It’s ok to not be sure right now. For some people, deciding whether or not to have an abortion can be complicated. Maybe you need more time to think, have questions about your options, or just want to talk things through with someone. Whatever your reason, it’s ok. And it’s ok to take more time to think about it.

Talking to a friend, family member, or partner can be helpful if you feel comfortable doing that. But sometimes it's easier to talk to someone you don't know... especially someone who won't judge you, won't push you toward a decision, and can give you accurate information and resources for all of your pregnancy options.

Who can I talk to if I'm unsure about abortion?

There are free, confidential resources where you can talk through your feelings and questions without being pressured to make a particular decision.

• All-Options Talkline offers free peer counseling to anyone in the US or Canada. You can talk about abortion, adoption, parenting, infertility, pregnancy loss, or complicated feelings about a decision you've already made. Call 888-493-0092.
  
  
• Faith Aloud offers religious and spiritual support for people navigating abortion or other pregnancy experiences. You can talk with trained clergy and chaplains from different faith backgrounds without judgment. Call 888-717-5010.

How can I explore my pregnancy options on my own?

Whether you're still figuring things out or you've already talked to someone, there are resources that can help you explore your options at your own pace.

The free Pregnancy Options Workbook from Cedar River Clinics includes questions and exercises to help you explore your feelings, figure out what's important to you, and decide what feels right for you.

You can also check out r/abortion, an online community where people ask questions, share experiences, and support each other. You can read through other people's posts without sharing anything yourself, or make a post if you'd like advice or support.

Have more questions about abortion?

Maybe you're wondering what an abortion actually involves, how abortion pills work, or how much an abortion costs. You don't have to make a decision to start learning about your options!

Check out our Content Library for accurate, up-to-date information about abortion, including what to expect, costs, privacy, and more.

You don't have to figure everything out at once. Whatever you decide, you deserve accurate information and support without judgment. 💜

It depends on what state you live in. Different states have different policies about covering abortions for people on Medicaid.

Does Medicaid cover abortion in my state?

These states currently use state funds to provide broader abortion coverage for people covered through Medicaid:

West:

California, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington

Midwest

Illinois, Minnesota

Northeast

Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Vermont

*As of July 2026 Pennsylvania allows for Medicaid to be used for abortion services. However, DHS is not yet set up to reimburse providers, but this should happen by December 2026.

Before your appointment, it’s always good to double check and ask the clinic if they accept your specific Medicaid plan and whether your abortion will be covered.

Find clinics that accept Medicaid.

What if I travel to another state for an abortion?

If you travel to another state for an abortion, your Medicaid generally won't cover it. There are some exceptions for out-of-state medical care, but simply traveling to a state where Medicaid covers abortion does not mean you can use that state's coverage.

For example, if you Oklahoma Medicaid but are traveling to Illinois for an abortion, you will not be able to use your Medicaid insurance in Illinois (even though Illinois Medicaid covers abortion care).

Can Medicaid pay for abortion pills through telehealth?

Sometimes. If your state's Medicaid covers abortion, it may also cover abortion pills through telehealth—but not every telehealth provider accepts Medicaid.

You need to be in the state where you have Medicaid and use a provider that accepts your state's Medicaid plan.

For example, if you have California Medi-Cal and you're in California, you can use Medi-Cal with a telehealth abortion provider that accepts it. But if you have Texas Medicaid and order abortion pills from an out-of-state provider or even while physically in California, Texas Medicaid will not pay for them.

Why doesn't Medicaid cover abortion everywhere?

A federal policy called the Hyde Amendment limits when federal Medicaid money can be used to pay for abortion.

Under Hyde, federal funds can only pay for an abortion when:

• the pregnancy is the result of rape
• the pregnancy is the result of incest
• continuing the pregnancy would endanger the pregnant person's life

But, it still may be difficult to find a doctor in states where abortion is banned that will perform one, even when an exception applies.

Because Medicaid is paid for by both the federal government and individual states, states can use their own state funds to cover abortion no matter the circumstances.

In other words, this means Medicaid coverage for abortion can look very different depending on where you live.

Insurance coverage is confusing and complicated when it comes to abortion care, but you can search all of your options at ineedana.com where you can find providers and filter by which ones accept Medicaid. And there are always abortion funds who can help cover the cost!

Sometimes. It really depends the type of insurance you have, your specific plan, the state your insurance is from, and whether the clinic accepts your insurance.

The good news is that even if your insurance doesn't cover abortion, you still have options. Many people are able to “pay what they can” from providers or get financial help from abortion funds, clinics, and practical support organizations.

Let’s get into it…

Does private insurance cover abortion?

Maybe.

Many private insurance plans cover abortion, but not all do. If your plan covers abortion, you'll also need to make sure the clinic accepts your insurance and is in network. Otherwise, you could end up paying more—or even the full cost yourself.

If you need to travel to another state for an abortion, your private insurance may still cover your care, even if abortion is restricted in your home state. It depends on your specific plan and whether the out-of-state clinic accepts your insurance.

The easiest way to find out what's covered is to call your insurance company or ask the clinic to verify your insurance benefits.

Does Medicaid cover abortion?

It depends on the state your Medicaid plan comes from.

Some states (like California, Illinois and New York) use their own funding to cover abortion for people enrolled in Medicaid. In those states and others, your abortion may be free or cost very little. When you search for abortion options on I Need An A, we’ll show you which clinics accept Medicaid in your state.

Other states only cover abortion in very limited situations because of the Hyde Amendment, a federal law that restricts how federal Medicaid funds can be used for abortion care.

For example, if you have Texas Medicaid and travel to Illinois for an abortion, Texas Medicaid won't cover your care.

Not sure what your state's Medicaid covers? Check out the National Health Law Program's Medicaid abortion coverage map.

Even if your Medicaid covers abortion, you'll still need to find a clinic or telehealth provider that accepts it. We've verified which clinics accept Medicaid and regularly update the list below.

Does federal health insurance cover abortion?

Unfortunately, if you have health insurance through the federal government abortion will not be covered. This includes federal employees and their dependents, military members and their families covered by TRICARE, Peace Corps volunteers, people receiving care through the Indian Health Service, and people in federal prisons and detention centers including those detained for immigration purposes.

But, if your insurance doesn't cover abortion, you can still get care. You may need to pay out of pocket (sometimes called self-pay), but financial assistance is available through abortion funds and many clinics can help connect you with those resources.

What if my insurance doesn't cover abortion?

You still have options!

Many clinics work with abortion funds and practical support organizations that can help pay for your abortion or other costs like travel, lodging, meals, and childcare.

Some clinics and telehealth providers also offer their own financial assistance or “pay-what-you-can”.

There are also pills by mail which are available in all 50 states and U.S. territories and usually cost between $0 - $300 which is typically less than an in-clinic abortion.

If you aren't sure where to start, go to ineedana.com to find clinics, abortion pills online, financial assistance, and trusted organizations near you. You can also use our cost calculator to estimate what your abortion might cost and explore your options.

Getting abortion care while living on or near a military base can be complicated. Military policies, logistics, and privacy concerns can all affect your options. This guide from I Need an A, the National Women's Law Center, and the Repro Legal Helpline will help you understand your options and find the care that's right for you.

What’s inside (jump to a section)
Where to get an abortion | MTF | Pills by mail | Traveling for an abortion | Taking Leave | Costs + Insurance | Follow Up Care | Privacy | Support Resources

Where can I get an abortion?

It depends on where you are stationed and what the abortion laws are in that state. More than 100 U.S. military installations are located in states where abortion is banned, with additional bases in states that severely restrict abortion access.

Being stationed in one of these states doesn't mean you're out of options. Depending on how many weeks pregnant you are, where you live, and your preferences, you may be able to:

• go to a nearby clinic
• receive abortion pills by mail
• or travel to another state for care

The easiest way to see what's available where you are is to go to ineedana.com and search up-to-date information about your state's laws, nearby clinics, abortion pills by mail, and support organizations.

And if you’re unsure of what the best option is for you based on your situation, call the Repro Legal Helpline.

Can I get an abortion at a Military Treatment Facility?

Usually, no.

Federal law prohibits Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) from providing abortion care except when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or to save the pregnant person’s life. The same federal law prohibits TRICARE, the military health insurance program, from covering abortion except in these same circumstances. This law applies no matter the abortion laws in the state where you are stationed.

If you qualify under one of the exceptions, you should be able to receive abortion care at a MTF. If your pregnancy resulted from sexual assault, you do not have to report the assault to law enforcement or your command in order to receive care. However, receiving care through the military doesn't always mean your information will stay between you and your provider. In some circumstances, military providers can share health information with your command without your permission.

Can I get abortion pills by mail?

Yes! Many people all over the country (including in states that restrict a doctor from providing abortions) are ordering and receiving abortion pills in the mail. It is not a crime to end your own pregnancy in any state, except in Nevada after 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Some people get pills through a telehealth appointment with a clinician if it's available where they live, while others use a shield provider to access care across state lines. Some choose to order pills in advance so they have them if they're ever needed.

Search all of your pills by mail options at ineedana.com or plancpills.org.

And if you'd like to learn more you can compare the different ways to get abortion pills.

If I decide to travel to a clinic, what should I keep in mind?

If you can't get care where you're stationed—or if you decide you'd rather receive care somewhere else—you may decide to travel for an abortion.

Everyone has the constitutional right to travel between states for any reason, including to get an abortion. There is no state that makes it a crime for someone to leave one state to get an abortion in another. But traveling is not always easy or possible for everyone, especially for those in the military.

Will I need to take leave?

Probably.

If you're an active duty service member, you'll probably need to take personal leave if your abortion or travel takes place during duty hours. But if you're receiving abortion pills by mail and can take them while off duty, you may not need formal leave.

Learn more about how the medication abortion works and what to expect.

How much does abortion cost? Will TRICARE cover it?

The cost of an abortion depends on several factors, including how many weeks pregnant you are, where you receive care, and whether you have an abortion procedure or use abortion pills. If you need to travel, you may also have expenses like transportation, lodging, meals, childcare, or time away from work.

If you don't have insurance—or don't want to use it—you may need to pay out of pocket. The good news is that abortion funds and practical support organizations may be able to help cover some or all of the cost of your abortion, travel, or other expenses. You can estimate the cost of your abortion using I Need an A's Cost Calculator and search for organizations that may be able to help.

Most insurance companies send an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to the primary insurance holder after medical care is received. While the EOB doesn't always include every detail about your care, it may reveal that you received reproductive healthcare services.

If you're covered under someone else's insurance and don't want them to know about your abortion, you may decide not to use insurance.

What if I need follow up care after my abortion?

Most people do not need any medical care after an abortion. But if you have questions or think something isn't right, start by contacting the clinic or provider that helped you with your abortion. If you can’t reach them or aren’t sure whether you need medical attention, you can also contact the Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline at 1-833-246-2632.

If you're worried you may need emergency care, read our guide on What If I Go to the ER After an Abortion or Miscarriage?

If you've returned to a state with abortion restrictions and need an ultrasound, miscarriage care, or other follow-up care, read How to Find Safe Pre- and Post-Abortion Care in Restricted States to find trusted providers.

You can read more about your rights when speaking with healthcare providers about your abortion here.

What should I know about pregnancy and privacy in the military?

In most situations, your command does not automatically need to know that you’re pregnant or what you decide to do about the pregnancy. However, there are some situations where pregnancy must be reported or certain medical information can be shared with your command.

Free + Confidential Support

I Need An A
Find abortion options, clinics, pills by mail and support

Plan C
Information about accessing abortion pills online for safe home abortion

Repro Legal Helpline
Call (844) 868-2812 or fill out this form | Legal information and support about abortion + pregnancy

M+A Hotline
Call or text (833)246-2632 | Medical support before, during or after an abortion or miscarriage

Reprocare
Call or text (833) 226-7821 | Support before, during or after an abortion with pills

All Options Talkline
Call (888) 493-0092 | Nonjudgemental support for talking through pregnancy options

MilitaryOneSource
Call (800) 342-9647 | Counseling for service members and military families

We know many support organizations list abortion providers on their websites. We love that! The more links to open providers, the merrier. The hard part is keeping that information up to date.

To solve that problem, we've created a new tool that anyone can copy and paste into their website that will automatically keep provider information accurate because it's getting the data directly from ineedana.com, which we update daily!

There are multiple options for how you can embed this tool.

You can embed a general map view.

You can embed a list that defaults to loading the closest clinics to your organization's location.

Or you can embed the providers your support organization works with.

(if the list isn't right - email us at team@ineedana.com and we can update!)

Have a request for a different configuration or design? We would LOVE to hear it and make it for you! Just give us a shout at team@ineedana.com

We're really optimistic that this tool can help us as a community and movement a way to give more accurate information to abortion seekers with less redundant data maintenance work.

If you'd like help getting this on your website - we are so down to schedule time. Send us an email :)

If you took the first abortion pill (mifepristone) and are now unsure whether you want to continue the abortion, you're not alone. It’s totally okay to have complicated feelings come up, and there are nonjudgmental resources to support you.

Can my pregnancy continue after taking mifepristone?

Yes – there is a risk of miscarriage after taking mifepristone, but people can go on to have healthy pregnancies. Mifepristone is not known to cause birth defects. Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, a hormone that helps support pregnancy, but taking mifepristone alone does not always end a pregnancy on its own. For a complete abortion mifepristone needs to be followed by misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.

How often a pregnancy continues after taking only mifepristone has not been well studied. Because of that, no doctor, clinic, hotline, or website can predict what will happen in an individual pregnancy.

Should I take progesterone to "reverse" the abortion pill?

There is no reliable evidence that taking progesterone (sometimes referred to as “abortion pill reversal” by anti-abortion organizations) after mifepristone increases the chance that a pregnancy will continue.

A randomized study was stopped early after several participants experienced severe bleeding after taking mifepristone. Because the study ended early, researchers couldn't determine whether progesterone was effective.

Even though this treatment has not been shown to reliably reverse the effects of mifepristone, many anti-abortion organizations and fake clinics continue to promote it. Organizations promoting it often try to pressure people out of having an abortion.

What should I do now?

Be kind to yourself

Changing your mind or having complicated feelings is part of being human.

Whether your feelings changed because of new information, pressure from others, changing circumstances, or something you can't quite explain, you don't deserve shame. This can be an emotionally difficult situation, and it's okay to have questions or for it to feel heavy.

Confidential, unbiased support is available

Unfortunately, no one can tell you exactly what will happen next. But you don't have to navigate it alone. If you need someone to talk through your options or what to expect we recommend reaching out these trusted parters:

M+A Hotline
https://mahotline.org | Call or text 1-833-246-2632
Medical support from clinicians who can help you understand symptoms, decide if you need emergency care, and may be able to refer you to a local provider.

Reprocare
https://reprocare.com | Call or text 1-833-226-7821
Medical support from experienced peer counselors who provide information and support after abortion or miscarriage. They can help you understand symptoms, talk through concerns, and decide when and where to seek in-person care.

Aya Contigo
http://app.ayacontigo.com | WhatsApp +1 236-200-5226
Message on WhatsApp or use the Aya Contigo app
Private virtual support from trained peer counselors who can guide you through an abortion with pills, answer questions, and connect you with trusted local resources.

And if you have questions about your rights, privacy, or legal risk, confidential legal help is available:

Repro Legal Helpline
https://reprolegalhelpline.org | 844-868-2812
Free, confidential legal information from lawyers who specialize in reproductive health law.

You can contact them before or after seeking medical care.

Frequently asked questions

The Reproductive Health Knowledge Base is a free, public resource maintained by the Re/Imagination Lab to improve the reproductive health information people receive through AI tools.

I Need An A shares and reviews abortion access information with the knowledge base so that people turning to AI with questions about abortion can get accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy answers. Our mission is to ensure anyone looking for abortion information finds it wherever they search.

Can I get abortion pills before I need them?

Yes, you can order abortion pills in advance! This is also called advanced provision, which means ordering abortion pills by mail ahead of time so you have them when and if you need them.

Imagine this: your period is late, so you take a test. It comes back positive, and you already know you don’t want to be pregnant. Instead of waiting a week for pills to arrive, you go to your medicine cabinet and grab the combination pack of mifepristone and misoprostol that you ordered a few months ago. You decide to take the pills the next day, when you’re off work.

So, why do people get abortion pills in advance?

Advanced provision is mostly about timing, privacy, and peace of mind — especially when laws and court decisions are constantly changing.

Knowing that mifepristone and misoprostol are safe and effective, and that you already have them on hand if you need them, can ease a lot of stress.

Having pills ahead of time means:

• You don’t have to wait for shipping
• You can take them as soon as you’re ready
• You have more privacy and control
• You don’t have to figure out your options while feeling overwhelmed
• You don’t have to make decisions based on rapidly changing access

How long do abortion pills last?

Abortion pills (mifepristone and misoprostol) do expire, but they usually last a while.

• Shelf life: Typically around 2 years
• Storage: Keep them in a cool, dry place away from light
• Packaging: Check the expiration date on the box

How much do abortion pills cost?

Abortion pills by mail typically cost $90-$150.

There are providers that mail pills to all 50 states and U.S. territories, though not all offer advanced provision. Learn more about shield providers.

Do I need to confirm I’m pregnant before taking the pills?

No, not always. Some people use abortion pills as “period pills.” This means taking the same medications (mifepristone + misoprostol or miso-only) without confirming a pregnancy first.

The main difference is uncertainty — you may or may not be pregnant. The medications work the same way either way.

Is it legal to get abortion pills ahead of time?

Laws around abortion pills vary by state and can be really confusing.

In general, laws are often written to target providers or people helping someone get an abortion, not the pregnant person themselves. But there can still be legal risks in some situations.

For example in Texas, it is a felony for someone to give another person abortion pills to end a pregnancy and in Louisiana, abortion pills are classified as controlled substances, and it can be a crime for someone who is not pregnant to possess them.

Because laws change and are enforced differently, what’s written in law isn’t always how things play out in real life.

If you’re thinking about helping someone else, it’s worth understanding how legal risk can vary depending on the situation — Are there legal risks to helping someone have an abortion?

Find all of your options — whether you’re planning ahead or already pregnant — at ineedana.com 💜

If you want to learn more about ordering pills in advance, you can visit Plan C Pills: plancpills.org/in-advance

There’s a lot in the news right now about abortion pills — specifically mifepristone. Court decisions are changing quickly, and the legal language can be confusing.

What exactly is this case about?

The case, Louisiana v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is about how mifepristone can be prescribed and dispensed.

In 2023, the federal government allowed certified pharmacies and telehealth providers to mail mifepristone to patients instead of requiring an in-person visit. The state of Louisiana is trying to reverse that rule and bring back older restrictions.

At its core, this case is about how people get the medication — not whether the medication itself is safe or effective.

Requiring an in-person visit doesn’t change the medication or how it works, it just adds an extra step. No matter how you receive abortion pills, you still take the mifepristone and misoprostol at home (not in a clinic). Many abortion rights advocates see these kinds of rules as part of a broader effort to create barriers to healthcare.

And importantly, people are still finding ways to get the care they need.

According to the Society of Family Planning’s #WeCount project:

• 1.14 million abortions were reported in the U.S. in 2024 — more than in 2023 or 2022
• The monthly average has steadily increased since 2022
• 1 in 4 abortions in 2024 was provided via telehealth
• By mid-2025, about 15,000 abortions per month were provided under shield laws

This shows that despite restrictions and bans on abortion, people continue to access abortion through traveling and by getting pills by mail.

What does this mean right now?

Right now, nothing has changed for patients:

• You can still get abortion pills through telehealth
• Providers can still mail mifepristone
• You can still get mifepristone in person at a clinic

We know things feel uncertain, but abortion access is still available.

Even IF courts eventually block U.S. providers from mailing mifepristone, medication abortion will still be available by mail in all 50 states through a range of options. We expect some services will continue to mail mifepristone. And using misoprostol on its own is safe and effective, and people around the world have been using it for decades. The main difference is that it can take a little longer and usually requires more doses compared to the mifepristone and misoprostol combination.

We will update this page as new information becomes available.

Yes! If you have trouble swallowing pills, you can split the tablet in half or crush the mifepristone and swallow it with water or juice.

It will still be just as effective. What matters is that you take the full dose.

How do I take mifepristone if I crush it?

There are a few ways to crush the pill — but you don’t need anything fancy.

• You can use a pill crusher from a pharmacy
• A mortar and pestle works too
• Or place the pill between two spoons or inside folded paper (wax paper works best), then press down with a heavy object

Once it’s crushed into a powder:

• Mix it with a small amount of food (like apple sauce or pudding), water or juice
• Swallow all of the pieces right away

A small amount of food or drink can help with the taste — mifepristone can be bitter and chalky, which is totally normal. Mifepristone should still be swallowed, even when crushed.

This is different from the second set of pills, misoprostol, which are usually held between the gums and the cheek or under your tongue. The misoprostol tablets should not be split in half or crushed.

What if I throw up after taking mifepristone?

If mifepristone stays in your body for at least 60 minutes, you’ve absorbed most of the medication and do not need another dose. But if you throw up before 60 minutes or see the pill residue when you vomit, you’ll need to take more Mifepristone. Keep in mind, it may take time to request more mifepristone from the provider.

Learn more about what to do if you throw up and remedies for nausea.

Another option is switching to the misoprostol only protocol (which requires more misoprostol).

Have more questions about abortion pills?

Check out our guides:

• What do abortion pills cost online?
• Abortion with Pills Before 6 Weeks
• Abortion with Pills After 12 Weeks
• What if I throw up after taking abortion pills?
• Smoking Weed + Taking Abortion Pills
• How to have an abortion with pills if mife isn’t available
• What if my provider gave me a different regimen for the medication abortion?
• How do I know if the abortion pills worked?

Want to talk to a real person?