Someone asked us: How does a virtual abortion work?
A virtual abortion uses telehealth technology to provide medication abortion without visiting a clinic in person. You complete the entire process from home through online consultations, receiving abortion pills by mail to end a pregnancy up to 10-11 weeks.
The step-by-step process:
- Online consultation – You fill out a detailed medical questionnaire and have a video or phone call with a licensed healthcare provider who reviews your health history and confirms pregnancy dating.
- Prescription and delivery – If eligible, the provider prescribes mifepristone and misoprostol, which are shipped directly to your address within 2-5 days from a certified pharmacy. Understanding medication abortion explained helps you know what to expect.
- Taking the pills at home – You take mifepristone first, followed by misoprostol 24-48 hours later. Most people experience cramping and bleeding similar to a heavy period as the pregnancy ends.
- Follow-up care – The provider schedules a virtual follow-up (usually 1-2 weeks later) to confirm the abortion was successful, either through at-home pregnancy tests or optional ultrasound.
Virtual abortion has the same 95%+ effectiveness rate as in-clinic medication abortion. By 2025, telehealth accounted for 27% of all U.S. abortions. In Illinois, where abortion procedures are accessible, Serenity Choice Health offers both virtual and in-person abortion care options.
Board-Certified Physician & Senior Medical Correspondent
Dr. James Carter is a board-certified physician and a lead clinician at Serenity Choice Health, where he specializes in reproductive health access and medication abortion protocols. With a career dedicated to providing safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care, Dr. Carter bridges the gap between complex clinical guidelines and patient-centered health communication. In his dual role as a Medical Writer and Researcher, Dr. Carter has become a prominent voice in the reproductive health space. He is a contributor on Quora and various health publications, where he provides clinical insights into the legal landscape of telehealth, Shield Law compliance, and modern medication abortion standards. His writing focuses on empowering patients with the data they need to make informed, private decisions about their health.
