What to Bring to Your Abortion Pill Appointment

April 24, 2026

Bring a valid photo ID, your payment of $380 (cash or card), and a pad to wear home. Comfortable clothing, a snack, water, and your phone are also helpful. You do not need to bring a companion, but you are welcome to have someone wait for you. The appointment typically takes about an hour.

What do I need to bring to my 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. A cash discount is available if you pay with cash.

Beyond these essentials, 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 preparations can help you feel more at ease during your appointment.

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

What kind of ID do I need?

Bring a valid photo ID. This can be a driver's license, state ID, passport, or other government-issued identification. The ID does not need to be from Illinois. 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. The staff can let you know what alternative forms of identification may be accepted.

What should I wear?

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

You may experience light spotting after taking the first medication (mifepristone) at the clinic. 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 feel cold or warm in air-conditioned spaces. You want to be as comfortable as possible during your visit.

Should I eat before my appointment?

Yes. Eat a light meal or snack before you come to the clinic. 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 with you in case you get hungry during your visit. Crackers, a granola bar, or fruit are all good choices. Staying hydrated is also important, so drink water throughout the day.

Can I bring someone with me?

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

Bringing a companion is entirely optional. Many patients come alone and feel completely comfortable. If you are driving yourself, the appointment will not affect your ability to drive home. Mifepristone, the medication you take at the clinic, does not cause drowsiness or impair your ability to drive.

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

What else might be helpful to bring?

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, 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 provider — write them down so you do not forget

You do not need to bring pads for heavy bleeding to this appointment. 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.

How do I schedule my appointment?

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

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

Do I need to bring insurance information?

No. The Center for Women does not require insurance information. The all-inclusive cost of the abortion pill is $380, payable by cash or card at the time of your appointment.

Can I drive myself to and from the appointment?

Yes. Mifepristone, the medication you take at the clinic, does not cause drowsiness or impair your ability to drive. You can safely drive yourself home after the appointment.

How long will the appointment take?

The appointment typically takes about one hour. This includes the health history review, ultrasound, consultation with the provider, and receiving your medications and instructions.

Do I need a referral from my provider?

No. You do not need a referral from another provider. You can call The Center for Women directly at (708) 450-4545 to schedule your appointment.

Should I bring pads for heavy bleeding?

You only need one pad for your clinic visit, in case of light spotting. The heavier bleeding occurs at home 24 to 48 hours later when you take misoprostol. The clinic will advise you on what supplies to have at home.

Do I need to fast before the appointment?

No. You do not need to fast. In fact, eating a light meal before your appointment is recommended, as it can help reduce nausea.

Can I bring my children?

The clinic recommends arranging childcare for your visit so you can focus on your appointment. If you are unable to arrange childcare, call the clinic to discuss your situation.

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