How Late Can I Get the Abortion Pill in Illinois?

The abortion pill can be used up to 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy. This is counted from the first day of your last menstrual period, not from the date of conception, and it is the standard way doctors measure gestational age.

At The Center for Women, the doctor performs an ultrasound at your appointment to confirm exactly how far along you are. Even if you are unsure of your last period date, the ultrasound gives an accurate answer, and it is included in the $380 visit cost.

Gestational age is counted from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP), not from when you think you conceived. That means the count starts about 2 weeks before conception actually happens.

For example, if your last period started 8 weeks ago, you are considered 8 weeks pregnant, even though the embryo has been growing for about 6 weeks. Every doctor counts this way, and it is the basis for the 10-week limit.

If you are not sure when your last period was, or your periods are irregular, you do not need to guess. The ultrasound at your appointment will measure your gestational age accurately. Call The Center for Women at (708) 450-4545 to schedule and find out.

The 10-week limit comes from FDA guidelines for the safe and effective use of mifepristone, the first medicine in the abortion pill process. Clinical studies show the pills work best in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.

The pills work a little less well as pregnancy goes on. At 7 weeks or less they work about 98% of the time, at 8 to 9 weeks about 96%, and at 9 to 10 weeks about 93%. Past 10 weeks the medicine is not recommended, because success rates drop and the chance of an incomplete abortion goes up.

So it helps to come in early, because the sooner you take the pills, the better they work and the fewer side effects you are likely to have.

If the ultrasound shows you are past 10 weeks, the abortion pill is not an option at The Center for Women. The clinic only offers the pill with onsite doctor visits and does not provide surgical procedures or telehealth services.

You would still have options, and the doctor can go over them with you. Other clinics in Illinois offer surgical abortion, and abortion is legal in Illinois up to fetal viability (about 24 to 26 weeks).

If you think you might be close to 10 weeks, call and schedule as soon as you can, because every week makes a difference. Same-day appointments are available.

Many patients are unsure of their exact gestational age, especially if their periods are irregular or they do not remember their last period date. This is common and nothing to worry about, because the ultrasound at your appointment gives a precise answer.

You do not need to know your dates before coming in. What matters is scheduling soon, so you can find out where you stand while you still have the most options.

The 10-week limit applies only to the abortion pill (medication abortion). Illinois has separate rules for surgical abortion, which is legal up to fetal viability (about 24 to 26 weeks), and after viability when the patient's life or health is at risk.

Illinois has no waiting period and no required counseling before your appointment, and minors do not need a parent's consent. These protections apply to every type of abortion care in the state.

The Center for Women offers the abortion pill for pregnancies up to 10 weeks. If you are not sure whether you qualify, call to schedule, and the doctor will confirm your eligibility at the visit.

Call The Center for Women at (708) 450-4545 to schedule. Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments are available, and the earlier you call, the more options you have.

The clinic is located at 10215 W. Roosevelt Rd. #101, Westchester, IL 60154. The cost is $380 and includes your visit with the doctor, ultrasound, both medicines, and follow-up appointment.