MEDICATION
ABORTION
Abortion Pill Available in Northampton, Massachusetts & Pittsfield, Massachusetts
WHAT IS MEDICATION ABORTION (ABORTION PILL)?
Medication abortion also known as the “abortion pill” 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. Depending on your situation, you may also have an ultrasound or blood test.
Tapestry is committed to providing excellent sexual and reproductive healthcare to everyone. We understand that not everyone who gets pregnant is a woman, so we are dedicated to using both gender-inclusive language and a gender-inclusive approach to abortion care. If you have questions or suggestions, please let us know.
THE PROCESS
During your first visit, we’ll confirm the date of your pregnancy, go over the medication abortion process, answer any questions, and offer non-judgmental and confidential support to help make your experience as comfortable as possible. Some patients may need an ultrasound or blood test.
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 choose. Some birth control methods can be started at your abortion appointment.
We will give you both of your medications. 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 the first medication.
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 tissue, like a heavy period. You may also have 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.
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 the Northampton ((413) 586-2539) or Pittsfield ((413) 443-2844) clinics as soon as possible so we can give your appointment slot to another patient.
- Bring your insurance card, and a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a license or passport). If you don’t have a photo ID, please let us know as soon as possible so we can help come up with a solution.
- 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 the Northampton ((413) 586-2539) or Pittsfield ((413) 443-2844) clinics.
ABORTION OPTIONS AND ELIGIBILITY
Abortion Options
During the first 11 weeks of pregnancy, you have two options for how you can experience abortion. You can choose to have a medication abortion or an in-clinic abortion procedure.
Some people prefer a medication abortion because the abortion experience takes place in the privacy of their own space, and they can be supported by a friend or family member during the process. Others prefer an in-clinic abortion procedure because the abortion is over by the time they leave the medical office.
We provide medication abortion, and can refer you to another provider for in-clinic abortion.
MEDICATION ABORTION ELIGIBILITY
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. Tapestry currently offers medication abortion until 11 weeks of pregnancy. If you are more than 11 weeks pregnant, we encourage you to visit www.ineedana.com to find health centers near you that provide in-clinic abortion procedures.
Please note that this calculator is for informational use only. The best way to accurately date your pregnancy is by seeing a trained medical provider.
LMP Calculator
Tapestry currently offers medication abortion until 11 weeks of pregnancy. If you are more than 11 weeks pregnant, we encourage you to visit I Need An A.Com to find health centers near you who provide in-clinic abortion procedures.
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.
Please note that this calculator is for informational use only. The best way to accurately date your pregnancy is by seeing a trained medical provider.
Enter the first day of your last period to see your options.
PAYING FOR MEDICATION ABORTION
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 that can speedily help you apply.
Many insurance plans cover the cost of abortions, but not all. Insurance referrals and copays can also 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.
Unlike other clinics, there are no hidden fees or additional charges. Payment is due at your appointment.
If you need help paying for your abortion, we have relationships with several excellent organizations that help pay for abortions.
Let us know right away and we can connect you.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
- Heavy bleeding, for example, 2 maxi pads in 2 hours
- Abdominal pain or discomfort, weakness, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, with or without fever, more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol
- 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 the 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 CENTERS SEEK TO PREVENT ACCESS TO ABORTION
If you’re pregnant and looking to understand your options, know that Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) do NOT offer abortions, abortion referrals, or comprehensive reproductive healthcare.
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” (CPCs) masquerading as alternatives to legitimate clinics.
