At the Decide Foundation, we’re here to help you if you’re considering a safe, legal, and medically supervised abortion with pills. We know this process can raise many questions, so we offer clear information, professional support, and judgment-free treatment.
In Chicago, medication abortion is a legal and safe option that you can perform from home with the support of a medical team. Our service is confidential, accessible, and offers personalized care.
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Decide Foundation – Chicago
We are located in Chicago, the third largest city in the United States, known for its impressive skyscrapers, the iconic Bean in Millennium Park, and its vibrant cultural scene. With its distinctive urban skyline along Lake Michigan, Chicago combines a rich architectural history with contemporary innovation, and is also famous for its deep-dish style pizza.
Is medical abortion legal in the United States?
Yes. In the United States, medication abortion is legal and regulated by federal and state law. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved the use of medications such as mifepristone and misoprostol to terminate a pregnancy up to 10 weeks gestation. Additionally:
- Some states allow medical abortion up to 12 weeks, with different regulations depending on the state.
- In cases where the health of the pregnant person is at risk or there are serious abnormalities in the fetus, abortion may be legally available beyond 12 weeks in certain states.
- People over 18 years of age can access this service without parental consent.
- Medical abortion is a safe option, provided it is performed under proper medical supervision and follows legal guidelines.
Medication abortion is a legal and safe option in Chicago, provided it is performed under medical supervision and within the timeframes established by law.
What is the process of purchasing abortion pills through the Decide Foundation?
Virtual medical consultation
Before your appointment, be sure to take a pregnancy test and have the date of your last menstrual period available, as this information is essential to determining if you are eligible for home medical abortion.
Discreet home delivery
We deliver complete treatment to Chicago and surrounding areas such as Oak Park, Evanston, Skokie, Cicero, Naperville, or any city in the Chicagoland area. Includes:
- Mifepristone and misoprostol
- Detailed instructions
- Suggested pain relievers and antibiotics
- Pregnancy test
- Contraceptives (optional)
Everything is delivered safely, discreetly, and with medical follow-up in case of questions or additional support.
Taking process
- You take mifepristone (it stops pregnancy)
- Between 24 and 48 hours later, you take misoprostol (it causes expulsion)
During this step you may feel:
- Severe cramps
- Heavy bleeding
- Nausea, mild fever, chills
Medical follow-up
We’ll assist you via WhatsApp, phone call, or video call. We verify that the abortion is complete and guide you through recovery. If something goes wrong, we offer a solution at no additional cost.
Cytotec price in Chicago and available options
At the Decide Foundation we offer different packages depending on the length of your pregnancy
Contact us for free guidance on the right dosage and price for you.
Our team: Specialists in Pharmacological Abortion
At the Decide Foundation, we work with a team of professionals committed to providing humane, safe, and legal support throughout the entire medical abortion process. Our approach is based on respect, confidentiality, and judgment-free care.
From the initial consultation to recovery, you’ll be supported by real people who care about you.
Meet the entire Decide Foundation team
Alejandra Velez
Psychologist
Psychologist with experience in emotional support and therapy for women facing abortion-related decisions, offering a safe and supportive space to explore and manage emotions.
Maria Castro
Gynecologist Obstetrician
A specialist in gynecology and obstetrics with 13 years of experience, she is a leader in her field and provides comprehensive support to women experiencing unwanted pregnancies, ensuring reliable information and well-being throughout all stages of reproductive health.
Johana Ortiz
Abortion and Patient Care Doula
Expert abortion doula committed to providing empathetic accompaniment and comprehensive support to women, ensuring an informed and respectful process for their decisions.
Why choose the Decide Foundation?
Stories our patients share about the abortion pill
What is medical abortion?
Medical abortion is a non-surgical method used to terminate an early pregnancy, usually within the first 12 weeks of gestation. It involves the administration of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol, which work together to empty the contents of the uterus. A medical abortion is also called the abortion pill.
What medications are used and how do they work?
Medical abortion can be performed in two ways: using misoprostol alone or combining mifepristone and misoprostol. The choice of method may depend on medication availability, local laws, and medical recommendations.
- Mifepristone: It’s a medication that blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for maintaining a pregnancy. Blocking it stops the pregnancy from developing and weakens the uterine lining, preparing the body for expulsion.
- Misoprostol (also known as Cytotec): This medication causes uterine contractions and dilates the cervix, facilitating the expulsion of uterine contents, similar to a spontaneous abortion.
Both medications are safe and effective. They are recommended by international health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and can be used at home with appropriate support. Today, many people access this method through telemedicine services, which offer professional, confidential, and evidence-based care.
Why is a medical abortion performed?
There are several reasons why a woman or pregnant person may consider terminating a pregnancy with medication. Some of these reasons include:
- You have made the personal and autonomous decision not to continue with the pregnancy.
- A serious congenital anomaly or genetic problem has been detected in the embryo.
- Continuing the pregnancy poses a risk to your physical or mental health.
- The pregnancy occurred as a result of a traumatic situation, such as rape or incest.
The decision to terminate a pregnancy is deeply personal and valid. If you wish, you can speak with a healthcare professional, counselor, or someone you trust to receive emotional support and guidance throughout the process.
Who should not have a medical abortion?
Medical abortion is not recommended in the following cases:
- If you are more than 12 weeks pregnant (counting from the first day of your last menstrual period).
- If you suffer from coagulation disorders or adrenal insufficiency.
- If you have an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted, it must be removed before starting the procedure.
- If you are allergic to mifepristone, misoprostol, or any other medication used to terminate a pregnancy.
- If you are taking medications that may interfere with medical abortion.
- If you don’t have access to professional medical care or an emergency room in case of complications.
Protocols for use in medical abortion
Misoprostol can be used according to two different protocols, depending on the prescribed regimen: in combination with mifepristone or alone. In both cases, the procedure must be carried out with medical supervision and under safe conditions.
Combined protocol (mifepristone + misoprostol)
After taking the first pill (mifepristone), your provider will instruct you when and how to take misoprostol. This usually occurs between 6 and 48 hours after administration. After administration, it’s normal to experience severe cramping, heavy bleeding, and the passage of clots and tissue. These symptoms are expected and usually begin between 1 and 5 hours after the second dose.
Protocol with misoprostol only
In this case, misoprostol is administered in one or more doses, depending on the medical indication. The most commonly used routes are vaginal, sublingual, or buccal, and the dose can be repeated if the abortion is not completed on the first attempt. As with the combined protocol, heavy bleeding, cramping, and general discomfort are expected.
What will you feel during the process?
After taking misoprostol, it is normal for your body to react with various physical symptoms as the medication takes effect.
After taking misoprostol, it’s normal for your body to react with various physical symptoms as the medication takes effect. You may experience:
- Intense cramps, similar to or stronger than those of a menstrual period
- Heavy bleeding, greater than a normal menstruation
- Expulsion of clots and tissue
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Chills, mild fever, and headache
The most intense phase of the process usually lasts between 3 and 5 hours. This heavy bleeding and cramping are signs that the medication is working properly. After this phase, light bleeding is normal for 1 to 4 weeks, as part of the body’s natural recovery.
Important recommendations
- For pain relief, ibuprofen or acetaminophen is recommended. Avoid aspirin.
- Bleeding may continue for several days, even up to four weeks.
- It is advisable to avoid vaginal intercourse for about a week.
- Fertility may return soon, so it is recommended to start contraception if you do not want to become pregnant again.
- The menstrual cycle usually resumes between 4 and 8 weeks after the procedure.
What are the risks?
Medical abortion is a very safe procedure for most women, but although rare, some risks may arise that are usually treatable. These include:
- Incomplete abortion: This occurs when the pregnancy is not completely expelled. In this case, an additional abortion in the clinic may be necessary to complete the process.
- Heavy bleeding: Bleeding that is heavier than expected, which may require medical attention.
- Infection: This can occur if hygiene recommendations are not followed properly during the process.
- Blood clots retained in the uterus: These may require intervention to be removed.
It’s important to emphasize that, although these risks are rare, medical abortions are generally very safe. Furthermore, they don’t affect your future fertility unless a serious and rare complication occurs.
When to seek medical attention?
It is essential that you seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Excessive bleeding: If you use more than 2 soaked sanitary pads per hour for more than 2 consecutive hours.
- High fever: If the fever exceeds 38°C and persists for more than 24 hours.
- Intense pain: If the pain is not relieved with common painkillers or is stronger than expected.
- Bad vaginal odor: If you notice an unpleasant or unusual odor that could indicate an infection.
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea: If gastrointestinal symptoms continue despite recommendations.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact a healthcare professional to evaluate the situation and receive the necessary care.
How effective is it to terminate a pregnancy with pills?
Cytotec (misoprostol) is highly effective in terminating a pregnancy when the proper protocol is followed. Its efficacy rate is 85% to 90% when used correctly. This rate increases to 96% or more when combined with mifepristone, which is the protocol recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
At the Decide Foundation, we follow the safest and most effective international protocol, using the combination of mifepristone and misoprostol, ensuring a safer process with a greater chance of success.
Why do some people prefer abortion with pills?
Many women and pregnant people prefer this option for several reasons:
- It can be done from home, with privacy.
- It’s more natural, similar to a miscarriage.
- Avoid surgical procedures.
- It allows you to experience the process in the company of trusted people.
- It feels like a more intimate and autonomous option.
You can use this medication to end an early pregnancy if your last period was less than 12 weeks ago. If it’s been more than 12 weeks since your last period, you may need an in-clinic abortion.
You must be clear about your intention to terminate the pregnancy. It is not safe to stop taking this medication once you have started; doing so poses a very high risk of serious birth defects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I access a medical abortion in Chicago?
You can access the abortion pill safely through professional services such as those offered by the Decide Foundation, which provides medical support, no insurance required, and discreet home delivery throughout the city.
Do I need a prescription to access a medical abortion?
A face-to-face prescription is not required. At the Decide Foundation, our medical team assesses your situation virtually and confidentially, providing you with all the guidance you need to legally access the abortion pill, safely, and with support throughout the entire process.
Can I get mifepristone or misoprostol at pharmacies?
In most pharmacies, both misoprostol (known commercially as Cytotec) and mifepristone are not available without a prescription, and access to them is often limited. Therefore, at the Decide Foundation, we offer a reliable and safe alternative, with discreet delivery and professional support, to legally access medical abortion treatment.
What is the price of the abortion pill in Chicago?
The cost of medical abortion can vary depending on the provider, whether misoprostol is used alone or in combination with mifepristone, and whether medical advice or home delivery is included. At the Decide Foundation, we offer packages ranging from $360 to $1,080, depending on your pregnancy status.
References ↓
1. Safe medical abortion: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. ACOG Guide to Language and Abortion. www.acog.org/contact/media-center/abortion-language-guide. Updated September 2023. Accessed April 2, 2024.
2. Legal regulation of abortion in Chicago: Chicago Department of Public Health https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/healthy_families/svcs/abortion-care.html
4. Misoprostol-only regimen: World Health Organization. Medical Management of Abortion. Geneva: WHO; 2018. Available at: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/278968/9789241550406-eng.pdf?ua=1. Accessed March 3, 2020. (Level III).
5. Postmarketing drug safety information for patients and providers: Silver Spring, MD: FDA; 2018. Available in: https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm111323.htm. Accessed March 3, 2020. (Level III)