Want to learn more about a medication abortion, and how to get one here? You’re in the right place.

What is a medication abortion?

A medication abortion is the process of taking medications to end a pregnancy in the first trimester. The medication abortion uses two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol.

  • Mifepristone is the first medication, and blocks the hormone progesterone; pregnancies need progesterone to grow.

  • Misoprostol is the second medication. It causes your cervix to dilate (open), and causes your uterus to have contractions (cramping), which cause you to bleed and pass the pregnancy.

  • Often, other medications are prescribed or recommended to help you manage side effects of the above medications, including medicine for nausea/vomiting and pain.

These medications are typically taken 6-48 hours apart, with bleeding occurring after misoprostol. Most people have bleeding and cramping for a few hours, and pass the pregnancy in the 24 hours after taking misoprostol. The bleeding may seem heavier than a normal period with some blood clots; it is unlikely, but possible, that you will be able to identify the pregnancy.

We help you do this in the safety of your own home.

And how exactly does medication abortion work?

  • In the privacy of your own home, you will fill out an intake form that assesses your eligibility and risk for having a medication abortion.

  • A provider will review the intake form within one-two business days and decide if you’re eligible for medication right away, or if you need an ultrasound first (don’t worry, we would help you figure that out).

  • You will review the counseling information, consent forms, medications, and set a timeline with your provider.

  • You’ll take your medications and go through the process at home.

  • You will check in with your provider online approximately 72 hours after taking misoprostol to see how the process went.

  • 4 weeks later, you will take a pregnancy test and report the result to your provider online.

If at any point during the process we determine you are not eligible, we will help provide you with information about where and how to seek care.

What are the side effects with abortion pills?

Side effects generally come from the second medication, misoprostol and can include:

  • Cramping

  • Bleeding

  • Nausea/Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Headache

  • Fever

  • Dizziness

What are the risks of an abortion?

Risks are very rare but possible and can include:

  • Pregnancy doesn’t end, or medication only partially works

  • Bleeding too much or too long

  • Blood clots

  • Infection

  • Allergic reaction

  • Death (this is the rarest risk)

Are there benefits to an abortion with Choix? Yes!

  • Control of your reproductive future

  • No appointment necessary

  • Ability to do an abortion privately at home, on your time, without scheduling an appointment

  • No need to pay for transportation/parking/childcare

  • Less expensive than other abortion options, if you don’t have insurance or don’t want to use insurance

How effective is abortion care with Choix? >95% effective overall.

  • The earlier in pregnancy you are, the more effective it is.

  • This high overall effectiveness in pregnancies > 9 weeks gestation is achieved by providing 2 doses of misoprostol

Will an abortion affect my ability to have kids in the future?

Nope! Having an abortion, especially a medication abortion, has no impact on your future fertility (ability to get pregnant in the future). Many other factors impact fertility, but not having an abortion.

Is it safe to have an abortion at home?

Yes. Many major organizations that have set evidence-based guidelines for safe pregnancy-related care, agree that for most women, medication abortion at home without a clinic visit is really safe and helps enhance access to a needed service like abortion care. We strictly adhere to these medical guidelines on the Choix platform.

We will provide you with extensive information throughout the process about what to expect and when to seek in-person care (this is rare).

Will this be expensive? Can I use my insurance?

The cost for care with Choix is $289.

We do not currently accept insurance as this helps us keep the total cost as low as possible. There may be options for financial aid and/or reduced cost after your consultation – we work with abortion fund partners to provide financial assistance for Choix patients. No proof of need is required. Funding ranges from partial to full amount of care, depending on need and fund availability. We are committed to making abortion care accessible to all.

The cost of $289 includes the initial consultation fee of $20, medications for the abortion (mifeprisone and misoprostol) and to alleviate pain and nausea, all follow-up visits, and standard shipping.

Choix uses the secure online payment system Square to accept payments from all major debit and credit cards, HSA/FSA cards, and digital wallets. This includes Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB, and Diners Club. Unfortunately, Choix cannot accept checks, cash, or money orders at this time.

We also offer expedited shipping, pregnancy tests and heating pads. These are additional services that will increase the final cost.

If you are referred for an ultrasound or additional lab testing, you will be financially responsible for these outside services and may be able to apply your insurance towards the cost. Choix cannot make any guarantees about the cost or coverage.

How do I know if this is the right choice for me?

If you are pregnant you have 3 options:

Parenthood: Continue with the pregnancy, give birth to, and raise the child.

Abortion: In California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine & New Mexico, you have until around 24 weeks pregnancy to decide. Medication is routinely done up to 10 weeks; beyond 10 weeks you will have medical procedure in an office or surgical center. Medication is routinely done up to 10 weeks; beyond 10 weeks you will have medical procedure in an office or surgical center. In Virginia, if you’re 26 weeks, 6 days pregnant or less, it is legal for you to get an abortion.

Adoption: Continue with the pregnancy, give birth to the child, and give legal authority to another person or family to raise the child.

The All-Options Talkline (1-888-493-0092) offers judgement-free toll-free peer counseling and support to people anywhere in the United States and Canada. The talkline welcomes calls at any point during or after pregnancy, whether callers are looking for options counseling, support before or after an abortion, or a chance to talk about parenting, pregnancy loss, adoption, or infertility. They provide support and listening to people of all ages, gender identities, beliefs and backgrounds. Read more >

What do your patients think of Choix?

Glad you asked! Please head on over to our Abortion Care Stories page to see some of the feedback we have received.