How early can you get an abortion?

Discovering an unexpected pregnancy can bring a mix of emotions and questions. If you’ve missed your period, or have been...

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Dec 5, 2024 - 16:09
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How early can you get an abortion?


Discovering an unexpected pregnancy can bring a mix of emotions and questions. If you’ve missed your period, or have been experiencing early pregnancy symptoms, it’s completely normal to feel anxious. If you’re considering an abortion and wondering how soon you can get one, we’re here to provide compassionate, easy-to-understand guidance to help you make the best decision for you.

How soon can you get an abortion?

At carafem, an early abortion can be provided as soon as you’ve had a positive pregnancy test. For most people, this happens within a few days of a missed period, or in as little as 4 weeks of pregnancy. carafem provides responsive, supportive, early abortion care without unnecessary waiting. Remember, if you aren’t sure if you are pregnant, and it’s within 5 days of having unprotected sex, carafem can help you look into emergency contraception.

If abortion is legal and unrestricted in your state, you can contact your nearest provider for an in­ office appointment or get in touch with a provider like carafem who can provide both at-home abortion care online and in-office care. If your state has strict abortion restrictions you may consider traveling for abortion care, and carafem can help you to take advantage of financial assistance programs that may help you cover the cost of an out-of-state abortion.

Some people know right away that an abortion is their best option when facing an unexpected pregnancy. carafem believes that you know what’s best for your life, your future, and your family, and you should be able to receive the abortion care you need, when you want it, without having to wait.

Figure out if you are pregnant as soon as you can.

An important step to begin the process of getting an abortion is to first confirm that you are pregnant. The earlier you know, the more options you will have when choosing abortion care. So if you think you might be pregnant, you should first take a pregnancy test. More expensive tests are not any better than cheap ones, which are often as good as pregnancy tests you’d receive through a medical provider.

  • Timing: At-home pregnancy tests can often detect a pregnancy in as little as 10 -14 days after unprotected sex.  A negative pregnancy test is definitive at 21 days. For the best results, you may want to wait at least one week after your missed period to take the test.
  • Morning Testing: It’s best to take your pregnancy test first thing in the morning when your urine is more concentrated and can provide more reliable results.
  • Follow Instructions Carefully: Make sure you read and follow the directions carefully for your pregnancy test. It’s important to look at the results exactly at the time the instructions say to check.

Some pregnancy tests are sensitive enough to detect pregnancy even before a missed period. If you choose to test early, make sure you follow the instructions closely and that you understand how to read the results. For more detailed information on when to take a pregnancy test, check out our guide here.

Other questions to consider for early abortion care.

You can take a pregnancy test as early as 10 – 14 days after unprotected sex, but testing one week after your missed period will yield more accurate results. This allows time for the pregnancy hormone hCG to reach detectable levels in your urine.

Yes, having an abortion early in pregnancy is safe. In fact, early abortions generally have fewer risks and can be simpler procedures compared to those performed later. Our medical team ensures all safety protocols are followed to provide you with the highest standard of care whether you come in for an in-office procedure or choose to receive at home care.

Parental consent laws vary by state. Some states require parental consent or notification for minors seeking abortion care, while others do not. We can help you understand the laws specific to your state when you contact us.

Your privacy is our priority. We offer confidential services, and you are not required to inform anyone unless you choose to. Our telehealth services provide an additional layer of privacy by allowing you to receive care at home.

Understanding your options.

At carafem, we offer responsive, supportive early abortion care both in-person at our three locations, and through telehealth services in 15 states. We are here for you as soon as you know you are pregnant.

Abortion Pills by Mail

  • Eligibility: Up to 11 weeks from the first day of your last period in the 15 states where we provide online care.
  • Convenience: Receive care from the comfort and privacy of your home.
  • Process: After a virtual consultation, we discreetly mail the abortion pills to you within 1-4 days.
  • Support: Access to our team for any questions or concerns via phone or secure messaging.

In-office Abortion Pill Appointments

  • Eligibility: Up to 11 weeks from the first day of your last period.
  • Availability: Offered at all our health centers and online in 15 states (and growing).
  • Process: Involves a personal meeting with a clinician in one of our clinics, and pregnancy test and taking FDA-approved medication to safely end an early pregnancy at home.
  • Support: We provide comprehensive instructions through our virtual care assistant and are available to answer any questions throughout the process.

In-Office Procedure

  • Eligibility: Up to 13 weeks from the first day of your last period in Washington, DC and Chicago metro areas. Up to 6 weeks in Atlanta.
  • What to Expect: A safe, simple procedure performed by our compassionate medical professionals in a supportive environment.
  • Duration: The procedure itself takes about 5-10 minutes, with the entire visit typically lasting about an hour.

We’re here when you’re ready.

Deciding to have an abortion is a personal choice, and we’re committed to making sure you have access to safe, compassionate care when you need it. If you’re ready to take the next step or simply want to discuss your options, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Remember, you are not alone. We’re here to support you with respect and understanding, every step of the way.

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