Telehealth Visit
For Abortion Pills

The abortion pill is very safe. It has been used safely in the U.S. for more than 20 years. Serious problems are rare, but like all medical procedures, there can be some risks. These can include:

• the abortion pills don’t work and the pregnancy doesn’t end

• some of the pregnancy tissue is left in your uterus

• blood clots in your uterus

• bleeding too much or too long

• infection

• allergic reaction to one of the medicines  

These problems aren’t common. And if they do happen, they’re usually easy to take care of with medication or other treatments. 

The abortion pill is very effective. The effectiveness depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy when you take the medicine.

• For people who are 8 weeks pregnant or less, it works about 94-98 out of 100 times.
• For people who are 8-9 weeks pregnant, it works about 94-96 out of 100 times.
• For people who are 9-10 weeks pregnant, it works about 91-93 out of 100 times. If you're given an extra dose of medicine, it works about 99 out of 100 times.
• For people who are 10-11 weeks pregnant, it works about 87 out of 100 times. If you're given an extra dose of medicine, it works about 98 out of 100 times.

The abortion pill usually works, but if it doesn’t, you can take more medicine or have an in-clinic abortion to complete the abortion.

For most people, cramping and bleeding usually starts 1-4 hours after taking the misoprostol. It’s normal to see large blood clots (up to the size of a lemon) or clumps of tissue when this is happening. It’s kind of like having a really heavy, crampy period, and the process is very similar to an early miscarriage. 

The cramping and bleeding can last for several hours. Most people finish passing the pregnancy tissue in 4-5 hours, but it may take longer. The cramping and bleeding slows down after the pregnancy tissue comes out. You may have cramping on and off for 1 or 2 more days.

You may feel tired or crampy for a day or so, and you’ll have bleeding and spotting for a while. Most people go back to normal activities the day after a medication abortion.

How you feel during and after taking the abortion pill varies from person to person. On the day you take your second medicine, plan on resting and being in a comfortable place. You may feel tired for 1 or 2 days after, but you should be back to normal soon.  

After your abortion is complete, cramping and bleeding should lighten up as the hours and days go by. You may also have tender breasts, and they may leak a milky discharge. 

Any chills, fevers, or nausea you have should go away pretty quickly. Call your doctor or health center right away if you have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever for more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol (the second set of pills). It could be a sign of an infection.

The abortion pill is only recommended for people who are 11 weeks pregnant or less. Planned Parenthood will not be able to prescribe you the abortion pill if you're more than 11 weeks or 77 days pregnant. 

After 11 weeks, there’s a bigger chance that the abortion pills won't work and an increased chance of stronger bleeding or cramps. 

A telehealth visit for abortion pills costs $555.00 at Planned Parenthood of Northern New England. This price includes everything: the virtual visit, the cost to mail the medication, and the medication itself. Funding is available if you cannot afford the cost. Ask about the Laura Fund when booking your appointment at 866-476-1321.

At this time, PPNNE can only accept insurance from Maine Medicaid or Vermont Medicaid. 

If our staff determine the abortion pill is safe for you, we will immediately ship your medication and instructions. It will take between 3 and 5 business days to arrive. Call us if it's been more than 5 business days and you have not received your medication.

No. Our logo and name are not on the packing. Your abortion pills will arrive in an unmarked package that only has a return address.