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 measured from the first day of your last menstrual period, not from the date of conception. This is the standard way providers calculate gestational age.

At The Center for Women, the provider 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 measurement. The ultrasound 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. This means pregnancy starts counting 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 developing for approximately 6 weeks. This is the same method used by all providers and is the basis for the 10-week limit.

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

The 10-week limit is based on FDA guidelines for the safe and effective use of mifepristone, the first medication in the abortion pill process. Clinical studies show that the abortion pill is most effective in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Effectiveness decreases as the pregnancy progresses. At 7 weeks or less, the abortion pill is about 98% effective. At 8 to 9 weeks, it is about 96% effective. At 9 to 10 weeks, it is about 93% effective. Beyond 10 weeks, the medication is not recommended because effectiveness drops and the risk of incomplete abortion increases.

This is why scheduling early matters. The sooner you come in, the more effective the treatment and the fewer side effects you are likely to experience.

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

If you are past the 10-week limit, the provider can discuss your situation and help you understand your options. Other clinics in Illinois offer surgical abortion procedures, and abortion is legal in Illinois up to fetal viability (approximately 24 to 26 weeks).

Time matters. If you think you might be close to 10 weeks, call and schedule as soon as possible. Same-day appointments are available.

Many patients are unsure of their exact gestational age, especially if their periods are irregular or if they do not remember the date of their last period. This is very common and is nothing to worry about.

The ultrasound at your appointment provides a precise measurement. You do not need to know your exact dates before coming in. The important thing is to schedule your appointment as soon as possible so you can find out where you stand and have the most options available.

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

Illinois has no mandatory waiting period, no required counseling before your appointment, and no parental consent requirement for minors. These protections apply to all types of abortion care in the state.

The Center for Women specifically offers the abortion pill for pregnancies up to 10 weeks. If you are unsure whether you qualify, call to schedule an appointment and the provider will determine your eligibility at the visit.

Call The Center for Women at (708) 450-4545 to schedule. Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments are available. 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 provider visit, ultrasound, both medications, and follow-up appointment.