What to Bring to Your Abortion Pill Appointment

You need two essential items: a valid photo ID and your payment of $380. The clinic accepts cash and all major credit and debit cards, and a cash discount is available if you pay with cash.

Beyond those two, a few comfort items will make your visit easier. Bring a pad to wear home, comfortable clothing, a snack, water, and your phone. These small things can help you feel more at ease during your appointment.

You do not need medical records, insurance paperwork, or a referral from another doctor, because the clinic handles everything during your visit, including the ultrasound and health history review.

Bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or other government-issued identification. It does not need to be from Illinois, and out-of-state IDs and foreign passports are accepted.

If you do not have a photo ID, call the clinic at (708) 450-4545 before your appointment, and the staff can tell you what other forms of identification may be accepted.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You will have an ultrasound during your appointment, so clothes that are easy to adjust, like pants with an elastic waist or a loose skirt, can make that part of the visit easier.

You may have light spotting after taking the first medicine (mifepristone) at the clinic, so wearing a pad and dark-colored bottoms can give you extra peace of mind on the way home. The clinic will provide a pad if you need one.

Dress in layers if you tend to run cold or warm in air-conditioned spaces, so you can stay comfortable during your visit.

Yes. Eat a light meal or snack before you come to the clinic, since you do not need to fast for this appointment. Having food in your stomach can help reduce nausea if it occurs after taking mifepristone.

Bring a small snack and a bottle of water in case you get hungry during your visit. Crackers, a granola bar, or fruit are all good choices, and drinking water through the day helps too.

Yes. You are welcome to bring a support person, whether that is a partner, friend, family member, or anyone you feel comfortable with. Your companion can wait in the waiting area during your visit.

Bringing someone is entirely optional, and many patients come alone and feel completely comfortable. If you are driving yourself, the appointment will not affect your ability to drive home, because mifepristone, the medicine you take at the clinic, does not cause drowsiness or impair driving.

If you prefer, your support person can wait in the car or nearby, since there is no requirement for them to be at the clinic.

Here is a simple checklist of items to bring to your appointment:

• Photo ID (required)
• Payment of $380: cash or card (required)
• Pad: to wear home in case of light spotting
• Comfortable clothing: loose-fitting and easy to adjust
• Snack and water: a light snack and something to drink
• Phone and charger: in case your visit takes longer than expected
• Headphones: for music, a podcast, or a show while you wait
• Questions for the doctor: write them down so you do not forget

You do not need to bring pads for heavy bleeding to this appointment, because the heavier bleeding happens at home 24 to 48 hours later when you take misoprostol. The clinic will give you instructions on what to have at home for that step.

Call The Center for Women at (708) 450-4545 to schedule your appointment. Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments are available.

The clinic is at 10215 W. Roosevelt Rd. #101, Westchester, IL 60154, and the appointment usually takes about one hour. The all-inclusive cost of $380 covers your doctor visit, ultrasound, both medicines, and your follow-up visit. When you call, the staff will walk you through what to expect and answer any questions.