At ineedana.com, our mission is design and build tech that helps people who need abortions in the United States.

Since 2016, we’ve worked to build better tools for people who need abortions. This election doesn’t change that. A lot remains unknown about what will happen in 2025, but we know for sure:

People in every state will keep needing abortions and they will always have options.

We will continue to track how people are getting abortions and share that data. We will continue to design and build new and better ways for people to understand and compare all of their options. We will help them confidently decide on the best abortion for them (be it pills by mail or an in-clinic abortion). We will help them seamlessly navigate the logistics of abortion access, no matter what chaos and confusion the future brings.

Different people will have different needs for their abortions. Many people will want to and benefit from talking to trusted experts about their personal situation.

We will build new tools so people can connect with experts at hotlines like M+A Hotline and Repro Legal Helpline quickly, more securely, and with fewer phone calls directly on ineedana.com.

People living in the most restricted states will need trusted places to go for follow up care and legal miscarriage management.

We will expand our database of trusted providers in restricted states so people can safely access services like ultrasounds and avoid anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers.

The national network of grassroots support and clinics will continue to be innovative heroes and experts in helping their communities get the care they need.

We will improve the infrastructure that enables support organizations to share information with each other, empowering a more resilient and efficient grassroots network.

More work will be needed to fight censorship and make sure we're reaching abortion seekers when they need us most.

We will continue to invest in search engine advertising and optimization. We will also collaborate on educational campaigns like YouHaveOptions.com

By the end of November 2024, we will have helped more than 1.3 million unique users understand their abortion options.

At least one million people will need abortions in 2025. We're going to need *your* support to reach and serve them.

How you can help:

#1 Spread the word
Share ineedana.com with your loved ones and community so they know #YouAlwaysHaveOptions. We've got graphics and swag to help.

#2 Make an abortion plan with ineedana.com and keep it up to date!
Check ineedana.com regularly to review your options for how to get an abortion if you needed one. Start tracking your period with Euki. You can even order abortion pills in advance to have on hand in case you or someone you love needs them. Doing this prep now not only helps possible future you, but also makes you an incredibly knowledgable resource to your community.

#3 Invest in our work
As a non-profit project, we accept tax-deductible donations that may be matchable by your employer.

The need has never been greater, but together, we can help people get the abortions they want, need, and deserve. Thank you for your support.

Getting an Abortion Past 20 Weeks

After 20 weeks from someone’s last menstrual period (LMP), access to abortion can get logistically more challenging. Later in pregnancy the cost of care goes up, the number of providers goes down, and more restrictions go into effect. Before Roe was overturned, 1 in 10 people traveled for abortion care, now that number has doubled to 1 in 5 people. We know this can feel overwhelming, but this guide will break down each step including how to get financial, logistical and emotional support. You aren’t alone in this.

Our Advanced Search can filter abortion providers that go beyond 20 weeks:

Step 1:

Calculate how many weeks you are here. If you’re unsure, check out our blog How to Calculate How Many Weeks Pregnant You Are.

Step 2:

Make an appointment at the clinic. Use our search feature to find the nearest clinics based on how many weeks pregnant you are.

Step 3:

Ask the clinic to connect you to support for paying for the procedure and travel and or reach out to the organizations who can help (see below).

You need to book an appointment in order to receive support from abortion funds. You do not need to know how you’re going to pay for the procedure or how you’re going to get there when you book your appointment.

Step 4:

Prepare for your trip and review our travel checklist!

Who can help me get to or pay for my abortion appointment after 20 weeks?

The Brigid Alliance helps anyone who is 15 weeks pregnant or more with the travel costs, food, lodging, child care and/or other logistical parts of accessing abortion care (this is also known as “practical support”). First make an appointment with one of their partner clinics. Ask your clinic to make a referral to the Brigid Alliance on your behalf. One of their coordinators will contact you for a confidential conversation within 24-48 hours.

Additionally, there are two national organizations that may cover a portion of the procedure depending on which clinic your appointment is at:

Use our Advanced Search to filter by type of support needed. Check to see if there are organizations who can help in your home state as well as the state where your appointment is.

What are the reasons people get abortions past 20 weeks?

If you’d like to hear about other people’s experiences who had abortions past 20 weeks check out our stories.

People seek abortion later in pregnancy for the same initial reasons they do earlier in pregnancy. However, not everyone is able to get care as soon as they would like. Some people receive important new information later in their pregnancy, like the health of their pregnancy, a fetal indication, or most commonly, that they are pregnant. Later recognition of pregnancy is common, especially for young people and other marginalized groups.

Others experience delays due to circumstances like abortion bans, gestational limits and parental involvement laws. These laws frequently force people to travel hundreds of miles out of state for care. Planning a trip quickly while requesting off work or school, finding childcare and paying for travel and procedure costs can further delay access to abortion services. Further into pregnancy, the cost of abortion care goes up, the number of providers goes down, and more and more restrictions go into effect.

Most people will experience both: they find out new information later in their pregnancy and then are delayed due to barriers.

Whatever your circumstances, all abortion seekers deserve care and support, not judgment.

To learn more about how abortion bans can delay care and why people discover pregnancy later, check out Who Not When.

Abortion is a human right.

Accurate abortion information is critical and, unfortunately, often hard to find because of the stigma attached to abortion. This stigma, reinforced by restrictions on care and nonsensical laws, creates fear and judgment which can make people reluctant to seek out or share information about abortion. That fear and judgment can push people to avoid talking to their doctor or loved ones which just leads to more misinformation and isolation. And fake clinics (also known as “Crisis Pregnancy Centers” and “Anti Abortion Centers”) capitalize on that fear and uncertainty by luring people in with free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds and “options” counseling to deter or coerce them into parenting or adoption.

What’s even more infuriating is how state governments frequently spend millions of dollars on these fake clinics to discourage abortion without actually supporting the families they claim to care about. Adding fuel to the dumpster fire, fake clinics spend a large chunk of that state funding on Google ads so they appear at the top of search results, making it even harder for abortion seekers to find accurate and reliable information.

But, we reject that shame and stigma! The reality is 1 in 3 people who can get pregnant will have an abortion. Join us in screaming from the rooftops that:

• Abortions are common!
• Abortions are normal!
• People have multiple abortions!
• Any reason to have an abortion is a good reason!
• Abortion is safe!
• Abortion is healthcare!

Promoting trustworthy resources like I Need An A, which was created by people who had abortions for people needing abortions, is crucial in combating the spread of lies and shame. Use this resource to spread love and support on your campus and in your community because people still need abortions and they should know their options!

About I Need An A

I Need An A is the most comprehensive and updated resource for abortion seekers in the U.S. Started in 2016 by people who’ve had abortions. It provides personalized options based on location and how long the person has been pregnant. I Need An A is the only resource that shows people in restricted states their travel and pills by mail options side by side. To date, the website has served more than 1 million unique users!

How to Share I Need An A

On your social media

You can follow and repost our accounts on

Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // LinkedIn // TikTok

You can find all of our graphics to share here.

On your sorority or student group website

Include links on your sorority or student group’s website to ineedana.com!

With posters

Download our printable poster with a QR code directly to ineedana.com.

**Check with your administration on where you can hang posters + stickers. Some campuses have banned attaching posters on school property (like in Florida and Texas) except with a specific permit.

Some places to hang them:

• Dorm room
• Dorm hallway or common areas
• University Health Center (in the center or on their website)
• Cafeteria
• Library
• Bulletin boards in building hallways
• Student center
• Talk to your professors + admin to have them share / post

With stickers

Purchase stickers and other merch here.

Host an event to talk about and fundraise for abortion

Fundraising for ineedana and your local fund!

If you do this! Let us know at team@ineedana.com - we’d love to send you swag and even attend if possible.

Need to Know: Abortion and Surveillance

A note from our friends at Euki.

In places hostile to abortion rights, digital or in-person surveillance can be used to criminalize or harass people seeking abortion care. In some places, it can even be used to criminalize people who help others seeking abortion care.

Check state abortion laws | Get legal support

Sharing information about abortion is important - so don’t panic! We can help keep each other safe - online and offline- by choosing what information is shared, how, with whom.

Here are four easy privacy-protecting habits to find and share abortion-related information online (plus free tools we trust):

• Connecting to the internet: Download and use encrypted, no-log VPNs to access the internet on any device whenever possible. This includes campus wi-fi, since your activity may be visible to the Internet Service Provider, network admins from your institution, or even hackers. (ProtonVPN or Tunnelbear)
• Searching for information: Use privacy-respecting browsers, tools, and websites that don’t store user activity (browsers: Brave, Firefox ,Tor; tool: Euki; website: ineedana)
• Sharing information: Choose end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) tools with features like password protection and automatic data deletion/expiration when sharing information or collaborating (documents: CryptPad, email: ProtonMail, messaging: Signal)
• Tracking health information: Choose tools that do not collect user health data (Drip, Euki)

And, remember: privacy and bodily autonomy are human rights - for all of us.

Learn more about Euki’s work to protect both, or download the app (iOS | Android).

For more information on digital privacy check out https://www.ineedana.com/privacy.

Abortion Ballot Data Tracker

Explore I Need An A + share specific articles

Explore I Need An A + share specific articles

Description

URL

For a personalized search based on closest abortion options:

https://www.ineedana.com/search

Abortion cost estimator:

https://www.ineedana.com/estimate-abortion-costs

Find abortion funds and practical support organizations:

https://www.ineedana.com/advanced-search/support

Up to date legal status of abortion in all 50 states:

https://www.ineedana.com/us

To learn about privacy + digital security:

https://www.ineedana.com/privacy

Types of Abortions:

https://www.ineedana.com/procedure-vs-medical

Helps teens understand all of their abortion options:

https://www.ineedana.com/blog/a-teen-s-guide-to-accessing-abortion

Explore the pre/post care providers who offer services in highly restricted states before or after getting an abortion. Every provider on this list is either a former abortion provider or has been referred by an abortion provider.

https://still-open-clinics.webflow.io/

Explore abortion stories:

https://www.ineedana.com/stories

Blog: Abortion Travel Checklist

https://www.ineedana.com/blog/abortion-travel-checklist

Blog: Deciding to travel for an abortion

https://www.ineedana.com/blog/deciding-to-travel-for-an-abortion

Blog: How to Calculate How Many Weeks Pregnant You Are

https://www.ineedana.com/blog/How-to-Calculate-How-Many-Weeks-Pregnant-You-Are

Get connected to other campus organizers + campaigns

Check out our friends at Advocates for Youth for ways to get involved.

Texas Universities

Visit Deeds Not Words to learn more.

Volunteer with I Need An A

Apply to volunteer with us virtually tinyurl.com/inaavolunteer

Questions + Feedback

Email us at team@ineedana.com

Tl;dr

Pregnancy is calculated based on the first day of your last period. You can have just become pregnant and be considered 2+ weeks pregnant. It’s pretty weird actually so let’s dive in to explain this better!

Using the date of the first day of your last period (also referred to as LMP), you can calculate the number of weeks you are pregnant. Just count the weeks from your LMP to today.

You might not know when this date was exactly, and that’s okay! You don’t always need to know exactly how many weeks pregnant you are in order to get an abortion.

When does being certain of the number of weeks matter for an abortion?

• If you’re trying to decide between pills or an in-clinic procedure. Clinics will only offer pills to folks 10 - 12 weeks pregnant or less.
• When you’re potentially close to a cut off for services (like 12, 15 or 22 weeks), either because of the provider or state laws (when you enter the first day of your last period our practicality sort will automatically filter out clinics you aren’t eligible for based on your estimated gestational duration).
• If you’re going to travel a long distance to get an abortion - we hear stories regularly of folks flying across the country and then being too pregnant to get an abortion at the clinic they traveled to.

So, how do I calculate how long I've been pregnant?

Sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly how many weeks pregnant you are but, there are two ways to figure it out:

The most common and typically easiest to track is from the last menstrual period (LMP).

The first day of the LMP is considered day 1 of the pregnancy. We say “easiest” to track because a lot of people have regular periods or track their cycles. However, not everyone has a 28-day cycle, cycles can vary in length and not everyone tracks their period!

So, in other words, pinpointing the exact day of conception can be challenging, which is why the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) is used as a standard reference for dating pregnancy.

An ultrasound is the most accurate form of pregnancy dating.

And the longer you’ve been pregnant, the more helpful an ultrasound may be. Sometimes, the ultrasound and the LMP dating can be completely different. This happens because pregnancy development happens at different paces for everyone. The most accurate time to determine the length of pregnancy with an ultrasound is in the first trimester when the pregnancy is small. The larger the fetus, the harder it can be to get an exact date because of different growth rates.

Still with us? There’s one more thing to explain: pregnancy dating starts from your last menstrual period but conception happens 2 weeks later (again, this is another arbitrary average). So the doctor may tell you are 12 weeks pregnant but you had sex 10 weeks ago. That means your pregnancy is 100% textbook - conceived 10 weeks ago and 12 weeks pregnant are the same thing. The first day of your last period was “medically” when the pregnancy began but conception happened 2 weeks later to account for the time before ovulation and conception.

So, to recap...

The ultrasound is the most accurate form of pregnancy dating, but if you can’t get one, you’ll have a good estimate by going from the first day of your last period. And if you aren’t sure when that was, try to remember when you had sex that could have resulted in a pregnancy and add 2 weeks!

Why is this so weird?!?!

So many reasons but mainly because everyone’s body is different, menstrual cycles can be irregular and the window of fertilization varies. Basically, measuring pregnancy isn’t an exact science and a lot of it is arbitrary.

Let’s go back to how doctors currently measure the length of pregnancy. This method, known as "Naegele's Rule," was introduced by German obstetrician Franz Naegele (1778 to 1851). Thanks to Naegele, an "average" pregnancy lasts 40 weeks or 280 days. To estimate the due date, Naegele's Rule adds 280 days to the first day of the person's last menstrual period (LMP). Human pregnancies vary a lot, and factors like the pregnant person’s age, genetics, nutrition, and length of the menstrual cycle can impact the actual length of being pregnant. Unfortunately, Naegele’s Rule doesn’t account for any of these unique factors.

To determine the gestational duration, medical professionals take averages of measurements, like the size of the fetus and development stages, based on the assumed 40-week timeline. These measurements help determine the estimated duration of gestation, but they still rely on the assumption of a standardized 40-week pregnancy, which doesn’t accurately reflect the factors that can affect pregnancy development.

And to really blow your mind, the concept of trimesters are also made up — basically, it was more convenient for doctors to divide the 40 weeks by 3. But there is hope that as science and technology advances researchers and doctors can find other ways to differentiate the stages of pregnancy to accurately reflect these variations in development.

Naegle’s Rule and these arbitrary measurements for development not only shape medical practices but are also used against abortion seekers in legislation and abortion restrictions. Why is there a 6 week ban abortion? Or a 15 week ban on abortion? Like the idea of trimesters, it’s all made up.

What’s more, these restrictions ignore the complexities and individual circumstances of pregnancies, which forces pregnant people to carry pregnancies to term against their will or before they even realize they are pregnant. The enforcement of such bans ignores the expertise of medical professionals and undermines the doctor-patient relationship, replacing it with political agendas.

Have questions? Contact the M+A Hotline at (833) 246-2632 to speak to a physician.

Abortion is legal in New York, and over the years, the state has made significant strides to make it increasingly accessible to its most marginalized residents, as well as to the growing number of people traveling here for care. However, much work remains for New York to fully live up to its claim of being an access state and abortion safe haven. This article does not intend to minimize the persistent barriers—financial, logistical, and cultural—that many still face when trying to access care in New York. Instead, its purpose is to highlight the resources that exist to navigate those barriers and to ensure people are informed about them, so they can access the care they need and deserve.

Private + Public Insurance

New York requires that both state regulated public and private health insurance cover abortion care without a deductible or copay. So, if you live in the state of New York and your insurance is regulated by New York state, it’s most likely your insurance is required to pay for your abortion.

However, if you have insurance through your employer or a family member but the insurance is regulated from another state, the insurance may not cover abortion services. If you’re unsure, call your insurance company and ask about coverage for abortion services.

Unfortunately, if you have health insurance through the federal government abortion will not be covered. This includes federal employees and their dependents, Peace Corps volunteers, Native Americans, and people in federal prisons and detention centers including those detained for immigration purposes. It’s always best to call and confirm with your insurance provider as to what’s covered under your plan.

It’s important to add that not all clinics accept every type of insurance. When you make the appointment, ask the clinic if they accept your specific insurance and if they don’t, consider finding another clinic. Use Ineedana.com/search to find other nearby clinics.

Medicaid in New York

Medicaid in New York covers the full cost of abortion care.

If you do not have insurance and you are a New York State resident, you may qualify for Medicaid. You can be eligible for Medicaid regardless of citizenship or immigration status, people who are undocumented can still qualify for Medicaid.

Visit https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ or call 1-855-355-5777 to get enrolled.

The enrollment process will take between 30 to 60 minutes, and if you are approved, you will be able to use your Medicaid to cover the entire cost of an abortion within 48 hours of signing up. Some clinics can enroll you in medicaid the day of your appointment so you don’t have to pay. If you think you’re medicaid eligible, ask the clinic!

Eligibility for NY Medicaid is based on your household size and income level. As a pregnant person, medicaid counts an additional person in your household. So for example, if you have 3 people in your household (you, a partner and a child) you can add one more to your household with the pregnancy.

New York Medicaid Eligibility Chart

*”Pregnant women” is the language used by the state of New York and we know not all pregnant people identify as women.

Some clinics may not accept all types of Medicaid or have Medicaid cover abortion services after certain gestations, so be sure to ask the clinic. If the clinic does not accept Medicaid consider finding another clinic.

Medication Abortion in New York City

If you are seeking a medication abortion in New York City and are under 10 weeks pregnant, NYC Sexual Health Clinics are a great option. Free or low-cost medication abortions (abortion pills) are available at three of the NYC Sexual Health Clinic sites. You do not need to be a New York state resident to receive care, so even people traveling from out of state or country can get free medication abortions. There are also no age requirements either!

Call 347-396-7959 for clinic appointments. Walk-ins are also accepted until 2 p.m.

Minors

New York does not require parental consent or notification. Which means you can consent to abortion on your own! This is a great option for teens traveling from restricted states.

If you are a minor, a New York resident, and have health insurance through your parent or guardian but prefer to keep your abortion private, you can apply for Medicaid. Even if you already have insurance under your parent's plan, you are eligible to apply for Children’s Medicaid.

If you’re using your parent’s insurance, the insurance company may send information about the care you received (bills and lab results). And if you’re using Medicaid and don’t want to list your parents address, consider an alternative address.

Medication Abortion by Telehealth

If you plan to have the medication abortion, you can receive the pills by mail from various independent telehealth providers. On average, getting a medication abortion through a telehealth provider costs much less than getting an abortion in a clinic.

The New York Abortion Access Fund partners with Juniper Midwifery and Pills By Post. to offer sliding scale and free services. They will ship the pills within a few days to anywhere in New York state. Reach out to Juniper Midwifery or Pills by Post directly for financial assistance.

The hospital system of New York City also has a telehealth option. Visit Virtual ExpressCare to call 718-360-8981. Support is available in over 200 languages. You must be physically in New York to receive the pills by mail and at least 15 years old.

For more medication abortion options by mail visit https://www.plancpills.org/abortion-pill/new-york .

Additional support

The New York Abortion Access Fund (NYAAF) supports anyone who is unable to pay fully for an abortion and is living in or traveling to New York State by providing financial assistance and connections to other resources.

If you are living in or traveling to New York State and are seeking funding for your abortion, please call (212) 252-4757 and leave a detailed message. You can also email NYAAF at intake@nyaaf.org .

Where is abortion on the ballot this year?

As expert trackers of all things abortion related, we closely monitored the approved and pending abortion related ballot measures across the United States.

7 out of 10 measures to protect abortion access passed.

We'll continue to update this tool as changes occur. Want to put this info on your site? We're building this so you can easily copy and paste this map anywhere *and* have it automatically update when things change.

Here's the code snippet:

<iframe id="inaa-embed" src="https://ineedana.com/embed/ballot-measures-map" title="2024 Abortion Ballot Measures" width="100%" height="1500px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" onLoad="(function () { window.addEventListener('message', function (event) { if ( !event || !event.origin || !event.origin.startsWith('https://ineedana.com') || !event.data || typeof event.data.frameHeight !== 'number' ) { return } const iframeHeight = event.data.frameHeight const modifiedHeight = iframeHeight + 40 this.height = modifiedHeight }) })()"></iframe>


Have questions about how to embed on your site? Find a bug? Let us know at team@ineedana.com!

How to decide what kind of abortion is right for you?

This is a question we hear from people who need abortions quite a bit! No matter what state you're in, you have options and it can sometimes be a lot to compare them.

To help, we've updated our Abortion Types page! There's more information on the difference between in-clinic procedures and abortion pills. We also break down the differences between getting pills from a physical clinic or via the mail.

Do you have feedback on this article or suggestions for new content we should create? Give us a ping at team@ineedana.com 💜

What's the price for abortion pills by mail?

The average cost for abortion pills online is $150, but many providers offer sliding scale pricing for people who can't afford it. Abuzz and Aid Access, for example, offer a sliding scale that starts at $150, but can go as low as $0.

If you're in a state where abortion has been restricted or banned, community networks like Las Libres and AccessMA mail abortion pills (sometimes called Plan C) for free, though these services may come with legal risk.

In states where abortion pills by mail are permitted, Abortion Freedom Fund offers financial assistance.

If you have private insurance, it's possible it may cover a medication abortion via a provider like Hey Jane.

You deserve to get the best abortion for you, be that by mail or in a clinic. Whatever type of abortion is right for you, there are people ready to help. You can find them and all of your options using I Need An A's search 💜

Abortion is safe, normal, and any reason to have one is a good reason. Unfortunately, accessing abortion care can be challenging especially for young people. But you're not alone - we can give you an overview of everything so you can make the best decision for yourself and can connect you with trusted organizations that can help.

Let’s start with parental involvement laws, what are they?

There are currently      states that require parental notification or consent when a minor is seeking an abortion -- these are called parental involvement laws. In most states, a legal minor is someone who is under 18 years old. The requirements for parental involvement laws depend on your state and the clinic. In some states it means the clinic would have to notify your parent or legal guardian. In others, it means your parent or legal guardian must be with you at the clinic to sign consent forms. If you can’t find the information at Ineedana.com, calling the local abortion clinic is a great resource or contact the Repro Legal Helpline by calling 1-844-868-2812.

I can’t tell my parents I’m getting an abortion - what do I do?

In states that have parental involvement laws, there is an exception for involving your parents or legal guardian which is called a judicial bypass.

The type of questions a judge can ask vary, some judges are sympathetic and others may not be. We know this is unfair and can sound intimidating but there are local abortion funds, organizations and clinics that can specialize in helping teens through this process, even sometimes including providing you with a free attorney, so you feel prepared and supported!

Not every state with parental involvement laws has an organization to help with the judicial bypass process. If you don’t see your state or your destination state in the above table, you can call the Repro Legal Helpline at 844-868-2812 for help.

There are also two other options to consider on where to have an abortion:

1. Having medication abortion pills sent to your home (or to a trusted friend/family member) and having an abortion at home.
2. Traveling to a state that does not have parental involvement laws, so you can consent to your own abortion without your parents or a judges’ permission.
   
   Places that don’t have parental involvement laws: Alaska, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Washington D.C.
   
   If you are 16 years old or older, you do not need to involve your parents in Delaware, Massachusetts, and Montana. If you are 17 years old or older, you do not need parental consent in South Carolina.
   
   Maryland has a parental notification law but can be waived by a doctor. Talk to the clinic for more details.

But I live in a state where abortion is banned…

The June 2022 ruling by SCOTUS on the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization eliminated the constitutional right to abortion and allowed states to decide if abortion would be legal. As a result, 15 states have completely banned abortion and others have severely restricted it, oftentimes making abortion care inaccessible. But, the U.S. Attorney General affirmed the right for people to travel out of state to access abortion care, including minors.

If you're under 18 in a state with abortion bans, you can travel to a state where it's legal. When choosing, factors like distance, costs, school time, childcare, etc., matter, but for teens, knowing if the destination state has parental involvement laws is crucial.

If you enter your age on ineedana.com, our “practicality sort” can take those parental involvement laws in account and better recommend the easiest places to go.

If your destination state requires parental involvement and your parent/guardian cannot be notified or consent, you'll need a judicial bypass from the state where you get the abortion. This might lengthen your trip. If that's not feasible or if the destination state does not allow non-state residents to get a judicial bypass (like Ohio), consider traveling to a state without parental involvement laws or arranging to have abortion pills mailed to you.

I’m confused, can you break down the options for me?

We know this is confusing! Anti-abortion politicians pass these laws and restrictions to make abortion inaccessible but this will give you a better idea of your options and connect you to organizations that can help! You deserve to feel supported and affirmed in your decisions. So, what does this look like?

Let’s use Texas as an example: A 16 year old who is living in Dallas, TX wants to have an abortion. Since abortion is banned in Texas the nearest abortion clinics are in Wichita, Kansas (6 hour drive or 1.5 hour flight) or Albuquerque, New Mexico (9.5 hour drive or 2 hour flight).

• Option 1: Kansas
  Kansas is a lot closer but requires the young person to have both of their parents consent. If the parents cannot or will not travel to Kansas, a judicial bypass is required. The young person must meet with a judge in Kansas prior to the abortion to get permission. Typically, the clinic can help you with the judicial bypass process. Additionally, the clinic has a counseling requirement for the young person, and they must be accompanied by someone who is over 21 years old.
• Option 2: New Mexico
  New Mexico is further however, there are no parental involvement laws which means the young person can travel to New Mexico without their parents or guardian and consent to the abortion themselves.
• Option 3: Pills by Mail
  If traveling is not an option, medication abortion pills can be mailed instead.

**If you are a Texas minor and need help with traveling and paying for the abortion you can call Jane’s Due Process at 866-999-5263.

I thought abortion was banned in my state, can I have pills mailed to me?

Even though some states restrict abortion pill access, there are several ways people still get abortion pills by mail -- from online clinics, websites that sell pills and community networks that mail pills. Abortion pills are medically safe, but can come with legal risk in states where abortion is banned.

What things should I keep in mind?

This is a great question! There are so many factors in deciding when and how to have an abortion -- no one can make this choice for you because only you know what’s best and what will work. For teens, barriers to traveling can be even greater so consider the following when you do:

I live in a state where abortion is banned and I want to travel to a state where abortion is legal.

I live in a state where abortion is banned and I want pills by mail.

You deserve access to quality health care, including abortion services in your community. Unfortunately, with more restrictions and fewer clinics, the number of people traveling for abortions doubled from 2020 to 2023.

Is it legal to travel to get an abortion? Should I travel for abortion care?

If you live in a state where abortion is banned or severely restricted or you’ve been pregnant longer than your state allows abortions, you have a couple options: traveling out of state to a clinic or having abortion pills delivered to your home.

Traveling for abortion services is legal - the U.S. Attorney General affirmed the right for people to travel, including minors. If traveling seems too complicated and expensive, there are organizations that may be able to help with the costs. Alternatively, abortion pills are also accessible by mail in every state (you can compare all your options at ineedana.com/search), but they can come with legal risk.

Only you can know and decide what abortion is best for you. Some people would prefer to have an in-clinic procedure because it only takes a few minutes whereas pills can take hours or days to work. For some people travel is easy, for others it’s simply not possible because of childcare or taking time off from work. If you do think travel is your best option, but you’re worried about being able to afford it, know there are dozens of support organizations that can help!

Read stories from people who traveled for their abortions.

I’ve decided to travel, what should I know?

Planning a trip for abortion care involves more than just booking travel and the appointment - it’s complicated. The prioritization of what's most important - where you're going, how you'll get there, what it'll cost, what clinic you're going to - may vary based on your circumstances. We’ve compiled a guide to help you determine whether traveling or having pills mailed to you aligns best with your life.

Know how long you’ve been pregnant

First things first, confirm you’re pregnant and determine how many weeks pregnant you are.

Enter in the first day of your last period in the calendar at ineedana.com/search.

If you aren’t sure when your last period was and want to get your pregnancy dated, you can get an ultrasound from your OB/GYN or a clinic. You do not have to disclose any plans of the abortion. If you’re in a state that has banned abortions, here are clinics we recommend in those states that can help with pregnancy confirmation and dating, including ultrasounds.

Pick a state to go to

Different states and clinics have different “gestational week” limits. If you’re traveling for care, it’s really important to be sure the clinic you’re going to can provide an abortion. If you enter your location and date of last period at ineedana.com/search, we can provide you personalized recommendations.

Certain states require mandatory waiting periods, counseling, have gestational limits on abortion and require people under the age of 18 to have consent from their parents. The “waiting period” between the consultations and abortion can vary from 24-72 hours by state and could be a consultation over the phone with the doctor or may require two appointments in person. Other states don’t have these requirements.

At ineedana.com/search, the “practicality” sort feature takes waiting periods into account and prioritizes destinations without them.

Pick a clinic

Picking a clinic when you travel can be complex! Here are some essential questions you need answers to:

• What kind of abortion do you want?
• How soon could the clinic see you?
• Is there a state mandated waiting period?
• How long do their appointments last?
• What does it cost?

You'll likely need to call the clinic to get all the information, but where possible, we have pricing and appointment availability on listings at ineedana.com/search.

If you are under 11 weeks, you usually have the option of a medication abortion or an in-clinic procedure. With either method, you’ll likely be in the clinic for several hours. If you are in the second trimester, the procedure is the only option available and may require 2 or 3 appointments.

When you call the clinic, don’t be afraid to ask the following questions and compare your options:.

• How much does the medication abortion cost?
• How much does the in-clinic procedure cost?
• Are there additional fees like the Rhogam injection or sedation?
• How many appointments are required?
• Can you have a companion in the clinic with you?

Decide how you want to get to the clinic

Reaching the clinic can introduce a fresh set of hurdles. No matter if you're traveling by plane, car, bus, or train, each mode entails its own set of factors and potential challenges. Here's a guide on how to navigate each option:

How much will traveling out of state for an abortion cost?

Travel costs can vary based on your destination, how far you have to go, how long you’ll need to stay, and mode of transportation.

To help you estimate exact costs, we’ve built a trip estimate calculator.

You’ll find this same calculator, with the exact clinic costs where available, embedded on every provider’s listing at ineedana.com/search.

Things to keep in mind while estimating your costs:

• Staying with friends or family in your destination city can significantly reduce your overall trip expenses.
• Pills by mail are usually less than $200 (sliding scale is available!)

We know this is expensive and the burden shouldn't be on you. There are organizations that can offer financial help, travel assistance, emotional support, and more. Keep in mind, you might need to have an abortion appointment already booked before some of these groups can help.

If you decide to travel out of state for abortion care check our Abortion Travel Checklist!

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