Do I need an abortion?

You may not need an abortion because you may not be pregnant yet. Many people confuse the abortion pill and the morning after pill. These two pills are designed to perform two completely different functions.

The morning after pill, commonly known as Ella, Plan B One Step or a contraceptive pill regimen, is a form of emergency contraception intended to be used BEFORE a pregnancy can occur. Emergency contraception is typically taken within hours or days of unprotected intercourse. Plan B One Step is available over the counter at local pharmacies in the Bay Area including Walgreens Pharmacy and CVS Pharmacy. Ella and abortion pill regimens require a prescription.

The abortion pill, commonly known as RU-486, intended to be used AFTER a pregnancy has occurred. While it sounds like just one pill, the abortion pill is a two-pill regimen designed to end a confirmed pregnancy. In California, the abortion pill, sometimes referred to as a medical abortion, requires a prescription and must be dispensed at a licensed medical facility.

So, if you recently had unprotected intercourse and you think you may be pregnant, you may actually be looking for the morning after pill, not the abortion pill. If you have missed a period, suspect you are pregnant, or had a positive home pregnancy test, you may be pregnant. There are many reasons why it may seem like you are pregnant but may not be.  The first step is to confirm if you are pregnant.

If you are considering an abortion, you need an ultrasound because your pregnancy and abortion options depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Why do I need an ultrasound?

An ultrasound helps you to know the facts about your body and can help determine if you are actually pregnant. You may not even need an abortion. For example, if the fetus is not viable, you may experience a miscarriage soon. Or, if you have an ectopic pregnancy, you may require a different medical procedure.

Support Circle can provide you with a lab grade pregnancy test. If you are at least six weeks along, you may receive an ultrasound at no cost. If you are considering abortion, you will need an official pregnancy verification and dating of your pregnancy before getting an abortion.

How much does an abortion cost?
Some women qualify for abortion services at no cost through Medi-Cal. If you do not qualify for Medi-Cal or have medical insurance that covers abortion, you may be required to pay out-of-pocket. In the Bay Area, the cost of abortion ranges from approximately $500 – $2,500.

Depending on the clinic and provider you select and how far along you are in your pregnancy, abortion rates may vary. Support Circle is able to provide you with a free ultrasound and can help to date your pregnancy at each of our Bay Area medical clinics.