Medication abortion (the abortion pill) is a safe, effective method available in Illinois up to 11 weeks of pregnancy, costing $400-$600 at clinics like Serenity Choice Health in Matteson. The two-medication process has a 95-98% success rate and allows you to complete the abortion at home.
Quick Facts: Medication Abortion in Illinois
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $400-$600 |
| Availability | Up to 11 weeks from last period |
| Success Rate | 95-98% effective |
| Medications Used | Mifepristone + Misoprostol |
| Process Time | 1-2 hours at clinic, 4-6 hours active symptoms at home |
| Recovery | 1-4 weeks bleeding, most feel normal in few days |
| Legal Status | Fully legal in Illinois, no waiting period |
What Is Medication Abortion (The Abortion Pill)?
Medication abortion uses two medications taken in sequence to end a pregnancy. You take the first pill at the clinic or at home after your consultation, then take the second medication 24-48 hours later to complete the abortion at home.
The process works through two steps: mifepristone blocks progesterone (the hormone needed for pregnancy to continue), causing the pregnancy to stop developing. Then misoprostol causes your uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue, similar to a miscarriage.
At Serenity Choice Health in Matteson, we provide medication abortion to patients from Chicago’s south suburbs and northwest Indiana communities like Homewood, Park Forest, Munster, and Dyer.
Who can have medication abortion?
You’re eligible for medication abortion if you’re:
- Less than 11 weeks pregnant (counted from the first day of your last period)
- In good general health
- Able to access medical care if needed
- Willing to have a surgical procedure if the medication doesn’t work completely
Medication abortion isn’t recommended if you have certain medical conditions, use an IUD (it must be removed first), or have an ectopic pregnancy. We’ll review your medical history during your consultation to ensure medication abortion is safe for you.
Learn more about how medication abortion works and how does an abortion actually work.
How Much Does the Abortion Pill Cost in Illinois?
The abortion pill costs $400 to $600 at most Illinois clinics, including comprehensive care from consultation through follow-up.
What’s included in the price:
- Pre-abortion consultation with medical provider
- Ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and dating
- Mifepristone (first medication)
- Misoprostol (second medication)
- Detailed instructions for home use
- Pain management guidance
- 24/7 nurse hotline for questions
- Follow-up appointment or pregnancy test to confirm completion
At Serenity Choice Health, we understand that $400-$600 can be challenging. We offer sliding scale fees based on income, payment plans, and connections to financial assistance programs that can help cover part or all of your cost.
Does insurance cover the abortion pill?
Illinois Medicaid covers medication abortion at no cost—zero copay, zero deductible. Most private insurance plans in Illinois also cover abortion because state law prohibits insurance discrimination. Call your insurance company to verify coverage and understand any out-of-pocket costs.
If you don’t have insurance or your plan doesn’t cover abortion, apply for financial assistance through:
- Chicago Abortion Fund
- Midwest Access Coalition
- National Abortion Federation: 1-800-772-9100
- Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project
Find more resources in our abortion financial aid guide and learn about abortion pills cost nationwide.
The Medication Abortion Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Your appointment at the clinic (1-2 hours)
You’ll meet with a medical provider who will:
- Review your medical history
- Perform an ultrasound to confirm you’re pregnant and determine how far along you are
- Explain how medication abortion works
- Answer all your questions
- Provide the first medication (mifepristone)
- Give you the second medication (misoprostol) to take home
- Schedule your follow-up
You can drive yourself home after this appointment. You haven’t had the abortion yet—the process happens after you take the second medication.
Step 2: Taking mifepristone (first medication)
You’ll take mifepristone at the clinic or shortly after leaving. This pill blocks progesterone, stopping the pregnancy from growing. Most people feel minimal symptoms after taking mifepristone—you might have light spotting or feel completely normal.
Step 3: Taking misoprostol at home (24-48 hours later)
When you’re ready (typically 24-48 hours after mifepristone), you’ll take misoprostol at home. This medication causes cramping and bleeding to empty your uterus.
Place the tablets in your cheek, under your tongue, or insert them vaginally (your provider will tell you which method). Let them dissolve for 30 minutes, then swallow what remains with water.
Step 4: What happens at home (4-6 hours)
About 1-4 hours after taking misoprostol, you’ll start cramping and bleeding. This is when the abortion happens.
Expect:
- Strong menstrual-like cramps (often more intense than a regular period)
- Heavy bleeding with blood clots
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, or mild fever
- The heaviest symptoms last 4-6 hours
- You’ll pass tissue and blood clots (including large clots up to lemon-sized)
Most people complete the abortion within 4-6 hours of taking misoprostol, though lighter bleeding continues for 1-4 weeks after.
Step 5: Follow-up care (1-2 weeks later)
You’ll need follow-up to confirm the abortion is complete. This can be a clinic visit with ultrasound or a home pregnancy test. If the test is negative 2-3 weeks after your abortion, the medication worked.
Check our guide on how to know if the abortion pill worked for detailed signs of success.
What Does Medication Abortion Feel Like?
During the first 24-48 hours (after mifepristone):
Most people feel completely normal. You might have light spotting or mild cramping, but many people experience no symptoms at all during this time. You can go about your normal activities—work, school, errands.
After taking misoprostol (active abortion phase):
This is when you’ll feel the most symptoms. Here’s what to expect:
Cramping: Strong, rhythmic cramps similar to menstrual cramps but often more intense. The pain peaks during the heaviest bleeding and typically lasts 2-3 hours at its worst. Most people describe it as manageable with pain medication.
Bleeding: Much heavier than a normal period. You’ll pass blood clots (some quite large) and tissue. The heaviest bleeding lasts 4-6 hours, then tapers to something more like a regular period.
Other symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, and low-grade fever are common side effects of misoprostol. These usually resolve within a few hours.
After the main event:
Once you’ve passed the pregnancy tissue (usually within 4-6 hours), the intense cramping stops. You’ll continue bleeding lightly for 1-4 weeks, but most people feel physically back to normal within a few days.
Managing pain at home:
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Take 600-800mg every 6-8 hours. Start before cramping gets bad.
- Heating pad: Place on your lower abdomen or back for comfort.
- Rest: Stay in a comfortable position. Many people find lying down helps.
- Support person: Having someone with you can provide comfort and practical help.
Read our complete abortion pain management guide for detailed relief strategies.
Medication Abortion Success Rate and Effectiveness
Medication abortion is 95-98% effective when used correctly. This means 95-98 out of 100 people who take the medications will have a complete abortion without needing further treatment.
| Weeks Pregnant | Success Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to 8 weeks | 98% effective |
| 8-9 weeks | 96-97% effective |
| 9-10 weeks | 95-96% effective |
| 10-11 weeks | 93-95% effective |
What if the medication doesn’t work?
In 2-5% of cases, the medication doesn’t completely end the pregnancy. This means either:
- The pregnancy continues (very rare—less than 1%)
- Some tissue remains in the uterus (more common—2-4%)
If this happens, you’ll need a follow-up surgical procedure (aspiration) to complete the abortion. Most clinics, including Serenity Choice Health, cover this follow-up procedure in your original cost.
Signs the medication didn’t work completely:
- No bleeding within 24 hours of taking misoprostol
- Very light bleeding with no clots or tissue
- Continuing pregnancy symptoms (nausea, breast tenderness) after one week
- Positive pregnancy test 2-3 weeks after abortion
Learn about when abortion pills don’t work and check our abortion pill effectiveness chart.
Medication Abortion vs. Surgical Abortion: Which Is Right for You?
Both methods are safe and effective. The best choice depends on your preferences, medical situation, and how far along you are.
Choose medication abortion if you:
- Are less than 11 weeks pregnant
- Want to avoid a surgical procedure
- Prefer to complete the abortion at home
- Want a process that feels more natural
- Can handle several hours of heavy cramping and bleeding
- Have reliable access to medical care if needed
Choose surgical abortion if you:
- Want the abortion over in one day
- Prefer less bleeding overall
- Want the highest success rate (99%+)
- Don’t want to see tissue being expelled
- Need to return to work/activities quickly
- Are comfortable with a brief medical procedure
Key differences:
Medication abortion:
- Done at home
- More cramping and bleeding
- Takes 4-6 hours of active symptoms
- 95-98% effective
- You see the tissue being expelled
- Costs $400-$600
Surgical abortion:
- Done at clinic in 5-10 minutes
- Less total bleeding
- Over in one day
- 99%+ effective
- You don’t see anything
- Costs $400-$800
Read our detailed comparison: Abortion pills vs surgical abortion.
Where to Get the Abortion Pill in Illinois
You can get medication abortion at clinics throughout Illinois, including our Serenity Choice Health location in Matteson.
Why choose Serenity Choice Health?
We serve patients from across Chicago’s south suburbs and northwest Indiana, providing compassionate, judgment-free care. Our Matteson location is conveniently accessible from communities like:
For Indiana residents where abortion is banned, we’re just minutes across the border from:
Other Illinois clinic locations:
If you’re in a different part of Illinois, clinics are available in:
Scheduling your appointment:
Call us as soon as you know you want an abortion. Some clinics offer same-day or next-day appointments, while others may be booked 1-2 weeks out. The earlier you schedule, the more options you’ll have.
Learn about abortion clinics in Indiana if you’re traveling from out of state.
Is Medication Abortion Legal in Illinois?
Yes, medication abortion is completely legal in Illinois with strong protections for patients and providers.
Illinois abortion laws:
- No gestational limits for medically necessary abortions
- No mandatory waiting periods
- No parental consent required (notification only for minors, with judicial bypass available)
- Out-of-state patients explicitly welcome
- Shield laws protect your privacy
- No criminal penalties for patients or providers
Traveling to Illinois for abortion:
If you’re coming from a state where abortion is banned (like Indiana), you’re legally protected. Illinois shield laws prevent other states from:
- Accessing your medical records
- Prosecuting you for receiving care
- Suing Illinois providers
- Forcing you to return for legal action
You will not be arrested at state borders. You will not face legal consequences for traveling to Illinois for legal medical care.
Read more about abortion laws in Illinois and learn if you can get an abortion in another state.
Can You Get the Abortion Pill by Mail in Illinois?
Some providers offer telemedicine medication abortion, where you have a virtual consultation and receive pills by mail. However, availability varies and may not be an option for out-of-state residents.
Telemedicine abortion requirements:
- Virtual consultation with licensed provider
- Must be less than 11 weeks pregnant
- Need access to emergency medical care
- May require ultrasound confirmation elsewhere
- Pills shipped to your address
Limitations for out-of-state patients:
Many telemedicine providers won’t ship to states where abortion is banned due to legal concerns. If you live in Indiana, Missouri, or another restrictive state, you’ll likely need to travel to an Illinois clinic for in-person care.
At Serenity Choice Health in Matteson, we provide in-person medication abortion appointments with same-day or next-day availability for most patients. This ensures you get the medications immediately rather than waiting for mail delivery.
Learn more about telemedicine abortion legality and explore telehealth abortion in Indiana.
Recovery After Medication Abortion
Most people feel physically back to normal within a few days, though bleeding continues for 1-4 weeks.
First 24 hours after misoprostol:
- Heavy cramping and bleeding (peaks in first 4-6 hours)
- Passing large blood clots and tissue
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills
- Fatigue from the process
- Need to rest and stay near a bathroom
Days 2-7:
- Cramping decreases significantly
- Bleeding similar to a moderate period
- Energy returns
- Most people return to work/school by day 2-3
- Emotional ups and downs are normal
Weeks 2-4:
- Light bleeding or spotting
- Occasional mild cramping
- First period usually returns in 4-6 weeks
- Pregnancy symptoms (nausea, breast tenderness) resolve
What’s normal:
- Bleeding for 1-4 weeks
- Passing small clots
- Spotting that stops and starts
- Mild cramping
- Breast tenderness for a few days
- Emotional changes
When to call the clinic:
- Soaking 2+ pads per hour for 2+ hours (medical emergency)
- Fever over 100.4°F (could indicate infection)
- Severe pain not relieved by ibuprofen
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- No bleeding within 24 hours of taking misoprostol
- Continuing pregnancy symptoms after 1 week
Activity restrictions for 1-2 weeks:
- No tampons (use pads only)
- No sexual intercourse
- No swimming or baths (showers are fine)
- Avoid very strenuous exercise
You can shower, go to work/school, do light exercise like walking, and drive (you weren’t sedated).
Read about how early can you have an abortion and understand what happens during in-clinic abortion.
Can You Get Pregnant After Medication Abortion?
Yes, you can get pregnant as soon as 2 weeks after medication abortion—even before your first period returns.
Fertility timeline:
- Ovulation can occur within 2 weeks
- First period returns in 4-6 weeks
- Fertility immediately returns to pre-pregnancy levels
- No impact on future fertility
Medication abortion does not cause:
- Infertility
- Difficulty getting pregnant in the future
- Increased miscarriage risk
- Ectopic pregnancy risk
- Birth defects in future children
- Pregnancy complications
If you want to avoid pregnancy, start birth control right away. Many clinics, including Serenity Choice Health, can provide birth control (pills, IUD, implant, shot) at your medication abortion appointment.
When can you have sex again?
Wait 1-2 weeks after your abortion before having vaginal intercourse. This allows your cervix to close and reduces infection risk. After 1-2 weeks, you can resume sexual activity—but use birth control if you don’t want to become pregnant.
Learn more about can you get pregnant after an abortion and how fertile are you after an abortion.
Medication Abortion and Your Mental Health
Most people feel relief after abortion. Some experience temporary sadness or mixed emotions, which is completely normal.
Common emotional responses:
- Relief (most common emotion)
- Certainty you made the right decision
- Sadness about the circumstances
- Conflicting feelings (relief AND sadness simultaneously)
- No strong emotions at all
All of these responses are valid. Your emotional reaction doesn’t mean anything about whether you made the right choice for yourself.
“Post-abortion syndrome” is not real:
Some anti-abortion organizations claim abortion causes severe psychological harm. This is not supported by research. Studies consistently show:
- Most people don’t regret their abortions
- Serious mental health problems after abortion are rare
- People denied abortions experience worse mental health than those who received abortions
- Pre-existing mental health conditions predict post-abortion emotions better than the abortion itself
Getting emotional support:
If you need support processing your feelings:
- All-Options Talkline: 1-888-493-0092 (free, non-judgmental support)
- Exhale Pro-Voice: Text-based support and resources
- Therapy: Look for pro-choice therapists in your area
- Trusted friends/family: Talk to people who support your decision
Read our complete guide on abortion and mental health and learn how to recover emotionally after an abortion.
Common Questions About Medication Abortion
How long does medication abortion take?
The clinic appointment takes 1-2 hours. After taking misoprostol at home 24-48 hours later, the active abortion process (heavy cramping and bleeding) lasts 4-6 hours. Light bleeding continues for 1-4 weeks. Most people feel physically normal within a few days.
Is medication abortion painful?
Yes, medication abortion involves cramping that most people describe as stronger than menstrual cramps. The pain is most intense during the 4-6 hours after taking misoprostol when you’re passing the pregnancy tissue. Ibuprofen (600-800mg every 6 hours), heating pads, and rest help manage the pain. The intense cramping stops once the pregnancy is expelled.
What does the tissue look like during medication abortion?
You’ll pass blood clots (some quite large, up to lemon-sized) and pregnancy tissue. The tissue appears as white or gray material mixed with blood clots. Most people can’t distinguish the pregnancy tissue from blood clots. If you’re very early in pregnancy (under 6 weeks), the tissue may be too small to see. You can flush everything down the toilet—you don’t need to inspect or save anything.
Can I drink alcohol after taking the abortion pill?
Wait at least 24-48 hours after taking misoprostol before drinking alcohol. Alcohol can increase nausea and vomiting (already common side effects), interfere with pain medication effectiveness, and potentially increase bleeding. Once the heaviest symptoms have passed, moderate alcohol consumption is generally safe. Learn more about alcohol after misoprostol.
Will medication abortion show up on my medical records?
Yes, your abortion becomes part of your medical records with your healthcare provider. However, this information is protected by HIPAA privacy laws and cannot be shared without your permission. Future healthcare providers cannot access your records without your authorization. In Illinois, shield laws protect your abortion information from being used against you legally, even if you traveled from a state where abortion is banned. Read about does abortion show up on medical records.
Ready to Schedule Your Medication Abortion?
At Serenity Choice Health in Matteson, we provide compassionate, judgment-free medication abortion care to patients from Chicago’s south suburbs, northwest Indiana, and beyond.
What we offer:
- Same-day and next-day appointments
- Affordable pricing ($400-$600)
- Sliding scale fees based on income
- Insurance accepted (including Illinois Medicaid)
- Financial assistance connections
- 24/7 nurse hotline support
- Follow-up care included
- Birth control available same day
Call us today to:
- Schedule your appointment
- Discuss your options
- Get cost estimates
- Ask questions
- Verify insurance coverage
We’re here to support you through every step of the process. You deserve compassionate, high-quality care in a safe, welcoming environment.
Additional resources:
- What are the different abortion procedures?
- Abortion procedures explained complete guide
- How to support a loved one during abortion
