Learn about medication abortion (aka "abortion pills")

What are abortion pills?

Medication abortion (also called the abortion pill) is a safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy. It was approved by the FDA in 2000 and is now approved to end pregnancies up to 10 weeks. Today, 63% of abortions in the US are done with medications. The simple treatment involves taking two medicines over a couple days.

The first medicine you take is mifepristone, which blocks the pregnancy hormone (progesterone) and stops the pregnancy from growing. Then, 24-48 hours later you take a second medicine, called misoprostol. Misoprostol causes cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus. You can expect bleeding like a heavy period. Taken together, these two pills work up to 98 out of 100 times to end an early pregnancy. No sedation or general anesthesia needed, though Hey Jane providers ibuprofen or Tylenol in your shipment to help manage pain due to cramping.

After you take mifepristone (the first medication), you must complete the abortion. If treatment with medication does not work the first time, you may have the option to repeat the medicines or you will need an in-clinic procedural abortion. Hey Jane will be with you every step of the way to make sure you get the support and care you need.

How much does Hey Jane's medication abortion service cost?

The cost of treatment with Hey Jane will vary depending on what services your receive and how you pay. There are a few ways to pay for care: with insurance (including Illinois Medicaid) or self-pay.

Pay through insurance: If you use your insurance, our team will help you understand your expected coverage and costs. We currently select insurance plans and HSA/FSA funds, and are actively working on expanding our coverage.

Get sliding-scale pricing: If paying out-of-pocket, your treatment price is determined by your annual income. Sliding scale pricing is available for all Hey Jane services, and can be paid with debit or debit card, Cash App, and some HSA/FSA funds. Additional financial assistance is available for medication abortion patients from our abortion fund partners.

Occasionally for medication abortion care, a sonogram or lab work may be needed to ensure that treatment with Hey Jane is right for you or for diagnostic purposes following your treatment. While not available through Hey Jane, we'll walk you through obtaining care and provide transparency on your options every step of the way.

What are the side effects of abortion pills?

Here’s our guide on what to expect and how to prepare. Remember that each person’s experience is different and the symptoms can vary from person to person.

Pain & Cramping: Strong cramping is a normal part of the treatment and usually starts a few hours after taking the second medicine (misoprostol).

Here are some things that can help:

  • Take pain medicine, like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen as directed on the prescription in your Hey Jane shipment
  • Put a hot water bottle or heating pad on your belly
  • Take a shower
  • Sit on the toilet
  • Have someone rub your back
  • Drink warm tea or soup

You will cramp less and less as the hours and days go by.

Bleeding: Heavy bleeding and strong cramps start a bout 1-4 hours after taking the second medicine (misoprostol). Heavy bleeding means the treatment is working.

  • Bleeding can be very heavy (usually heavier than your period), sometimes with clots (up to the size of a lemon). Heavy bleeding is normal. If you completely soak through 2 maxi pads per hour for at least 2 hours in a row, you are bleeding too much and should seek care.
  • Heavy bleeding can last for a few hours (usually around 6 hours), but usually not more than 24 hours, then gets lighter.
  • Use maxi pads so you can tell how much you’re bleeding. You can use tampons when the heavy bleeding lets up.
  • If you see pregnancy tissue (usually white or gray in color), it can be flushed down the toilet. You may not see it. The pregnancy is very small.
  • It’s normal to have bleeding or spotting for a few days or weeks after treatment. It may start and stop a few times. It should get lighter and lighter.
  • Your period should come back in about 4-8 weeks, but this is different for each person

Other common symptoms:

  • Fever and chills: are common during the first 24 hours after taking the second medicine (misoprostol). Ibuprofen or Tylenol can help. This should go away within 24 hours.  
  • Headache: ibuprofen or Tylenol can help
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea: this should go away in 1 or 2 days after you take the pills.
  • Feeling tired: you may feel tired for 1 or 2 days. You should be back to normal soon.
  • Breast changes: tenderness should go away within a week. You may leak a milky discharge. Wear a snug-fitting bra if you do. This should stop in a couple days.

Sadness or mood changes: You may feel relieved when the abortion is over. You may also feel sad or moody, which is normal and can come from hormonal changes now that you’re no longer pregnant. If you think your emotions are not what they should be, please talk to us. There are also great support text and talklines on our Resources page.

Are abortion pills legal?

Yes, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved mifepristone (the first of two medicines used in a medication abortion) in 2000 to end pregnancies and it is now approved to end pregnancies up to 10 weeks. Since 2021 has allowed providers like Hey Jane to mail abortion pills to patients. Currently, Hey Jane is serving patients in states that permit telemedication abortion. To find out more about what is legal in your state and where to go if you are at a later stage in your pregnancy and want an abortion, visit ineedana.com, call the National Abortion Federation hotline, or visit If/When/How. The Guttmacher Institute also provides a state-by-state breakdown of current abortion laws. All links can be found on our Resources page, too.

How safe are abortion pills?

Medication abortion is about 4 times safer than aspirin and 14 times safer than continuing a pregnancy.

Complications are rare and most are not serious.

  • The most common complication is a continued pregnancy. If the pregnancy continues after taking the abortion pill, you may be able to take more medicine or you will need to have an abortion procedure.
  • Serious risks, such as heavy bleeding and infection, are very rare.  

One type of pregnancy that cannot be ended using pills is an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus) - ectopic pregnancies are very rare. Medication abortion does not end an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies can be life threatening, so it's important to follow up with a doctor if you still feel pregnant one week after taking the pills. Contact your doctor immediately if: you do not have bleeding within 24 hours after taking the medications, you continue to feel pregnant about 7 days after taking the medications, or you have worsening abdominal pain more than 24 hours after taking the medications.

How far into pregnancy can I use abortion pills?

There are different factors to consider, including the type of abortion you want (medication or procedural), what state you live in (and if it restricts abortion after a certain number of weeks), and how far along your pregnancy is.

Hey Jane treats patients up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, but there are in-person clinics where you can get abortion care beyond that point. Appointment availability can range from a few days to several weeks, so it’s important to try to have the abortion as soon as possible, if that’s what you choose.Be careful when looking for a reliable health center. There are fake clinics called ‘crisis pregnancy centers,’ managed by anti-abortion groups. At these facilities, they may not offer you all the facts about your pregnancy options. Visit our Resources page for more.

If you might continue your pregnancy, start taking a daily prenatal vitamin.

What is the difference between Plan B and abortion pills?

The abortion pills (mifepristone and misoprostol) are very effective to end a pregnancy, but they cannot be used to prevent a future pregnancy.

If you have unprotected sex or the condom breaks, you can use emergency contraception, also known as the morning-after pill or Plan B. This medication can help stop you from getting pregnant if taken within 3 to 5 days of unprotected sex depending on which type your take. You can get emergency contraception over-the-counter from the drugstore or a healthcare facility, or with a prescription if getting ella. Learn more about how to prevent pregnancy after sex.

It is important to know that you can become pregnant again almost immediately after using the abortion pills. For this reason, it is recommended to use condoms or another form of birth control if you don’t want to get pregnant.

  • You can get condoms, female condoms, sponges, and spermicide at your drugstore. Condoms are the only method that protect against sexually transmitted infections.
  • There are many different birth control options available - including pills, the patch, the vaginal ring, and many more. The implant and the IUD are great options, too. Here's a good resource to explore your birth control options.
  • If you're interested in starting birth control, discuss this with your Hey Jane provider - they will happily answer any questions and send a prescription for you.
  • You can also go to this link to connect with a provider near you.
  • You can start birth control on the date you and your provider decide, even if you're bleeding.
What is the difference between an in-clinic procedural abortion and abortion pills?

Depending on your preferences and needs, abortion care with Hey Jane may provide a private and convenient way to get care. In addition to the cost of treatment and logistics to actually be seen in-person, there are hidden costs such as childcare, transportation, and taking time from work that are usually not needed with telehealth abortion care. Some key differences include:

Hey Jane In-person clinics
Types of abortion Medication abortion (up to 11 weeks of pregnancy) Medication and procedural abortion (various stages of pregnancy)
Cost Typically less! Pricing is determined by your annual income, but using insurance or financial assistance can bring your cost as low as $0. $568 (US medication abortion average) $625-$776 (US procedural abortionaverage)
Speed Complete intake 24/7, on your schedule and consult with a provider in 1 business day. Treatment is then delivered in 1-5 business days after consultation. Abortion clinic appointments vary, but wait times can be anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks for care.
Distance No travel required*. Consultations and support are all provided via our secure phone app, Spruce, and treatment is delivered to your door or PO box. As of April 2023, the average person in the US is 86 miles from an abortion provider.
Privacy Connect with Hey Jane discreetly from your phone, get treatment delivered in unmarked packaging, and take treatment from the privacy of home. Clinics take privacy seriously, but some people find it uncomfortable to get care somewhere they may run into someone they know.
Support Hey Jane provides both medical and emotional support before, during, after treatment. Chat with us on our secure messaging app, call our 24/7 urgent medical line, or connect with other patients anonymously in our online patient forum. Support levels outside of the appointment vary, and may require calling during business hours or another in-person visit. There are also 24/7 support hotlines many clinics will share with other informational resources.

*In some cases, additional testing may be required. Learn more about that here.

Do abortion pills impact my ability to get pregnant in the future?

No—decades of research demonstrate that having an abortion does not make it harder to get pregnant later. There is no evidence that an abortion (or any number of abortions,forthan matter) impacts future fertility. Learn more about getting pregnant after an abortion here.

What are abortion pills and how do they work?

Medication abortion (also called the abortion pill) is a safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy. It was approved by the FDA in 2000 and is now approved to end pregnancies up to 10 weeks. Today, 63% of abortions in the US are done with medications. The simple treatment involves taking two medicines over a couple days.

The first medicine you take is mifepristone, which blocks the pregnancy hormone (progesterone) and stops the pregnancy from growing. Then, 24-48 hours later you take a second medicine, called misoprostol. Misoprostol causes cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus. You can expect bleeding like a heavy period. Taken together, these two pills work up to 98 out of 100 times to end an early pregnancy. No sedation or general anesthesia needed, though Hey Jane providers ibuprofen or Tylenol in your shipment to help manage pain due to cramping.

After you take mifepristone (the first medication), you must complete the abortion. If treatment with medication does not work the first time, you may have the option to repeat the medicines or you will need an in-clinic procedural abortion. Hey Jane will be with you every step of the way to make sure you get the support and care you need.

Patient Eligibility

What states does Hey Jane provide care in?

Hey Jane currently serves patients in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. You do not have to be a resident of these states in order to receive care.

Who is eligible for abortion treatment with Hey Jane?

In order to be approved for treatment with Hey Jane, you must meet our medical eligibility requirements—which you'll be asked about during the intake process. This allows us to safely provide you the medications virtually. If for some reason you don't meet our medical eligibility requirements, we may recommend that you go get an lab work like bloodwork or an ultrasound before treatment, or seek in-person care.

How does Hey Jane determine how many weeks pregnant I am? Why does it matter?

If you have regular periods, Hey Jane can typically calculate how far along your pregnancy is based on your last menstrual period (LMP). Counting from the first day of your last period, we can usually determine your estimated gestational age (EGA), which is how far along the pregnancy is in weeks and days. This method is very reliable for most people, and additional testing usually isn’t required to date a pregnancy unless you have a history of irregular periods and are not able to confidently date the pregnancy using other methods.

Hey Jane provides medication abortion care for patients up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, which is why accurately estimating the gestational age of the pregnancy is important. Beyond that, in-clinic care is likely a better fit.

I'm planning to travel for abortion treatment, is that okay?

We recommend staying put for the first 48 hours of the treatment to ensure you have easy access to the bathroom, a comfortable space, and the ability to easily contact us if any questions come up. Read our guide on traveling for an abortion for more tips, what to pack, and estimated costs.

What is Rh factor and why is it important?

Rhesus (Rh) factor is a protein some people have in their blood. If your blood has the protein, you are Rh positive. If your blood does not have the protein, you are Rh negative. About 85% of people are Rh positive. If you know your blood type, then you know if you are Rh negative or Rh positive. The + or - in your blood type tells you what your Rh type is. Your Rh type stays the same for your whole life.

If you have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy (like with an abortion, miscarriage, or during labor), fetal blood cells can enter your blood. If you are Rh negative, this can cause your body to develop Rh antibodies. These antibodies can cause serious problems in future pregnancies, which includes causing a severe anemia in the fetus.

Evidence shows that this risk is very low in pregnancies that are less than 10 weeks, even if you are Rh negative.

If you are Rh positive, you will not develop Rh antibodies.

Rhₒ(D) immune globulin (sometimes called RhoGAM) is a shot that can stop your body from producing Rh antibodies, so that you won’t have problems in future pregnancies. Some providers recommend this shot within 3 days of vaginal bleeding if you are Rh negative.

If you do not know your blood type, you can do a blood typing test at home or at a healthcare facility. If you choose to get further testing, please visit our Resources page to find a provider near you.

Your Hey Jane provider will discuss this further with you, too, in case you have any questions.  

What is an ectopic pregnancy and how do I know if I have one?

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that grows outside of the uterus, often in the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies are very rare -- they occur in approximately 1-2% of pregnancies. Risk factors for having an ectopic pregnancy include having one in the past, having an IUD in place when you became pregnant, and previous pelvic surgery or tubal ligation (having your tubes tied).

You can often make sure that your pregnancy is inside the uterus by having an ultrasound. If you have a medication abortion without having an ultrasound first, there is a larger but nevertheless small chance that you could have an undetected ectopic pregnancy. Medication abortion will not end an ectopic pregnancy, so if you do not pass tissue and blood after taking the misoprostol (the second medicine), you might have an ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancies can be a life-threatening situation if left untreated because if the pregnancy grows too large it can cause the fallopian tube to burst, which can cause severe bleeding. You should seek immediate medical care if you have worsening abdominal pain 24 hours after taking the medications, if you do not have bleeding within 24 hours after taking the medications, or if you continue to feel pregnant about 7 days after taking the medications.

Ectopic pregnancies are treated everywhere, even in places where abortion is restricted. Treatment for ectopic pregnancies depends on your particular situation and includes medications or surgery.

Who isn't medically eligible for medication abortion?

The most common reasons patients are not eligible for care are:  

  • Patients that have an estimated gestational age (EGA) greater than 77 days
  • Patients that are not physically located in a state we operate in for their consultation, to receive the pills, and to complete treatment
  • Patients that have bleeding disorders or an allergy to misoprostol
Does Hey Jane require labwork or an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy?

In most cases, no! Occasionally, a sonogram or lab work may be needed as part of your clinical treatment depending on what service you need. While certain diagnostic services will need to be obtained in-person from a brick-and-mortar provider, we'll provide transparency on your options every step of the way.

What is income-based sliding scale pricing, and how do I qualify?

Sliding scale pricing is available for all Hey Jane services, and determines your price based on your personal and financial circumstances.  At this time, we accept payment via:

Need additional help paying for treatment? We offer financial assistance via our abortion fund partners—learn more here.

Treatment

How do I know if the abortion pills worked?

You should have cramping and bleeding after taking the second medicine (misoprostol), usually as heavy or heavier than your period.  

Your pregnancy symptoms (nausea, breast soreness) should start to go away and disappear within about 1 week after using the pills. This is a good sign that you are no longer pregnant.

A pregnancy test will stay positive for about 4 weeks after the treatment (even if you are no longer pregnant), so it’s important not to take one sooner. 

In the rare event that the treatment does not work, the abortion must be completed, since misoprostol has a small risk of birth defects. Additionally, if you have not passed the pregnancy after taking the medications, you may need to be evaluated at a healthcare facility to make sure you do not have an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus).

If the medications don't work, you may be able to take another round of medicines or you will need to get an in-clinic procedural abortion. At Hey Jane we will be with you every step of the way to make sure you get the care you need. To find abortion clinics near you, go to ineedana.com or visit our Resources page. 

How long will it take for my medications to arrive?

We know it’s important to get your treatment fast. Here’s what you can expect. 

In order for us to confirm your request and add it to our queue, we need to…

  • Verify you’ve downloaded Spruce. This is the app you use to communicate with your provider. Here’s how to download. You will get access to Spruce as a Hey Jane patient.
  • Collect all required medical information. Most information is collected during your intake but a team member may reach out for more info after you’ve paid. Please keep an eye on Spruce and respond quickly to avoid delays. 

Once we’ve confirmed your request, a provider will review your information within 1 business day (weekends and holidays excluded). If you’re approved for treatment, your prescription will be ordered for mail delivery.

Your treatment will be mailed directly to your address via the shipping option you've selected. For Standard Shipping, we use Fedex Priority which should arrive in 3-5 business days. For Next Day Shipping, we use FedEx Express which should arrive in 1-2 business days.

For patients with PO box shipping addresses, our pharmacy partner will mail using USPS options.

Business days are M-F. Saturday and Sunday are not business days. In other words, medications are not prescribed and packages are not shipped on Saturday or Sunday. Occasionally, further delays may come into play.

Do I take abortion pills orally or vaginally?

Mifepristone, the first medication of a medication abortion, is swallowed orally.

Misoprostol, the second medication, is absorbed for 30 minutes and can be taken one of three ways: vaginally, buccally (between your cheeks and gums) or sublingually (under the tongue). All methods work equally well, but taking misoprostol vaginally causes the least nausea and taking it sublingually (under the tongue) causes the most nausea.

Ways to take misoprostol Instructions
Vaginally First, go to the bathroom to empty your bladder and wash your hands. Either in a squatting position or lying on your back or side, use your finger to push 4 misoprostol pills, one by one, deep into your vagina at least one finger’s distance inside. After the pills are inserted, lie down and wait for 30 minutes. Do not use lube if inserting the pills vaginally. Instead, you can moisten the pills with a little water prior to inserting to make vaginal administration easier. After 30 minutes, the medicine is absorbed. If the pills fall out after 30 minutes, it is ok and the pills can be thrown away.
Buccally (between your cheeks and gums) Put 2 misoprostol pills on one side of your mouth between your cheek and gums (think the place where you used to hide chewing gum), and the other 2 misoprostol pills on the other side of your mouth. Wait 30 minutes for the pills to dissolve, then swallow what is left of the pills. It is okay to swallow your saliva as the pills dissolve.
Sublingually (under your tongue) Put 4 misoprostol pills under your tongue and hold them there with your mouth closed so the pills stay in place. Wait 30 minutes for the pills to dissolve, then swallow what is left of the pills. It is ok to swallow your saliva as the pills dissolve.
Chart with illustrations showing the three ways to take the abortion pill misoprostol: vaginally, buccally, and sublingually.
Where can I take the abortion medications?

Wherever you’re comfortable, like: your house, a loved one’s house, etc.

Your treatment should take place within California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, or Washington. If you are not in those states, the organization Plan C has information on obtaining abortion pills.

How should I prepare for an abortion with pills?

Here are some tips to help you get ready before you take the pills.

Pick up a few items from your local pharmacy or online store:

  • Menstrual pads (not tampons)
  • Heating pad  

Choose a time when you will take each medicine.

  • The cramping and bleeding usually start a few hours after you take the second medicine (misoprostol), so choose a time when you’ve had a good meal, plenty of rest, and can be in a comfortable, private place (like your home) where you can rest.

Drink plenty of water during the treatment process

  • Eating lightly (i.e. crackers or toast) may also help with nausea

Review treatment instructions and what to expect

  • Heavy bleeding, cramping, nausea, fever or chills are common side effects in the first 24 hours after taking the second medicine (misoprostol). Emergencies from this treatment are rare, and most symptoms can be treated from home with pain medicine and rest.  

Make a safety plan in case you need emergency medical help. It’s very unlikely, but it’s important to be ready.

  • Identify the closest emergency room. You should be able to get there in 1 hour or less.  
  • Determine how you would get to the emergency room. It’s not safe to drive yourself in an emergency situation.
What should I expect after I take the abortion pills?

Here’s our guide on what to expect and how to prepare. Remember that each person’s experience is different and the symptoms can vary from person to person.

Pain & Cramping: Strong cramping is a normal part of the treatment and usually starts a few hours after taking the second medicine (misoprostol).

Here are some things that can help:

  • Take pain medicine, like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen as directed on the prescription in your Hey Jane shipment
  • Put a hot water bottle or heating pad on your belly
  • Take a shower
  • Sit on the toilet
  • Have someone rub your back
  • Drink warm tea or soup

You will cramp less and less as the hours and days go by.

Bleeding: Heavy bleeding and strong cramps start a bout 1-4 hours after taking the second medicine (misoprostol). Heavy bleeding means the treatment is working.

  • Bleeding can be very heavy (usually heavier than your period), sometimes with clots (up to the size of a lemon). Heavy bleeding is normal. If you completely soak through 2 maxi pads per hour for at least 2 hours in a row, you are bleeding too much and should seek care.
  • Heavy bleeding can last for a few hours (usually around 6 hours), but usually not more than 24 hours, then gets lighter.
  • Use maxi pads so you can tell how much you’re bleeding. You can use tampons when the heavy bleeding lets up.
  • If you see pregnancy tissue (usually white or gray in color), it can be flushed down the toilet. You may not see it. The pregnancy is very small.
  • It’s normal to have bleeding or spotting for a few days or weeks after treatment. It may start and stop a few times. It should get lighter and lighter.
  • Your period should come back in about 4-8 weeks, but this is different for each person

Other common symptoms:

  • Fever and chills: are common during the first 24 hours after taking the second medicine (misoprostol). Ibuprofen or Tylenol can help. This should go away within 24 hours.  
  • Headache: ibuprofen or Tylenol can help
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea: this should go away in 1 or 2 days after you take the pills.
  • Feeling tired: you may feel tired for 1 or 2 days. You should be back to normal soon.
  • Breast changes: tenderness should go away within a week. You may leak a milky discharge. Wear a snug-fitting bra if you do. This should stop in a couple days.

Sadness or mood changes: You may feel relieved when the abortion is over. You may also feel sad or moody, which is normal and can come from hormonal changes now that you’re no longer pregnant. If you think your emotions are not what they should be, please talk to us. There are also great support text and talklines on our Resources page.

What symptoms require immediate medical attention?

Throughout your treatment, we’re here to support you.

If you don’t find the answer to your question in this guide, you can always send a Hey Jane provider a message, and you should get a response within 24 hours.

Check out our Resources page for many support options, including talk/text lines and websites for things like emotional support during/after an abortion and much more.

Serious complications from this treatment are rare, and most side effects can be managed from home. For urgent concerns, you can call our urgent phone line 24/7. If you experience any complications that are indicative of a medical emergency, you should go to your nearest emergency department.

Emergencies: When to urgently contact a provider

Symptom What to do
If you have any of the following at any time: - You soak more than 2 maxi pads an hour for more than 2 hours in a row Go to the emergency department immediately
- Belly pain or cramps that don’t get better with pain medicine or a heating pad - Dizziness or vomiting lasting more than 4 hours - Weakness, nausea, or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours Call our urgent line
If you have any of these at least 24 hours after taking the misoprostol pills in Step 2: - Cramping or bleeding is not getting better - You have a fever of 101 F or higher (fever is common during the first 24 hours) - always check your temperature with a thermometer Go to the emergency department immediately
- You have not had bleeding as heavy as a period - Your belly pain is getting worse - You start to feel very ill after the heavy cramping and bleeding is over Call our urgent line
One week after taking the pills, if you have any of the following: - You do not feel that you passed the pregnancy - Your pregnancy symptoms (such as nausea and breast tenderness/soreness) are not getting better - Cramping or bleeding is not getting better - You have a fever of 101 F or higher (fever is common during the first 24 hours) - Your belly pain is getting worse Call our urgent line
What comes in Hey Jane's medication abortion kit?

Your shipment comes in a discreet, unmarked envelope to maintain your privacy and includes:

  • Abortion pills (mifepristone and misoprostol)
  • Anti-nausea medicine (ondansetron),
  • Pain medicine (ibuprofen or Tylenol)
  • Illustrated treatment guide with detailed instructions
What will the packaging for the treatment look like?

Treatment from Hey Jane arrives in a plain white envelope to protect your privacy. There is no Hey Jane branding on the outside of the envelope or in the return address to ensure it isn’t obvious who the sender is.

Example of Hey Jane's discreet packaging—a plain white envelope to protect the patients privacy when receiving medications for abortion care, emergency contraception, and other services.

After care

When can I go back to my regular activities?

It is safe to go back to your regular activities (like school, work, or driving) as soon as you feel up to it.

  • You can eat normally before, during, and after the treatment.
  • You can have sex and/or use tampons whenever you are ready.
  • You can take a shower or bath as soon as you want to.

You should start to feel better each day after treatment. Please let us know if you don’t feel better.

When can I start birth control after an abortion?

It is important to know that you can become pregnant again almost immediately after taking abortion pills. For this reason, it is recommended to use condoms or another form of birth control if you don’t want to get pregnant. Hey Jane offers birth control consultations and emergency contraception for future use. Message your provider on the Spruce app to learn more.

  • You can get condoms, internal condoms, sponges, and spermicide at your drugstore. Condoms are the only method that protect against sexually transmitted infections.
  • If you have unprotected sex or the condom breaks, you can use emergency contraception (EC), also known as the morning-after pill. EC can help stop you from getting pregnant if you take it within 3-5 days of unprotected sex depending on what method you use. You can get EC from the drugstore or from a healthcare facility.
  • There are many different birth control options available - including pills, the patch, the vaginal ring, and many more. The implant and the IUD are great options, too. Here's a good resource to explore your birth control options.
  • If you're interested in starting birth control, discuss this with your Hey Jane provider - they will happily answer any questions and send a prescription for you.
  • You can also go to this link to connect with a provider near you.
  • You can start birth control on the date you choose in consultation with your provider, even if you're bleeding.
When can I have sex after an abortion?

You can have sex whenever you feel ready. Read more about having sex after an abortion here.

Support

How can I contact Hey Jane?

Are you a Hey Jane patient?

Message us directly on the Spruce app.

If you are not a Hey Jane patient:

Email us: info@heyjane.co

Text us: (405) 643-7957

Press inquiries: press@heyjane.co

Interested in joining our team? See our open roles or email hiring@heyjane.co

Who can I talk to for support after I've had an abortion?

Once you are no longer pregnant, you may feel relieved. You may also feel sad or moody, which is normal. These feelings may come from hormonal changes now that you are no longer pregnant. Our team is here to support you. If you think your emotions are not what they should be, please reach out to your Hey Jane provider.

You can also get support through Exhale’s free, national textline provides emotional support, resources and information. All texts are completely confidential and counselors offer support without judgment. If you’d prefer to call, Connect & Breathe’s confidential, toll-free talkline is available at 866-647-1764. Their talkline is staffed by trained volunteers, offering secular, unbiased information.

Visit our Resources page for more support options, and a list of support talk and text lines.

What is a CPC (Crisis Pregnancy Center) and why should I avoid them?

A CPC or Crisis Pregnancy Center is a fake clinic. While they may offer free services like ultrasounds or parenting classes, their mission is to stop you from getting abortion care. CPCs are not regulated like regular medical clinics, and though they may appear clinical, they’re not real health care facilities. CPCs often tell people inaccurate information about abortion, contraception, STDs, and sexual health in general. Because they’re not a medical clinic, they’re not required to give accurate medical information or services. They sometimes prevent or delay people from receiving medical care by withholding their medical records. At Hey Jane, we discourage our patients from using the services CPCs provide.

When looking for a place to have an ultrasound performed, confirm your pregnancy, or find your real pregnancy options, know that a trustworthy medical clinic will answer all of your questions related to your pregnancy and won’t hesitate to help you find an abortion provider.


Here are two trusted sites to guide you to legitimate abortion providers:

At Hey Jane, we are a fully accredited and regulated abortion provider and are happy to help keep you informed and comfortable, so that you can make the best choice for you.

How do I spot a CPC (Crisis Pregnancy Center)?

CPCs are often made to look like medical facilities and use tactics like free ultrasounds or diapers to lure people in. They might have volunteer nurses or doctors, but many do not. They generally do not practice medicine (outside of an occasional ultrasound or STI test), and they do not provide true information or use standard medical ethics. They may offer "abortion reversal" (which is not safe), falsely imply abortion causes infertility or breast cancer or even long term mental trauma, myths that have been proven fals through years of scientific research.. Look for the words ``pregnancy options'', “pregnancy resource center”, “pregnancy care center”, “pregnant and scared?”, or “need help?” in internet search results, advertisements, and signage. Call before you walk in, ask what services they provide and ensure they are open discussing all of your options. If at any point they won’t explain who they are or what services they offer, or if they refuse to refer you to an abortion provider, they might be a CPC.

Here are two sites to help you identify CPCs in your area:

What are my pregnancy options and how do I decide what to do?

For a full overview of your options (including pregnancy, different types of abortion, and adoption), please check out our Options Counseling page.

For more support in making a decision, you can call or text the All Options Talkline.

How do abortion funds work?

While each abortion fund operates a bit differently, the process typically starts with filling out a quick form online or calling the fund to request assistance. In addition to treatment costs, you can inquire about support with local transportation, long-distance travel, lodging, meals, and even childcare if needed to support you during an abortion.

After they gather details about your situation, they'll let you know whether you are eligible for funding and how much they will cover. This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days depending on what hours the fund is open and reviewing requests, and how many requests they receive each day. If eligible for funding, the abortion fund will provide a code that you can use at checkout with Hey Jane.

Does Hey Jane offer discounts or coupon codes?

We offer sliding-scale pricing based on income for all our services. At this time, we do not offer additional coupon codes. If you need help paying for your abortion, you can request financial assistance from one of our abortion fund partners. If eligible, they will provide a discount code that you can use at checkout.

Another way to reduce the cost of treatment is by using insurance or Illinois Medicaid, which can bring your cost as low as $0 for all of our services. See if your plan is accepted here.

When you need answers, our team is just a few clicks away

“Our team is here for you via chat, phone, and video call, plus a 24/7 urgent medical phone line. Whether you have questions about the process or need some encouragement, we’re here to help!"

Alyssa Wagner

Medical Director at Hey Jane

DNP, RN, APRN, WHNP-BC