Someone asked us:

How would one go about safely (and affordably) inducing a miscarriage?

If by “inducing a miscarriage,” you mean ending a pregnancy that would otherwise continue, what you’re talking about is having an abortion. A miscarriage is the loss of pregnancy in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. In fact, the medical terminology for a miscarriage is “spontaneous abortion.” 

Abortion is a safe, legal, and common way of ending a pregnancy. Your abortion options depend on where you live and how far along in your pregnancy you are. If your pregnancy is fewer than 10 weeks along, you can take the abortion pill. Your doctor or nurse will give you medicines and detailed instructions about where, when, and how to take the medicines. The process is very similar to an early miscarriage, and you have the option to end the pregnancy in private, in your own home or at another place of your choosing. 

If you’re further than 10 weeks into your pregnancy, you can have an in-clinic abortion. 

If you’re asking this question because you’ve been diagnosed with a pregnancy that won’t continue — like if there’s an embryo without a heartbeat, or there is an empty pregnancy sac without an embryo, talk with your doctor or nurse about your options. This tissue usually passes on its own, but treatment similar to the abortion pill or in-clinic abortion procedures is sometimes necessary or preferred. 

Many Planned Parenthood health centers provide this kind of care, and they provide or can connect you with financial assistance so it can be affordable. If you have insurance, it may cover some or all of the cost. Contact your nearest Planned Parenthood health center to learn more and make an appointment. 

-Emily at Planned Parenthood