Salem State Health Services is proud to offer medication abortion. It is a safe and effective process in which two different medicines are taken to end a pregnancy. It is available up to 11 weeks (77 days) from the first day of your last period. The first medication (mifepristone) blocks the hormones necessary for a pregnancy to grow; this ends the pregnancy. The second medication (misoprostol) makes your uterus contract and empty; this is similar to a miscarriage. The abortion happens in the privacy of your home over the course of a few days.
During your first appointment we will review your medical history, answer all of your questions, teach you how to take care of yourself during your abortion, and provide your medications. Depending on your situation, you may also have an ultrasound or a blood test.
One to two weeks after you pass the pregnancy at home, you can choose between a phone follow-up or an in-clinic follow up.
Estimated Gestational Age (EGA) Calculator
- Enter the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) to see whether your options include at-home medication abortion, in-clinic abortion procedure, or both. Salem State currently offers medication abortion until 11 weeks of pregnancy. If you are more than 11 weeks pregnancy, we encourage you to still schedule an appointment with us so that we can quickly help connect you to a provider who can help.
- Please note that this calculator is for information use only. The best way to accurately date your pregnancy is by seeing a trained medical provider.
- Note, if you do not know the date of your last menstrual period, please schedule an appointment so we can further evaluate you to determine an estimated gestational age, which will likely include an ultrasound.
- MD Calc Estimated Gestational Age Calculator
- Chose Last Menstrual period
- Fill in your average cycle length
- Complete the date by entering the FIRST day of your last menstrual period (LMP).
Medication Abortion Process
Step One: First Appointment
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During your first visit we'll confirm the date of your pregnancy, go over the medication abortion process, answer any questions, and offer non-judgemental and confidential support to help make your experience as comfortable as possible. Some patients may need an ultrasound or blood test.
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If you do not want to become pregnant again soon, our staff can help you choose a birth control method and discuss when to start the method you chose. Some birth control methods can be started at your abortion appointment.
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You will take two different medications as part of the medication abortion. We will give you both of your medications at your first appointment. You can choose to take the first medication, mifepristone, in the office or at home when you're ready. Most people have no side effects from this first medication.
Step Two: Passing the Pregnancy
- The second medication, misoprostol, is taken at home 12-48 hours later (these pills are usually placed between your cheek and gum for 30 minutes or placed in the vagina). Misoprostol causes cramping and bleeding, which empties your uterus and helps you pass the pregnancy through the vagina.
- The cramping and bleeding can be intense and last up to 12 hours, so we recommend planning ahead to make sure you will be someplace safe where you have access to a bathroom and will be able to rest. For most people, the process takes around 5 hours, but it can take up to 12 hours for some. The medication abortion process feels similar to an early miscarriage. It's normal to have cramping and bleeding and to pass clots and tissues, like a heavy period. You may also experience an upset stomach, diarrhea, dizziness, and a mild fever.
- You might also have mild cramping for a few days after, but that normally isn't enough to prevent people from going back to work or school.
Step Three: Follow-up Appointment
- After you pass the pregnancy, you'll have a follow-up appointment to confirm the abortion is complete. You can choose a telehealth follow-up or an in-clinic follow up.
What you should know before your appointment
- Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork
- If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, call 978-542-6413 as soon as possible so we can give your appointment slot to another patient.
- Bring your insurance card and ClipperCard. If you are bringing a guest, they must bring their ClipperCard or government-issued photo ID.
- You can come by yourself and drive yourself home. You are welcome to bring a friend if you would like. Your friend must present a government-issued photo ID and comply with clinic policies.
- If you are using insurance, confirm with us before your appointment that you're covered for abortion. This process can take several days so make sure we have your information as soon as possible after scheduling.
- If you have any questions, please call us at 978-542-6413.
Paying for your Abortion
- Please discuss payment for the procedure when you schedule the appointment. If you have questions about using insurance vs. not using insurance and your other options, please contact our medical biller at 978-542-7299.
- The discounted fee for self-pay patients $500. Unlike other clinics, there are no hidden fees or additional charges. Payment is due at your appointment.
- MassHealth Standard covers the full cost of abortion care and many people qualify for MassHealth while pregnant who might not otherwise qualify. If you are uninsured or underinsured, we have a relationship with an excellent organization who can speedily help you apply.
- Many insurance plans cover the cost of abortions, but not all. Insurance referrals and copays can vary. It is very helpful to provide your insurance information during scheduling so we can check your coverage as quickly as possible. It may take up to 2 business days to verify.
- If you need help paying for your abortion, we have relationships with several excellent organizations who help pay for abortions. Let us know right away and we can connect you.
Emergency Directions After your Appointment
- One of our providers is always available if you are having complications or have questions. Please call 978-542-6413 during business hours. If you have questions after business hours, please call the after hours phone number you are provided at your appointment.
- Please call us immediately if you are experiencing one of the following conditions:
- Heavy bleeding, for example, 2 maxi pads in 2 hours
- Abdominal pain or discomfort, weakness, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, with or without a fever, more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol (the second medication)
- Fever of 100.4°F or higher that lasts for more than 4 hours within several days of taking the first medication
Let us Help You
Questions about abortion? Need help with transportation to another clinic? Undecided about your pregnancy decision? Is there something specific we can do to make your visit better for you? Please give us a call, our friendly and highly trained staff are happy to help answer your questions and connect you to our deep pool of community resources.
Crisis Pregnancy Center (CPCs) Warning
CPCs are fake clinics. Although the right to abortion is protected in Massachusetts, there are still barriers to reproductive health access here at home, including more than 30 so-called "Crisis Pregnancy Centers," masquerading as alternatives to legitimate clinics. They often call themselves "pregnancy resource centers" or "pregnancy help centers."
According to warnings from the Attorney General and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health: "If you are pregnant and looking to understand your abortion options, you should consult with a licensed reproductive healthcare provider. CPCs do NOT provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare. CPCs are organizations that seek to prevent people from accessing abortion care."
Salem State is committed to compassionate, unbiased, evidence-based medical care. Please help spread the word to your communities to avoid CPCs.
To learn more about CPC tactics and how to tell if an organization offers legitimate care, check out this guide from MDPH. The Attorney General is also collecting complaints from people with negative experiences with CPCs, if you or someone you know would like to file a complaint against a CPC.