Considering the Abortion Pill?
Be Safe. Be Informed.
Don’t be rushed into a medical decision before you understand the physical and emotional risks. There is a lot of misinformation and confusion surrounding the abortion pill and at-home abortions. You deserve to know the facts.

Know the Facts About the Abortion Pill
Just as with surgical abortions, the use of the abortion pill can result in complications. Before making the decision to use the abortion pill, it’s best to speak with someone who is not going to judge you, but who will do their best to get you the information you need to be safe.
About the Abortion Pill
The abortion pill (also referred to as a medical abortion) is a two-step process to terminate a pregnancy. According to the FDA, it must be prescribed by a doctor and administered within 70 days gestation (10 weeks from the 1st day of your last period).
Developed in the 1980’s, it was approved for use in the United States by the FDA in 2000. By the year 2020, medical abortions accounted for over half of all abortions in the United States.
What Happens When I Take the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill consists of 2 pills, usually taken within 48 hours of each other. The first pill blocks progesterone–the body’s nutrient supply to the fetus. As a result, the embryo has difficulty being able to attach itself to the wall of the uterus, stops receiving nutrients, and dies. The second pill is taken 24-48 hours after the first pill, causing contractions to expel the fetus from the womb.
The most common side effects include intense cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heavy bleeding, and infection. While rare, a medical abortion is sometimes unsuccessful, resulting in the need for a surgical abortion to complete the process. Per the FDA – use of the abortion pill is not advised for women who have anemia, bleeding disorders, liver or kidney disease, seizure disorder, acute inflammatory bowel disease, or use an intrauterine device (IUD).
As with many medical procedures, there are significant risks associated with the abortion pill, including hemorrhage, infection, and in very rare cases, death. It is important to understand all risks associated with the abortion pill before you decide. We care and we can help. Schedule an appointment at one of our Align Pregnancy Services locations for medically accurate information on the abortion pill and at-home abortions.
The Importance of Confirming Your Pregnancy with an Ultrasound
Confirming your pregnancy via ultrasound is a vital step to protecting your health and safety if you are considering the abortion pill. An ultrasound will confirm how far along you are, as well as confirm the placement of the embryo.
An ultrasound also confirms whether you may have an ectopic pregnancy, which is when the embryo is growing outside of a woman’s uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. The abortion pill won’t end an ectopic pregnancy and the embryo will continue to grow, which could cause serious health risks. An ectopic pregnancy is an emergency, and you will be referred to your doctor or a local hospital for further care.
Align Pregnancy Services offers free limited obstetric ultrasounds to confirm pregnancy, placement, and dating. If you think you might be pregnant, request an appointment at a location most convenient for you.
Current Abortion Laws in PA
Before an abortion procedure (medical or surgical), you are required to receive required counseling, followed by a 24-hour waiting period, and giving informed consent. Currently in Pennsylvania, the abortion pill is approved to end a pregnancy up to 70 days gestation (10 weeks from the 1st day of your last period). Under Pennsylvania law, only a physician can perform an abortion. In the case of a medication abortion, only a physician can prescribe the abortion pill. Only an FDA certified pharmacy can dispense the abortion pill.
Surgical abortions remain legal in Pennsylvania up to 24 weeks gestation.
Request an Information Appointment
Align Pregnancy Services offers factual, medically accurate information on abortion and other options for your pregnancy and can answer any questions you may have. Our services are 100% free, confidential, and non-judgmental.
Your health. That’s our priority.
Our staff is highly trained to help empower you to make the decision that’s right for your situation. You have a right to know all your options – as well as potential risks to you – before you decide what you should do regarding an unintended pregnancy.
You're Unique. So is your situation.
Serving women since 1985, we recognize that every woman’s situation is unique. You may be facing pain, fear, frustration or pressure – it’s understandable. Our staff is highly trained to help you through this time.
No Judgment. That’s our promise to you.
We know you are already feeling the pressure from your situation. You will be treated with respect and kindness when you speak with our staff. Our motivation is to be here for you and to make a safe decision.
Need someone who will listen to you?
When I came I couldn’t sort out my thoughts and feelings. It felt safe here. Thanks for listening and for giving me information. It really helped.
— Vanessa
Get Fast, Confidential Help Today
You have a right to know all your options – as well as potential risks to you – before you decide what you should do regarding an unintended pregnancy. All of our services are 100% FREE, confidential, and non-judgmental, including:
Align Pregnancy Services is here to help. We have locations throughout Lancaster and Lebanon Counties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make an appointment?
We highly recommend that you schedule an appointment (we cannot guarantee an available appointment for walk-in clients). Please request an appointment or call (717) 279-1525 to schedule a free appointment. Check out our locations page for hours and contact information.
All of our services are 100% free, confidential, and non-judgmental.
What services does Align provide?
Services at our locations are 100% free to you:
- Pregnancy Services
- Pregnancy Tests
- Medically-Accurate Abortion Information
- Limited Obstetric Ultrasounds for clients who qualify (available at Lancaster, Columbia, and Lebanon locations)
- Pregnancy Options Education to help you make an informed pregnancy decision
- Prenatal Classes (individually tailored)
- Material Assistance for you and your baby
- Referrals to local community services such as shelter, housing, and food assistance
- Find a location…
- Parenting Classes that offer support and education for parents to help you grow your parenting skills and parent your child well.
- Abortion Recovery Support
All services are 100% free, confidential, and non judgmental. No appointment is needed (but can be made here). Find a location near you…
Are all your services free?
Yes! We’re a non-profit and all of our services are 100% free, confidential, and non-judgmental. That includes pregnancy services including free pregnancy tests, first trimester ultrasounds (Limited Obstetrical Ultrasounds) for clients who qualify, medically-accurate abortion information, material assistance for you and your baby for a healthy pregnancy, prenatal classes, pregnancy options education and support, parenting classes, unplanned pregnancy support, post-abortion support, and more. Most importantly, we’re here to listen and support you!
Are there any eligibility requirements?
We welcome all people who can benefit from our services. We serve everyone – regardless of income, residency status, enrollment in social services programs, marital status (unmarried or married) unplanned pregnancy, etc. Our services are 100% free and available to anyone who would like our assistance. Whether you’re the mother, father, relative, or friend… we’re here for you!
Where are your locations?
We have 4 locations in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties in Pennsylvania:
All of our pregnancy support services are 100% free, confidential, and non-judgmental.