserted through the vaginal opening and past the cervix to reach pregnancy tissue in the uterus. There are two primary types of procedural abortions: vacuum aspiration and dilation and evacuation (D&E).

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What is vacuum aspiration?

Vacuum aspiration involves the gentle suction of pregnancy tissue from the uterus using a specialized device. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia to reduce pain and is minimally invasive. Sensations like cramping and pressure are common, similar to period pain.

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When can you have vacuum aspiration?

Vacuum aspiration is commonly used during the first trimester, up to about 16 weeks of pregnancy (93% of abortions in the US occur at or before 13 weeks of pregnancy).

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Where can you have vacuum aspiration?

Vacuum aspiration is the most common type of abortion procedure, and is available in many states (particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy). The availability of vacuum aspiration procedures varies by state due to differing laws, however. States may restrict abortion by requiring waiting periods and mandatory counseling before the procedure, limiting access based on how many weeks the pregnancy is, or restricting abortion in virtually all cases. To learn more about abortion access in your state, check our guides on the cost and availability of abortion here.

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What is dilation and evacuation?

Dilation and evacuation, or D&E, is an abortion procedure that involves opening the cervix and removing pregnancy tissue with medical tools and suction. It is done by trained health care providers in a clinic or hospital.

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When can you have D&E?

D&E is the most common type of second-trimester abortion, usually done between 13 and 27 weeks of pregnancy. It is offered when there is more pregnancy tissue to remove from the uterus. 

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Where can you have D&E?

The availability of D&E procedures varies by state due to differing laws. Several states 

restrict abortion by requiring waiting periods and mandatory counseling before the procedure, restrictions based on how many weeks the pregnancy is, or abortion in virtually all cases. There are also states that have specifically restricted the D&E procedure in most cases. 

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In states where D&E is restricted, individuals may need to travel to nearby states where the procedure is legal or more accessible. To learn more about abortion access in your state, check our guides on the cost and availability of abortion here.

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Third trimester abortion

Abortions in the third trimester (also referred to as later or "late term" abortions) are rare and often involve complex medical situations. In fact, abortions at or after 21 weeks make up only 1% of all abortions in the US. Later abortions may be done because of health concerns for the pregnant person or fetus, a lack of access to abortion care earlier in pregnancy, or being unaware of the pregnancy until later on. Regardless of the circumstances, a person in need of a later abortion should be treated with care, compassion, and understanding from their loved ones and health care team.

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In many cases, these procedures are performed in specialized clinics or hospital settings equipped to handle complex medical situations. If you are considering a third-trimester abortion, Later Abortion Initiative is a trusted resource that can help you find experienced health care providers and understand your options and legal considerations in your state.

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Abortion access in the US varies widely due to state laws, gestational limits, and provider availability, making it essential to understand your options. Trusted providers like Hey Jane can help you determine the right option for your situation and connect you with resources if needed. No matter what choice you make, you deserve access to accurate information, compassionate care, and the ability to make the best decision for your body and future.