Why is my first period heavy after abortion?

It is very common for the first period after a medical or surgical abortion to be heavier, longer, or more crampy than your usual cycle. This happens because your body is still adjusting its hormonal balance and clearing out the remaining uterine lining. While usually temporary, understanding why this happens can help you feel more […]
When is sex safe after a medical abortion?

Most medical providers recommend waiting one to two weeks before resuming penetrative sexual activity after a medical abortion. While some clinical guidelines suggest a conservative window of two to three weeks to minimize infection risk, the most important factor is your physical healing and personal comfort level. Why You Should Wait The primary goal of […]
When can I resume lifting after abortion pills?

You can generally return to heavy lifting as soon as you feel comfortable, but medical providers recommend avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least the first 3 to 5 days following a medication abortion. While many people resume normal daily activities within 24 to 48 hours, your body needs time to recover from […]
Are STI tests included in the abortion fee?

Whether STI testing is included in the abortion fee depends on the healthcare provider, the type of clinic visit, and your insurance coverage. At many comprehensive health centers, basic routine STI screenings (such as chlamydia and gonorrhea) are bundled into the flat procedural lab fee or covered by insurance/Medicaid. However, for standalone self-pay care or […]
What if Medicaid is pending on abortion day?

If your Medicaid application is still pending on the day of your abortion appointment, you can usually still receive care without paying full price out-of-pocket. How the clinic handles a pending application depends on the state you are in and the clinic’s billing policies, but options are available to keep your care accessible. 1. Presumptive […]
Can you use an HSA card for abortion pills?

Yes, you can use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) card to pay for abortion pills. Under Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines (IRS Publication 502), legal abortion services—including prescription abortion pills (mifepristone and misoprostol)—are classified as qualified medical expenses. This means you can use pre-tax HSA or FSA funds to pay […]
Out-of-pocket abortion costs without insurance?

Out-of-pocket abortion costs without insurance range from $150 to over $2,000, depending on how far along the pregnancy is, the type of procedure you choose, and where you receive care. For most early pregnancies (under 10–12 weeks), care is delivered either through telehealth or in-person clinic visits. 1. Cost Breakdown by Type of Care Option […]
Does a hot bath worsen abortion bleeding?

No, taking a hot bath does not cause or worsen internal abortion bleeding. However, hot water can cause your blood vessels to dilate (widen), which may temporarily increase blood flow or cause a quick, minor gush of blood when you stand up. While this is a normal physical reaction to heat and not a sign […]
Does IL Medicaid cover telehealth abortion?

Yes, Illinois Medicaid covers telehealth abortion care. Under Illinois state law, all state-funded Medicaid plans are required to cover reproductive healthcare—including medication abortion provided via telehealth at 100% with $0 out-of-pocket cost for eligible state residents. 1. How Illinois Medicaid Telehealth Coverage Works Illinois is one of the few states that uses its own state […]
Are sliding scale discounts offered for abortion?

Yes, sliding scale discounts and reduced-cost options are available for abortion care. For patients who do not have insurance, are underinsured, or are paying out-of-pocket, care can be structured around income and financial need so that cost does not stand in the way of receiving care. 1. How Reduced-Cost & Sliding Scale Care Works Income-Based […]