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Abortion FAQs
Abortions are safe and common, and there are many equally valid reasons for having an abortion. Regardless of where you are in your decision-making process, you may have questions about abortions: what to expect, how to prepare, and more. Rae and Planned Parenthood of Central & Western New York can answer your questions.
Browse our most frequently asked questions here, or contact us to speak with an Abortion Navigator.
Abortion FAQs
General Abortion Questions
Yes. Safe abortion is still your legal right in New York State. For detailed information on the legality of abortion in your state, click here.
Because the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, states can now ban abortion. While some states have already banned abortion or created new restrictions, abortion is not banned nationwide. It’s still legal in New York State, and you can travel to a different state for an abortion. Learn more here.
Yes. In the U.S. about 1 in 4 people who can get pregnant will have an abortion by the time they’re 45 years old.
Your local Planned Parenthood health center has professionals that can answer any questions you may have.
When looking for a reliable health center, beware of anti-abortion “crisis pregnancy centers” AKA fake clinics. They present themselves as normal medical clinics and often offer vague claims about giving patients information and options regarding their pregnancy. These centers do not provide abortions and instead, confuse patients, trick them into visiting, and shame patients into not getting an abortion.
Learn more about where to get an abortion.
Abortion Procedure Questions
We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting underwear (rather than a thong) so you feel comfortable after your procedure. Additionally, since bleeding and cramping are expected after your abortion, you will want to wear a maxi pad.
Depending on the type of abortion you have, varying amounts of bleeding and cramping are expected after your procedure. For a medication abortion, pads are recommended on the day of your procedure. After your in-clinic abortion, you may experience bleeding, and you can use pads, tampons, a menstrual cup, or whatever is comfortable for you.
Discomfort will vary based on the type of abortion. For medication abortions, taking pain medicine like ibuprofen about 30 minutes before you take the second medication can help with cramps. Do not take aspirin, as it can increase bleeding.
For in-clinic procedures, your health care team will make it as comfortable as possible by offering pain-numbing medications and sedation if you want it. The amount of pain differs for everyone and ranges from slight discomfort to more severe pain. Pain can depend on many factors, but it feels like bad period cramps for most people.
In general, you can expect spotting and cramping after an abortion. Recovery time, changes in menstruation, and other side effects depend on the kind of abortion you get.
Learn more about what to expect after a medication abortion here.
Learn more about what to expect after an in-clinic abortion here.
The abortion pill is very effective, but its effectiveness can decrease the further along you are in your pregnancy. After 12 weeks, the chances of stronger bleeding and cramps increase.
After your abortion, you can make sure it worked by taking a pregnancy test or visiting Planned Parenthood for an ultrasound or blood test. Our health care staff will walk you through everything you need to know during your appointment.
There are no proven or reliable forms of treatment that reverse the effects of a medication abortion. Certain states require providers and nurses to inform patients that these treatments are available. Still, because they have not been tested and proven effective, medical experts like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reject these unfounded treatments.
For a medication abortion, you will need to take two different medications. Studies show that if you take the first but not the second medication, your abortion is less likely to work. If you’ve taken the first pill but are having second thoughts, contact our health care experts to discuss the next steps.
It’s important to take your time when deciding to have an abortion. To learn more about the timeline of your specific abortion options, click here. Abortion is very safe, but there are more risks the longer you wait. It may take a while if you need a judicial bypass. Some states have time limits on when you can get an abortion, and if you need to travel out of state, it can take time to plan your visit. Call Planned Parenthood to get the resources you need in a timely manner — we’re here to help.
Learn more about your abortion options.
Your Appointment
Occasionally, there will be protestors outside of our health centers. We suggest avoiding all interactions with them and look for Planned Parenthood escorts who will guide you inside to your appointment. Call our offices if you have any questions or concerns regarding protestors upon your arrival. A member of our staff will assist you.
If abortion is illegal in your state, or if you’re traveling to New York State for your abortion, other laws may affect you if you’re under 18 — it varies depending on where you live. For updated information, you can check here state by state.
If your state does require parental consent, you may be able to get a judge’s permission to have an abortion without telling your parents. This is called “judicial bypass.” Need help receiving judicial bypass? Click here.
The staff at Planned Parenthood of Central & Western New York will work with you to see how they can help you cover the cost of your abortion. Learn more here.
If you are an out of state patient, you must travel in person to one of our centers for your abortion. If you are a New York State resident seeking a medication abortion, you may be eligible for a telehealth appointment. Call our offices to learn more.
Learn more about what to expect at your appointment.
(Resources for Abortion Education), your online resource for abortion information & facts. 
