How people get abortion pills online in every state

Abortion pills are available from:

1. In-person clinics

The process:

• Make an appointment. 
• Visit a clinic in person.  
• Get pills to take home.  
• Take the pills at home following instructions.   
• Access follow-up support via phone or text if needed.  

Note: Some states limit clinic care.

2. Online clinics

The process:

• Request services via an online form. A few services require a video visit or phone call. 
• Get the pills by mail.  
• Take the pills at home following instructions.   
• Access follow-up support via phone or text if needed.  

Note: Online clinics serve all states, even those with bans.

3. Websites that sell pills.

Some websites sell abortion pills without requiring a prescription or doing a medical screening. The process: 

• Complete an online order form and payment.
• Get the pills by mail. 
• Take the pills at home following instructions.   
• Access free follow-up support via phone or text from M+A Hotline or Reprocare, if needed.  

Note: These websites serve all states.

4. Community support networks.

The process:  

Abortion support groups offer free help for anyone seeking abortion options. The process: 

• Request pills through a secure message. 
• Get the pills by mail.  
• Take the pills at home following instructions.    
• Access free confidential  support before or after the process via phone or text through the community network volunteers, the M+A Hotline or Reprocare. 

Note: Services are available in states with clinic restrictions.

5. Other countries:

Some people find abortion pills in pharmacies in other countries like Mexico. The process:

• Take the pills at home following instructions.   
• Access free follow-up support via phone or text from M+A Hotline or Reprocare, if needed.  

Depending on where you live and other factors, accessing pills in the US may come with legal risk. Contact the Repro Legal Helpline with questions.

There are several ways people get pills sent by mail, even in states that have total bans on abortion care.

These include:

1. Online clinics. These are run by licensed clinicians in states where it is legal to send abortion pills by mail. 

2. Websites that sell pills.

3. Community networks that send pills for free.

4. Travel. Depending on your particular situation and needs, traveling can also be an option to access care. Find your nearest clinic here.

Check out Plan C's state-by-state directory to learn about options in a specific state. 

Depending on where someone lives and other factors, accessing pills in the US may come with legal risk. Read our FAQ and contact the ReproLegalHelpline.org with questions.

Most people start by taking a pregnancy test to confirm their pregnancy, but this is not required. Generally, no additional medical tests are needed to get abortion pills. However, a clinic or telehealth service may request further tests if:

• You are not sure when your last period was.
• You have a history or symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, such as severe pelvic pain.

Yes, people buy abortion pills in advance, to have on hand in case of future need. This allows them to take the pills right away without waiting for shipping. 

Here is more information about services that offer pills in advance. For people who decide to use the pills later, these services will give instructions and provide support.

After receiving the medications in the mail, they should be stored at room temperature in their original, unopened packaging.

• Mifepristone has a shelf life of about 5 years.
• Misoprostol tablets have a shelf life of about 2 years.

Checking the expiration date is the best way to know if the pills are still viable. Expired mifepristone or misoprostol might not work as well. Medications should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from children and anyone who shouldn't have access to them.

Some providers recommend storing them in a bedroom drawer instead of a bathroom cabinet to keep them in good condition.

No, people cannot buy abortion pills from Amazon, whether online or at their physical stores. However, there are many online services that sell abortion pills and ship them to all 50 states. Check our state-by-state directory for more information about these services.

Many websites that claim to be "pharmacies" sell abortion pills without medical consultations or prescriptions. They ship to all US states. 

Are these websites legitimate?

Yes, these are real commerce sites. However, they are not regulated by the US government, and they sell generic abortion pills that have not been inspected by US authorities.

Plan C periodically checks these websites by buying pills from them and testing the pills in a laboratory. Our Guide lists services that reliably ship real pills. But we don’t run these sites, and we can’t promise they will always be reliable.

How do online pill stores work?

1. The buyer picks a product often called an MTP Kit (medical termination of pregnancy) and adds it to their cart. 

2. The buyer enters their address and payment info. Sometimes the service will send information about how to pay in an email. 

3. The buyer chooses a shipping method. Most services have ship times of about 3-6 business days. 

Most clinicians recommend getting some extra misoprostol to have on hand in case you need it. Most online pill stores offer the option to get an MTP Kit plus extra misoprostol or two MTP kits**.** Our Guide links to options that include extra misoprostol.

Important note on payment: Sometimes these sites will contact someone after they place an order to ask for a different payment method. They might say the credit card didn’t go through, or send a PayPal payment link. Even if it seems unusual, this is quite common, and it worked in our tests.

The pills usually come by US Postal Service and don’t need a signature.

Be aware that some online stores might not have good security practices. To keep personal information safe, some people use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) before visiting these sites. Learn more about digital security here.

Read our FAQ to learn more about legal risks of buying pills from online stores, or call the free confidential Repro Legal Helpline at 844-868-2812 for help.

Note: If you have issues with any online pill store listed on our site, contact them directly. Plan C does not run these sites and cannot help with refunds or shipping problems.

When a clinic or telehealth service advertises "sliding scale" pricing, they’re offering a way to make their services more affordable. But what exactly does that mean?

In simple terms, sliding scale means that the provider adjusts fees based on a person’s financial situation. This patient-centered approach ensures that the cost of abortion doesn’t prevent them from accessing care.

How sliding scales work can vary from one provider to another. Some may ask for proof of income to qualify for a discount, while others trust people to share what they can afford without additional proof.

On abortion telehealth websites, sliding scales may be shown in a few different ways: 

• A tool or form where you can enter what you’re able to pay.
• A process where you need to ask for a discount if you can't afford the full price. This is sometimes done through emails.

How much should a person pay?

Determining how much to pay is a personal decision. Here are some questions to consider:

• Do I have access to financial resources?
• Am I earning more than I need for basic living expenses?
• Do I come from a family with wealth or inheritances?
• Have I been affected by an economic crisis?

When more people pay what they can—whether it’s the full fee or a lower amount—the sliding scale model can keep going. Providers often depend on help from abortion funds and donations to cover the rest.

By paying what you can, you help make sure that providers can keep offering sliding scale options, making care accessible for everyone who needs it.

The “abortion pill” or "abortion with pills" is a modern and safe option for ending an early pregnancy. It’s also known as "medication abortion." It uses two types of pills: mifepristone and misoprostol, or just misoprostol if mifepristone isn’t available.

Method 1: Mifepristone + Misoprostol  

This is the most common method. 

To use these medications to end a pregnancy, mifepristone is taken first (swallowed with water). This pill blocks progesterone, a hormone the body needs to keep a pregnancy going. Without it, the embryo stops growing, and the lining of the uterus thins, making it hard for the embryo to stay.

Then, misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later (usually it is dissolved under the tongue or inside the cheeks). This pill makes the uterus contract, like it does during a period, miscarriage, or childbirth. These contractions help the body expel the pregnancy.

This method is very effective, with 95-98% success. It is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is the method offered by clinics like Planned Parenthood and recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Method 2: Misoprostol only

People  can also have an abortion using only misoprostol pills. This option is supported by the World Health Organization in places where mifepristone isn’t available. 

Misoprostol is taken in repeated doses over several hours. Usually it is dissolved under the tongue or inside the cheeks, but sometimes it is inserted in the vagina. Misoprostol makes the uterus contract, like it does during a period, miscarriage, or childbirth. These contractions help the body expel the pregnancy.

Using the misoprosol only method may be less effective and cause more side effects than using mifepristone plus misoprostol.

Both methods are safe and effective, and many people use them around the world. We provide information about both methods on this website (plancpills.org/protocol).

Yes and no. Abortion pills are prescription medications in the US. But, it is possible to get them from some places without a prescription. 

People can get a prescription for the pills from abortion clinics, telemedicine services, and some doctors' offices. Visit the state-by-state directory for more information.

Many people are also buying abortion pills online without a prescription. Some also find them in local shops or across the border in Mexico. When people get and use pills without talking to a medical provider, it's called "self-managed" abortion. It’s important to understand any legal risks involved (see below, "Can someone get in trouble for using abortion pills?").

Abortion pills are usually taken in the first 13-14 weeks of pregnancy. Many providers stick to a 12-week guideline, which is what the World Health Organization recommends.

We know people safely take abortion pills later in pregnancy. For questions about having an abortion after 13 or 14 weeks, contact the M+A Hotline or Reprocare. Community support networks can also help with information and support for taking pills after 13 weeks. You can also have an abortion procedure at a clinic after 13 weeks, and some groups can help with funding.

Here is some important information for people taking abortion pills after 12 weeks:

• This article from Ineedana describes how people take abortion pills after 12 weeks, which is different from how they take them before 12 weeks.
• Taking pills later in pregnancy can be more painful and might not work as well.
• The risk of complications goes up as the pregnancy continues.
• Legal risks can also be higher with later abortions. The Repro Legal Helpline can answer specific legal questions.

A pregnancy calculator [link] can help someone determine how many weeks pregnant they are, based on the first day of their last regular period. If they don’t know that date or if their periods are irregular, they might need an ultrasound or pelvic exam to find out how far along they are.

Abortion pills can cost anywhere from $40 to $600 or more, depending on where someone gets them.

• Ordering online by using telehealth usually costs $150 or less.
• Getting them at a clinic averages around $600.

Many places accept insurance or Medicaid, and some offer discounts (even free) for people who can’t pay: just ask.

No, it’s not the same. Plan B is emergency contraception that can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex if birth control fails or isn’t available. It prevents pregnancy.

Plan C refers to abortion pills (Mifepristone + Misoprostol) that can be taken after a missed period, recommended up to 13 weeks of pregnancy.

We believe everyone should have access to all the options:

• Plan A: Birth control to prevent pregnancy.
• Plan B: Emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.
• Plan C: Abortion pills to end a pregnancy.

• Find clear instructions in English for how to take the pills here (and in Spanish here)
• HowToUseAbortionPill.org offers instructions in 27 languages. The site also features a live chat for immediate support.

There are also many reliable resources for support: 

• The Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline provides instructions for taking the pills in English and Spanish, and they offer free confidential support over text or phone. 
• The Reprocare Healthline connects people with peer counselors and doulas who can support with finding and using the pills, as well as follow-up support.
• The Aya Contigo app provides live support. 

Our instructions in English and Spanish include information about  what to expect after taking abortion pills and when to seek additional care.

These are some common symptoms:

When taking abortion pills, common side effects include bleeding and cramping. This is normal and indicates that the pills are working. After taking the first pill (mifepristone), many people do not feel any symptoms. However, bleeding and cramping usually begin after taking the second set of pills (misoprostol).

• Bleeding: It may be heavier than your regular period.
• Cramping: This can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual and how far along the pregnancy is.

Other common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, and fever.

These are severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention:

• Bleeding that soaks through more than 2 maxi pads per hour for more than 2 hours in a row.
• Fever above 100.4°F for more than 24 hours.
• Fever above 102.2°F for any duration.

The M+A Hotline is a free confidential service with licensed clinicians who can answer medical questions about miscarriage and abortion.

How to prepare for taking the abortion pills: 

To get ready for taking abortion pills at home, abortionfinder.org recommends gathering these supplies beforehand. 

• A heating pad
• Comfortable clothes, including cozy underwear.
• Super absorbent maxi pads
• A blanket to keep warm
• Ice chips or popsicles to help with nausea.
• Easy-to-digest foods like plain crackers, white rice, bananas, broth, and plain white bread.
• Something to distract you, like movies, TV shows, magazines, coloring books, or video games.
• A friend or support person to help, if needed.

In the United States, there are two main ways people access abortion pills:

1. Licensed medical providers: Includes a medical screening by a doctor or nurse, which can be in person at a clinic or through an online telehealth service. The pills are used at home.

Here are some examples of medically-supported access:

• Abortion on Demand
• carafem
• Just the Pill
• Hey Jane
• Forward Midwifery
• Full Circle Healthcare
• Metro Area Advance Practice Clinicians
• Pills by Post
• Planned Parenthood
• Aid Access
• Your family doctor

2. Alternative suppliers: This method does not involve a consultation with a medical professional. People obtain the pills from websites that sell them, or through community networks that provide them. The pills are used at home.

Here are some examples of alternative access:

• Buying from websites that sell pills (online pharmacies).
• Getting pills through volunteer networks like DASH or Red State Access
• Purchasing from pharmacies in other countries without a prescription

Both methods are medically safe, but using alternative suppliers may carry some legal risks. For more information on legal considerations when using alternative suppliers or accessing pills in a state that restricts care, see our section "Can people get in trouble for using abortion pills?”

There are many free services that support people during their abortions. 

• The Miscarriage and Abortion (M+A) Hotline gives free, confidential medical information and support via phone and text. 
• The Reprocare Healthline offers emotional support and information about what to expect during a home abortion, also by phone or text. 
• Additionally, there are chatbots and apps, like Euki and the Aya Contigo, that can guide someone through the process.

Visit our support section below for more information.

• Research shows that hundreds of thousands of people have received and used pills by mail over the past few years with no legal problems. 
• But, in rare cases (less than 1%), people have gotten in legal trouble, even though most states don’t have laws against doing your own abortion.
• Legal risk can depend on where someone lives, their identity and how far along they are in pregnancy. Also know that even if something isn’t a crime, people can still be targeted by law enforcement. 

The Repro Legal Helpline provides free, confidential information that can help people better understand legal risk:

Ineedana.com also has a state legal directory:

Abortion pills are very safe. 

The chance of serious complications from an early abortion is very low. In fact, having an abortion is generally safer than continuing a pregnancy to term.

One of the potential risks is that the pills might not work and may not end the pregnancy, especially if taken later in the pregnancy. You can take a pregnancy test 3-4 weeks after taking the pills to check if it worked:

• If the test is positive, it’s important to seek follow-up care.
• Testing earlier than 3-4 weeks may give a false positive because pregnancy hormones take time to leave the body.

After taking the pills, most people notice that their pregnancy symptoms go away, which is a sign they are no longer pregnant.

Abortion pills also are not effective if someone has anectopic or tubal pregnancy, which is rare (about 2 out of every 100 pregnancies). Ectopic pregnancies can lead to serious health problems, so it’s important to:

• Get immediate care if you have ongoing signs or symptoms of pregnancy after the abortion. Common signs of ectopic pregnancy include severe and increasing pain in the abdomen, especially on one side.
• Always take a pregnancy test 3-4 weeks after using the pills.
• Seek medical help immediately if the test is positive.

Some states require that parents be notified or give consent for a minor to get an abortion. Abortion providers can help people understand the law in their state and how parental notification or consent works. 

Minors who do not feel comfortable or safe involving a parent or guardian in the decision to have an abortion have two options:

1. Request service from a provider (like Aid Access) who offers telehealth from a state with protective “shield laws.” They can help minors without needing parental consent or notification.
2. Obtain a judicial bypass, which is permission from a judge. This process is free but can be complicated and may take 1-3 weeks. It involves going to court to fill out forms and meeting with a judge. Organizations like If/When/How, the ACLU, and Jane’s Due Process can assist.

Misinformation about abortion is common online, and it can be confusing. Here are two tactics to watch out for:

1. Abortion pill “reversal”  

Claims about reversing an abortion are false. You cannot “reverse” an abortion. Learn more from this resource created by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

2. Fake abortion clinics

These are often called "pregnancy centers" or "crisis pregnancy centers." They may look like real clinics but can mislead people who are seeking abortion care, delaying access to real care. 

The online Clinic Checker will help you check if a clinic is legitimate.

ReproAction also manages a database of Anti-Abortion clinics.