Finding a Trustworthy Abortion Clinic: A Comprehensive Guide

It can be tough to find a trustworthy abortion clinic, especially now that laws and policies change constantly and clinics disappear overnight. Use the resources in this guide to search for and find safe abortion clinics, read our advice on choosing a good provider, and rest assured that most abortion clinics will provide you with high-quality care.

Identifying Reliable Clinics

It is vital to identify reliable clinics and ensure safe, compassionate abortions. Some places that call themselves clinics don’t perform abortions. These “Crisis Pregnancy Centers” are often listed in phone books under “abortion” or “abortion alternatives.” They also show up when you search “abortion” on the Internet. These fake clinics offer free pregnancy tests or ultrasounds, but the people performing these services aren’t doctors. Crisis Pregnancy Centers are anti-abortion. The people there will give you false, medically inaccurate information about the risks or costs of abortion. They will try to convince you not to have an abortion. Protect yourself. Never give your medical information to anyone who is not a doctor or working for a doctor’s office.

Are Abortion Clinics Different?

Yes, abortion clinics are different. Costs, anesthesia, gestational limitations, and available services can vary. Some clinics only provide abortions up to 11 weeks into pregnancy, while others offer abortions up to 26 weeks. When the Supreme Court overturned Roe, abortion access became heavily restricted in some states, and clinics became even harder to find. You may have to travel out of state to find a clinic, especially if you want or need an abortion after 13 weeks of pregnancy. It’s a good idea to find different clinics and learn your options as soon as possible. Learn more about gestational limitations and current U.S. abortion policies. Visit Guttmacher’s Interactive Map and review your state’s current laws.

Find an Abortion Clinic: Resources

Use the following resources to find safe, trustworthy abortion clinics:

• INeedanA.com
• Abortionfinder.org
• Abortion Care Network
• National Abortion Federation (NAF)
• Planned Parenthood

The National Abortion Federation and Planned Parenthood can also be reached by phone. For more information about abortion clinics, call:

• National Abortion Federation Hotline at 1-877-257-0012
• Planned Parenthood at 1-800-230-PLAN

Tips for Choosing a Clinic

When seeking an abortion, it’s important you know how to choose a good provider. Follow these tips and ask these questions to determine if the clinic you find is trustworthy.

Avoid Misleading Advertisements

Don’t trust ads. Big, expensive Internet or phone book ads don’t mean a clinic is good. Sometimes those ads are even for fake clinics. Don’t click on advertisements. Use the resources listed earlier on this page to find clinics in your community.

Seek Referrals

Get a referral from someone reliable. If nobody has shared their abortion story with you, or if you’re not discussing your abortion plans with anyone, there’s another option. You can call a local hospital or doctor’s office that you trust. Ask them for a referral to a safe clinic.

Contacting a Clinic: Essential Questions to Ask

Call the clinics you find before you visit them. Ask every clinic ALL of these questions. Trust your instincts about their answers. Ask yourself: How did the clinic staff sound when responding? Were they friendly and knowledgeable? Did they answer all your questions clearly? Did their fees sound too good to be true? End the conversation if anything seems suspicious.

When you contact a clinic, consider asking these specific questions:

• Ask if they provide abortions. Avoid clinics that don’t give a clear answer. They might not be abortion clinics.
• Ask if they have doctors or nurses on their staff. If they do, ask about their training. Ask for credentials.
• Ask if you can make an appointment to see the clinic before the date of your abortion.
• Ask if the clinic is at the same address listed in the phonebook.
• Ask the clinic what post-abortion care they offer.
• Ask if someone can come with you when you go to the clinic.
• Ask how many visits are required for an abortion.
• Ask what to expect during an abortion.
• Ask about the types of anesthesia offered. Ask who administers it and about that person’s medical training.
• Ask what the clinic does in case of an emergency.
• Ask what charges are included in the clinic’s fee.
• Ask if all medications are included.
• Ask if all lab work is included.
• Ask if a follow-up is included.
• Ask if a method of birth control is included.
• Ask if the clinic takes insurance or Medicaid. If they can’t take Medicaid (in many states, they can’t), ask if they offer discounts. Find out if Medicaid covers abortion in your state. Visit Abortion & Medicaid. Learn more about clinic discounts. Visit Extra Financial Assistance.

Visiting the Clinic

Whenever possible, visit a clinic before your abortion. When you’re there, look at the facility and the staff. Does the clinic look clean?