Seeking Medical Care During Pregnancy or Pregnancy Loss

Written By Nikki Vinckier

If you’re pregnant or have experienced a pregnancy loss, it’s normal to worry about how you'll be treated when seeking medical care — especially in today’s shifting legal landscape.
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and advocate for your rights.

1. Do I Have to Tell My Health Care Provider I Had an Abortion?

  • No.
    You are not legally required to tell your provider that you had an abortion, whether it happened at a clinic, through telehealth, or was self-managed at home.

  • An abortion is considered a pregnancy loss — and you control what information you share.

Important for minors:
If you are under 18, some state laws allow providers to inform a parent or guardian about your healthcare.
To learn more about your privacy rights as a minor, call 844-868-2812 or reach out via the Repro Legal Helpline secure form.

2. Can I Be Tested for Abortion Pills?

  • There is currently no standard medical test that can detect abortion pills taken under the tongue or between the gums and teeth.

  • Worth knowing - Misoprostol used vaginally can be seen in the vaginal canal for up to 4 days.

3. Will My Health Care Provider or Hospital Report Me for a Self-Managed Abortion?

  • No state law requires providers to report someone for self-managing an abortion.

  • Medical privacy laws like HIPAA protect your health information.

  • But: In practice, some providers may still share private information — even if they shouldn’t.
    If you believe your information was shared and you're being investigated, call 844-868-2812 immediately.

4. Do I Still Have the Right to Access Abortion Care?

  • Yes.
    Abortion is still legal and protected in many states.

  • If you travel to a state where abortion is legal, you have the constitutional right to receive care, no matter where you live.

If you are undocumented or under 18 this can get tricky.

5. What Can I Do if I Am Miscarrying or Need an Emergency Abortion?

  • You have the right to emergency care.

  • Unfortunately care barriers exist: some hospitals and providers may hesitate due to confusion around abortion laws.

  • If you are denied life-saving care, call 844-868-2812 for immediate legal help.

Resources for Immediate Assistance

  • If/When/How Repro Legal Helpline
    Call 855-868-4636
    Provides free, confidential legal support for individuals facing barriers to reproductive care.​

Emergency Symptoms to Watch For:

  • Heavy bleeding soaking more than two pads in two hours. Clots larger than a lemon.

  • Severe abdominal pain or cramping.

  • Fever or chills indicating infection.

Note: This is general information, not legal or medical advice. For medical questions, contact M+A Hotline. For legal help, contact Repro Legal Helpline.

Nikki Vinckier
Next

Seeking Medical Care After a Miscarriage or Abortion