Blog

It is not necessary to get follow up care at a hospital or clinic after an abortion unless complications occur (which are very, very rare). Still, some people want reassurance, answers to questions, or medical support — which is absolutely ok and should be supported!

This guide explains what abortion aftercare looks like for some people, when to seek help, and where you can safely get care after either a medication abortion or a procedural (in-clinic) abortion.

Optional follow-up care some people choose

Some people want follow-up care for reassurance or support. This can include:

• An ultrasound or lab test to confirm you are no longer pregnant
• Birth control counseling
• Getting answers to medical questions
• Emotional support or space to ask questions, including faith-based questions
• Emergency care, in the rare case complications happen

Most people recover safely at home without any follow up visits, but it's normal to have questions and want support or confirmation. If you're worried about your symptoms, there are resources available to you.

If you had a medication abortion and want to know what signs to look for, you can read more in our article How do I know if the abortion pills worked?

Where can I get vetted abortion aftercare in states with abortion bans?

Finding Local Follow-Up Care

If you want in-person follow-up care, I Need An A has a vetted database of providers offering miscarriage and follow-up care in restricted states. This is not comprehensive, but we’re optimistic it’s a better-than-nothing starting point. If you have providers that should be added to this list, please email us team@ineedana.com.

OB-GYNs, Clinics, and Urgent Care

Care for miscarriage, pregnancy complications, ultrasounds, and follow-up visits is allowed in all states — including states with abortion bans. Many OB-GYNs, primary care providers and clinics can provide this type of care. If you do not want to say you had an abortion, when calling to make an appointment you can say, “I had a positive pregnancy test and then I started bleeding so I would like to make an appointment to know what is happening.”

However, not all doctors or urgent care centers are equipped to treat miscarriage or complications after a pregnancy loss. In some cases, they may refer you to a local emergency department for evaluation or treatment.

And unfortunately, not all doctors may be supportive of abortion care. Again, you never have to explain how your pregnancy ended if you don’t feel comfortable. If you had a medication abortion there are no blood or urine tests for mifepristone or misoprostol.

If you need to go to the emergency room

You have the legal right to emergency medical care in every state, even if your state bans abortion. Emergency care includes treatment for miscarriage or pregnancy complications. This right applies regardless of your age, immigration status, or whether you have insurance.

You never have to explain how your pregnancy ended to receive emergency care. There's no way a doctor or anyone can test if someone took abortion pills or had a spontaneous miscarriage, and the treatment for any complications is the same for both. The only exception is if abortion pills were inserted into the vagina, which can sometimes be visible during an exam.

You can read more about what to expect if you go to the ER after an abortion or miscarriage here.

If you are being refused care, call the Repro Legal Helpline at 844-868-2812.

Support by phone or online

Medical Questions

If you want to talk to someone before deciding where to go, confidential and expert help is available:

M+A Hotline
https://mahotline.org | Call or text 1-833-246-2632
Medical support from clinicians who can help you understand symptoms, decide if you need emergency care, and may be able to refer you to a local provider.

Reprocare
https://reprocare.com | Call or text 1-833-226-7821
Medical support from experienced peer counselors who provide information and support after abortion or miscarriage. They can help you understand symptoms, talk through concerns, and decide when and where to seek in-person care.

Legal Questions

Most people do not have legal issues related to abortion care. However, laws can be confusing, and medical providers do not always understand what is legal — especially in states with abortion bans.

If you have questions about your rights, privacy, or legal risk, confidential legal help is available:

Repro Legal Helpline
https://reprolegalhelpline.org | 844-868-2812
Free, confidential legal information from lawyers who specialize in reproductive health law.

You can contact them before or after seeking medical care.

Emotional Support

Aftercare isn’t only medical. Some people want emotional support, space to talk, or help processing their experience — whether they’re feeling relief, sadness, stress, or something else entirely.

All-Options Talkline
https://www.all-options.org | Call 1-888-493-0092
Emotional support before, during, or after an abortion or miscarriage. You don’t need to be in crisis to call.

Exhale Pro-Voice
https://exhaleprovoice.org | Text 617-749-2948
After-abortion emotional support through text, virtual groups, and resources.Online peer supportSome people find it helpful to read or share experiences with others online. The subreddit r/abortion is a peer-led space where people talk about abortion experiences and support each other.

Faith Aloud
https://faithaloud.org | Call or text 1-888-717-5010
Compassionate, nonjudgmental support from trained clergy and religious counselors before or after an abortion, for people of any or no faith.