Seeking Medical Care After a Miscarriage or Abortion
Do You Need Medical Attention?
Most people do not need immediate medical care after a first-trimester miscarriage or abortion (up to 12 weeks).
Later pregnancy losses may still not need urgent care.
If you're unsure, you can call or text the M+A Hotline at 1-833-246-2632 for free, confidential advice.
What Do You Have to Tell a Health Care Provider?
You only have to share what you feel comfortable with.
You can say you were pregnant and describe your symptoms (like bleeding or cramping).
You are not legally required to say if you had an abortion.
Need help navigating conversations with providers?
Contact the Repro Legal Helpline at 844-868-2812
Will They Know If You Had an Abortion?
Health care providers cannot tell if you used abortion pills placed in your cheek, under your tongue, or swallowed. Traces of misoprostol inserted vaginally may be visible for approximately 4 days after insertion.
There’s no widely available test for abortion pills.
Pills used for abortion are the same as those used for miscarriage management.
Procedural abortions leave no visible evidence.
Reminder: If your medical records from another clinic include past abortion care, providers might see that.
Is My Information Private?
HIPAA laws protect your health information.
Providers do not have to report an abortion to the police — but unfortunately some do anyway.
If you believe your privacy was violated, call the Repro Legal Helpline immediately: 844-868-2812.
Other Important Rights
Pregnancy confirmation (like an ultrasound or test) just shows you were pregnant — it doesn’t reveal how the pregnancy ended.
You have the right to travel to another state for abortion care. (Laws differ by state, especially if you're under 18.)
If a Health Care Provider Contacts Police or CPS
Do not speak to them without a lawyer.
Call the Repro Legal Helpline at 844-868-2812 immediately.
Note: This is general information, not legal or medical advice. For medical questions, contact M+A Hotline. For legal help, contact Repro Legal Helpline.
