Abortion

We offer both procedural (in-clinic) abortions and medication abortions (the abortion pill) to patients at certain health centers.  Our team is available to answer your questions and to connect you to resources to support your needs. 

What is abortion? 

Medication abortion, also known as "the abortion pill", is a method of using two medicines to end a pregnancy before 84-days gestation. Mifepristone is the first pill taken in the health center that starts the abortion process by stopping the pregnancy hormone called progesterone from supporting the pregnancy.  

The second medicine, misoprostol, opens the cervix and makes the uterus contract. This medication is taken 24-48 hours after the first pill and helps to empty the uterus, completing the process. 

In-clinic abortion is done at the health center by using suction to take the pregnancy out of the uterus.  You may also need a combination of pills, surgical tools, and/or dilators to open your cervix and take the pregnancy out of the uterus depending on how long you have been pregnant. We determine how long a person is pregnant by counting from the first day of the last period or by doing an ultrasound.    

Do I need anyone else’s consent to make an appointment or have an abortion? 

In Utah, if you are under 18, you will need a parent or legal guardian to provide written consent for your abortion. There is a process called Judicial Bypass where you can start and complete the abortion process without your parent’s consent involving a court, but, by law, parents will also be notified a minimum of 24 hours before the procedure date.

How well does abortion work? 

In-clinic abortion almost always works – over 99% of the time.   

Medication abortion is 94% to 99% effective when using mifepristone and misoprostol. Medication abortion has a better chance of working, if you are earlier in your pregnancy. The chart below shows the effective rates based on weeks of pregnancy.

Can I change my mind once I get to the office and have an ultrasound? 

YES! No one should feel forced to have any medical procedure they don't want to. Planned Parenthood is here to support you in whatever decision or timeline is best for you, and our staff is available to talk with you about your decision.  

How long will I be at the health center? 

The process to provide patients medication abortion is about three to four hours from check in to check out. This includes completing paperwork, medical history review, ultrasound, reviewing your options and decision, lab work, exam, and providing the medication.  

While the in-clinic abortion procedure itself takes about 10-15 minutes, the process to complete your care is three to four hours from check in to check out. This includes completing paperwork, medical history review, ultrasound, reviewing your options and decision, lab work, exam, procedure, and the recovery period after the procedure.   

Some of that total time will be spent waiting, so you may want to bring something to read or listen to using headphones.   

Can I bring my child/children or a support person to my appointment? 

Due to the nature of the clinic environment, children are not allowed at our abortion clinics. A support person is welcome to come with with you to your appointment.  

Will I be given pain medication during my abortion? 

For a medication abortion, over the counter medication such as ibuprofen is the best way to manage discomfort.  

For an in-clinic abortion, there are several things to consider when choosing pain control for your procedure. The first is how many weeks pregnant you are. If it has been15 weeks or more since the first day of your last menstrual period, you will receive IV (intravenous) pain medication. If it has been less than 15 weeks since your last menstrual period, you have three options. The following chart can help you compare the advantages and disadvantages of the three options available. Please be sure to ask all your questions about pain control. We want you to be comfortable with your choices.

When can I return to my normal activities after an abortion? 

After a medication abortion, plan on relaxing for the rest of the day after the abortion is complete. Most people return to their normal activities the next day, but do NOT do hard work or heavy exercise for several days.    

You can have sex as soon as you feel ready. You can get pregnant again within two weeks of the abortion, so you should start your birth control as you were instructed. We can talk to you at your appointment about your birth control options.     

After an in-clinic abortion, plan on relaxing for the rest of the day. Most people return to their normal activities the next day. You can exercise when you feel ready. Fill and take any prescriptions you may have been given for antibiotics, birth control, or other medicine.   

If you received sedation during the procedure, do not operate heavy machinery (like a car, truck, or motorized bike) or make important decisions for at least 24 hours after receiving the medication, as it takes some time for your body to fully process the drugs.   

You can have sex as soon as you feel ready. You can get pregnant again within two weeks of the in-clinic abortion, so you should start your birth control as you were told by the clinic staff. We can talk to you at your appointment about your birth control options. 

What if I have questions after I leave the health center? 

Most people have no problems after having a medication or in-clinic abortion, but we will provide you with printed information to help you remember what we tell you. You will also receive a number to call in case you have questions or concerns.