If you have access to an Illinois or a Minnesota address, you can legally obtain pills through telehealth services in Illinois or telehealth services in Minnesota. Pills obtained through telehealth are generally less expensive, costing typically between $110-400. Clinics in IL and MN will not send pills to Wisconsin addresses.

First Step

The first step is to call and schedule your first appointment. The clinic will do their best to schedule your appointments as quickly as possible.

​When you arrive at the clinic you may need to show a photo ID (a driver’s license, school ID, passport, or identification card from your country of origin will work). Immigration status does not have to be disclosed to enter the clinic and will remain confidential, along with all health information.

If you are a teen

As of June 1, 2022, Illinois no longer requires parental consent for a teen to get an abortion. As of fall 2022, Minnesota no longer requires parental notification for a teen to get an abortion.

Paying for a pill abortion

​If you cannot afford the full cost of an abortion, there are national and state abortion funds that can help. It is important that you tell clinic staff that you need funding assistance. Inform them when you call and again at your appointment that you need funding assistance.

If you live in northwestern Wisconsin and cannot afford the full cost of an abortion, you can contact the Options Fund directly for possible assistance. If you live in north-central or northeastern Wisconsin, you can contact the Freedom Fund directly for possible assistance. Fund payments are made to clinics directly. If you are an indigenous pregnant person, you can contact Indigenous Women Rising directly for possible assistance.

Some private insurance companies cover all or part of the cost for an abortion. The clinic can help you determine how much, if any, services are covered.

In-person visit

If you decide to proceed with a pill abortion, you will be asked to complete a health history and have your blood tested for iron count and Rh type. The in-person visit is when you receive the abortion pills. The clinician will give you two different types of pills that work together to help your body release the pregnancy. The first abortion pill is called Mifepristone (Mifeprex). This pill begins blocking a pregnancy hormone and starts the abortion process. 200mg of this pill is taken by mouth and typically does not cause any noticeable symptoms. The second abortion pill is called Misoprostol and you will be asked to take these at home.

At home

Four Misoprostol pills (800 mcg) are taken at the same time within 48 hours after you took the first abortion pill in the clinic. You will be instructed to let the pills dissolve in your mouth along your gums and cheek, or to insert them into your vagina. Some clinics give you four more Misoprostol pills to take again four hours later.

After taking the Misoprostol, you can expect cramping and bleeding lasting 2-6 hours. If your pregnancy is very early, these effects may take longer to start, and you may experience minimal bleeding and very manageable cramping. If your pregnancy is further along, the effects of misoprostol may start sooner and your bleeding and cramping may be very intense. You may also experience nausea and shakes during the peak of cramping.

You may feel reassured by having a support person with you, at least when cramping and bleeding begin. Feel free to contact POWERS if you would like help in finding an abortion doula. Some people use comfort strategies such as breathing relaxation techniques, guided imagery, music, bathing, a heating pad, and/or the medications discussed below. Your clinic is available 24/7 to offer reassurance and advice.

Pregnancy tissue usually passes within 12 hours but can take up to 24. After the tissue passes (often in the toilet), bleeding and cramping decrease, and normal period-like bleeding can continue for up to two weeks. Your abortion fee includes a follow-up clinic appointment about two weeks after the abortion. This visit may be done at any Planned Parenthood clinic.

Comfort Medications

The clinic will give you Ibuprofen and Promethazine to take home. These common medications offer effective relief for cramping, nausea and pain.

Be sure to share any questions, requests, or concerns you have around support needs or medications with clinic staff.

How do I choose between pill and in-clinic abortion?

How far along is your pregnancy?

An in-clinic abortion is available in Illinois up to 23 weeks +6 days and in Minnesota up to 21 weeks +6 days. Pill abortion via clinic care is available up to 11 weeks from your last period (this means 9 weeks from conception). In Minnesota, pill abortion is available up to 9 weeks from your last period at the Robbinsdale Clinic, and up to 10 or 11 weeks from your last period at other clinics. In Illinois, pill abortion is available up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period at the American Women’s Medical Center, and up to 11 weeks from your last menstrual period at the other clinics. Aid Access is available to anyone in any state and offers pill abortion up to 12 weeks from your last menstrual period. If you know the first day of your last period, you can calculate your weeks using an online pregnancy calculator.

If you don’t know how far along your pregnancy is before scheduling your clinic appointment, you may want to arrange an ultrasound for dating in Wisconsin first. This can be done at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin or through your usual healthcare provider. The ultrasound will determine your pregnancy weeks and help your decision-making around pregnancy and abortion options.

Is location a concern?

Some people choose in-clinic abortion because they feel most comfortable and safe in a clinical setting, with doctors and nurses present.  Pill abortion typically takes place in a person’s own home with the support of a doula, friend, and/or partner.

Is time a concern?

Some people choose in-clinic abortion because they need to know that their abortion will be completed when they leave the clinic. Pill abortion is a more body-led process that can take up to 24 hours. Some people need or prefer the more controlled medical procedure of in-clinic abortion.

Health and safety concerns

Both in-clinic and pill abortion are safe, common, and effective ways to end a pregnancy. They do not increase any health or fertility risks, or lessen your ability to carry a future pregnancy to term. There can be individual home or health circumstances that may make one type of abortion a better option for you, so be sure to share all important details with clinic staff and let them know about any concerns you have.