James Carter

If you are considering medication abortion—commonly known as the abortion pill—you likely have questions about how it works, what to expect, and how to access safe, confidential care. At Serenity Choice Health in Matteson, Illinois, we are here to provide the answers you need and the support you deserve. This guide explains everything you should know about medication abortion, from the step-by-step process to recovery and aftercare. Our goal is to ensure you have accurate, evidence-based information so you can make decisions with confidence. What Is Medication Abortion? Medication abortion is a safe and effective method for ending an early pregnancy using FDA-approved medications. Unlike procedural abortion, which is performed in a clinic, medication abortion allows you to complete the process in the privacy and comfort of your own home while remaining connected to medical support from licensed providers. This method is available for pregnancies up to 12 weeks and is used by millions of people worldwide. The abortion pill has been FDA-approved in the United States since 2000 and has an excellent safety record. If you are interested in this option, you can order the abortion pill online through our secure platform. How the Abortion Pill Works The medication abortion process involves two medications taken in sequence. Understanding how each medication works can help you feel more prepared and informed. Step 1: Mifepristone The first medication, mifepristone, works by blocking progesterone—a hormone that pregnancy requires to continue. Without progesterone, the uterine lining breaks down, and the pregnancy cannot progress. Mifepristone is typically taken at our clinic during an in-person visit or under the guidance of a provider during a telehealth abortion consultation . This medication is generally well-tolerated, and most people do not experience immediate side effects. Step 2: Misoprostol Approximately 24 to 48 hours after taking mifepristone, you will take the second medication, misoprostol. This medication causes the uterus to contract and expel pregnancy tissue, resulting in cramping and bleeding similar to a heavy menstrual period or early miscarriage. Most people pass the pregnancy within 4 to 6 hours of taking misoprostol, though timing can vary from person to person. Your provider remains available throughout the process for questions, guidance, and follow-up care. Eligibility for Medication Abortion Not everyone is eligible for medication abortion. During your consultation, your provider will conduct a thorough medical screening to ensure this method is safe for you. Generally, you may be eligible if you: Are 12 weeks pregnant or less Do not have certain medical conditions that could complicate medication abortion Are not taking medications that could interact with the abortion pills Are comfortable completing the process at home with medical support If you are unsure about your eligibility, you can schedule an in-person visit to discuss your specific situation with a licensed provider. What to Expect Physically Understanding what your body will experience can help you prepare and reduce anxiety. Here is what most patients can expect during a medication abortion: After Taking Misoprostol Cramping: Moderate to strong cramping is normal as the uterus contracts. This is a sign the medication is working. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort. Bleeding: Heavy bleeding with clots is typical for several hours. You will want to have heavy-duty pads available. Passing Tissue: It is normal to pass pregnancy tissue and blood clots. This is how the body completes the abortion. Other Sensations: Some people experience nausea, fatigue, or a mild fever temporarily. These side effects generally resolve within 24 hours. Recovery Timeline First 24 Hours: Bleeding is typically heaviest during this time. Rest and stay hydrated. Days 2-7: Bleeding usually becomes lighter, similar to a period. Light spotting may continue. Week 2 and Beyond: Spotting may continue for one to two weeks. Your next period typically returns within 4-6 weeks. Safety and Effectiveness How Effective Is the Abortion Pill? When taken as directed, medication abortion is highly effective, working in approximately 98% of cases for pregnancies up to 10-12 weeks. In the rare instance—about 2-5% of cases—that the medication does not fully complete the abortion, a follow-up dose or a quick in-clinic procedure may be recommended. Our team will be there to support you through every step. Is the Abortion Pill Safe? Yes, the abortion pill is extremely safe. It has been used by millions of people worldwide for over 20 years. Serious complications are rare, occurring in less than 1% of cases. When complications do arise, they are typically manageable with medical support. Will It Affect Future Fertility? No. Using the abortion pill does not impact your ability to become pregnant in the future. Fertility typically returns very quickly, often within a few weeks after the abortion. When you are ready to grow your family, you can still have a healthy pregnancy. Telehealth Abortion: An Alternative Way to Access Care For patients who prefer to receive care from home, abortion care via telemedicine offers a convenient and confidential option. Eligible patients in Illinois and New York can complete their entire consultation virtually, with medications shipped discreetly to their door. How Telehealth Abortion Works Schedule a Virtual Appointment: Book a confidential video or phone consultation at a time that works for you. Meet with a Provider: During your 20-30 minute virtual visit, a licensed provider reviews your medical history and confirms eligibility. Receive Medications: If approved, FDA-approved pills are shipped discreetly to your home. Ongoing Support: Your provider remains available throughout the process for questions and follow-up. Benefits of Telehealth No travel required Complete privacy from home Flexible appointment scheduling Same medical standards as in-person care In-Clinic Options: When You Prefer In-Person Care For patients who prefer face-to-face care or need same-day medication pickup, our Matteson clinic offers welcoming, private in-person services. Located at 600 Towncenter Road Suite 501, our clinic provides a calm environment with supportive medical staff. You can book an appointment at our abortion clinic for personalized care. Financial Accessibility Transparent Pricing We believe healthcare costs should be clear and upfront. Our complete medication abortion package—including consultation, medications, follow-up pregnancy test, and ongoing provider support—is available for a flat rate of $400 with no hidden fees. Insurance and Medicaid Illinois Medicaid: Patients with active Illinois Medicaid can receive abortion services at no cost. Our team assists with benefit verification. Insurance Plans: We accept most major insurance plans. Contact us to verify your coverage. Financial Assistance For patients needing additional support, we collaborate with trusted organizations that provide financial assistance for abortion care. Our staff can connect you with these resources. Frequently Asked Questions How do I know if the abortion pill worked? Most people know the abortion is complete when they experience significant bleeding and cramping followed by a decrease in pregnancy symptoms. However, we recommend following up with your provider as instructed. This may include a follow-up phone call, a pregnancy test, or in some cases, an ultrasound to confirm completion. What is the difference between the abortion pill and Plan B? Emergency contraception (like Plan B) is taken within a few days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy from occurring. The abortion pill is used to end an existing pregnancy. They are completely different medications used for different purposes. Do I need an ultrasound? Not everyone needs an ultrasound. However, your provider may recommend one to confirm how far along the pregnancy is or to rule out an ectopic pregnancy, which cannot be treated with medication abortion. When should I contact my provider? You should reach out if you experience: Soaking through two or more heavy pads per hour for two consecutive hours Severe pain not relieved by medication Fever lasting more than 24 hours No bleeding within 24 hours of taking misoprostol Why Patients Choose Serenity Choice Health Compassionate, Judgment-Free Care We understand how personal this journey is. Our team provides care that respects your privacy, protects your dignity, and gives you the freedom to make informed decisions on your own terms. You will never be judged, pressured, or made to feel uncomfortable. Experienced Providers With over 10 years of experience serving patients from Illinois and Indiana, our board-certified Nurse Practitioners combine medical excellence with genuine compassion. Flexible Options Whether you prefer the privacy of medication abortion at home, the convenience of virtual abortion services , or the support of in-person abortion care , we have an option that fits your life. Take the Next Step Making decisions about your reproductive health is deeply personal. At Serenity Choice Health, our role is to provide the medical expertise, compassionate support, and respectful care you need to make that choice with confidence. Visit Serenity Choice Health to schedule your confidential appointment today. For immediate assistance or questions, call us at (307) 206-0884 . Our friendly staff is available during business hours to help. Serenity Choice Health 600 Towncenter Road Suite 501 Matteson, IL 60443 Phone: (307) 206-0884 Email: info@serenitychoicehealth.com Website: https://serenitychoicehealth.com Hours: Monday-Friday: 9 AM to 9 PM (CST) | Saturday-Sunday: 10 AM to 6 PM (CST)