How to Get an Abortion in Ohio

At Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio (PPGOH), we believe that everyone deserves to have access to high-quality, compassionate abortion care. If you’re pregnant and seeking an abortion, we are here to help you understand your options. 

Below we answer some of the most common questions you may be asking yourself about getting an abortion in Ohio: 

Is abortion safe and legal in Ohio? 

Yes, abortion is safe and legal in Ohio up to 21 weeks and 6 days.  

There are two exceptions that may allow someone to get an abortion in Ohio after 21 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. They are: 

• To save the pregnant person's life 

• To prevent serious risk to the pregnant person's physical health 

Where can I get an abortion in Ohio?  

There are nine abortion clinics located throughout the state. 

PPGOH offers abortion care at our Bedford Heights and East Columbus Surgical Centers. We provide care through 19 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy.  

How many appointments will I have?  

Ohio law requires you to have two appointments with your provider. During your first appointment, you can expect to fill out medical paperwork, have a state mandated “counseling” session, and receive an ultrasound. You are required to wait 24 hours before your second appointment for the abortion procedure. This process is not medically necessary, but instead serves as a barrier to accessing care.  

Can I receive an abortion in Ohio if I am under 18 years old?  

In Ohio, if you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must give you permission to have an abortion. If getting the permission of a parent or legal guardian is not an option for you, you can seek a judicial bypass, which means asking a judge to allow you to get an abortion without parental permission.  

If you have questions about these complex requirements, we are happy to help you navigate the process!  

Are there different types of abortions?  

There are two ways of ending a pregnancy: in-clinic abortion and abortion pills. Both are safe and effective. You can receive either option from our Bedford Heights and East Columbus Surgical Centers.  

In-clinic abortion  

In-clinic abortion works by using suction to take a pregnancy out of your uterus. There are a couple of kinds of in-clinic abortion procedures. Your clinician will know which type is right for you, depending on how far you are into your pregnancy. 

Suction abortion (also called vacuum aspiration) is the most common type of in-clinic abortion. It uses gentle suction to empty your uterus. It’s usually used until about 14-16 weeks after your last period. 

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) is another kind of in-clinic abortion procedure. It uses suction and medical tools to empty your uterus. You can get a D&E later in a pregnancy than aspiration abortion -- usually if it has been 16 weeks or longer since your last period.   

Abortion pills 

“Abortion pill” is the common name for using two different medicines to end a pregnancy: mifepristone and misoprostol. 

First, you take a pill called mifepristone. Pregnancy needs a hormone called progesterone to grow normally. Mifepristone blocks your body’s own progesterone, stopping the pregnancy from growing. 

Then you take the second medicine, misoprostol, either right away or up to 48 hours later. This medicine causes cramping and bleeding to empty your uterus. It’s kind of like having a really heavy, crampy period. If you don’t have any bleeding within 24 hours after taking misoprostol, call your health care provider. 

Does PPGOH offer any support to patients?  

We are committed to providing patient-centered care and making abortion care accessible regardless of someone’s race, income, insurance status, zip code, or medical needs.  

Our Abortion Patient Navigators are here to help you set up a care plan from securing appointments to coordinating transportation to providing or finding financial support and more. They also offer optional aftercare which includes checking in with you shortly after your appointment to see how you are doing, if you need any referrals, or if you need someone to talk to. 

We also provide holistic support through our Abortion Doulas. They are trained to provide information as well as physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual support to you before, during, and after an abortion while encouraging self-advocacy. Whether you need words of affirmation, comforting touch, or other coping strategies, our abortion doulas are here for support.  

How much does an abortion cost?  

The cost of your care will depend on how far along you are and whether you have medication or in-clinic abortion.  

Abortion services may be covered by your insurance. Assistance is also available through local, state, and national funds!  

If you have questions or are seeking an abortion, our doors are open. Come see us! Make an appointment online or call 800-230-7526.