The Erie County Family Planning Center offers confidential, judgment-free medication abortion.
Medication abortion (the abortion pill) is a safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy.
If you want to have an abortion, give us a call to schedule an appointment (preferred), or walk- in during regular hours. Please allow 60 minutes for your appointment. Walk-ins cannot be guaranteed.
We are here to provide a safe, confidential, judgment-free medication abortion if you cannot or do not want to carry your pregnancy to term. We provide abortion services in Erie County, New York but anyone from anywhere can come to the Center to get a medication abortion.
Here’s what you need to know before you come in
- Medication abortion is most effective within the first 11 weeks of pregnancy.
- A care provider will help you determine if you are eligible for a medication abortion at your appointment.
- If you are unsure about having an abortion, we offer options counseling so you can decide what is best for you and your body. Or you can call the All Options TalkLine at 1-888-493-0092 for an unbiased conversation.
- We accept all insurance. Please check with your insurance provider if they cover abortion.
- Abortion funds are available to eligible applicants through the at NY Abortion Access Fund (nyaaf.org) or call 212-252-4757
Questions about costs and payment options? Stop by the Family Planning Center or call 716-858-2779.
Medication abortion: Mifepristone and Misoprostol
The medications used for a medication abortion are called mifepristone and misoprostol. Though they are two different medications, they are commonly known together as "the abortion pill."
Mifepristone works by stopping your body's release of progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone needed for pregnancy. For an in-clinic medication abortion, you will take mifepristone first, in front of a clinician.
The second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and bleed. You will take misoprostol anywhere from right away or up to 48 hours after taking mifepristone. You can take misoprostol in the clinic or at home. After that, the uterus will begin to cramp and you will have symptoms similar to a heavy period within 24 hours.
Is medication abortion safe?
Medication abortion is a safe and effective way to terminate a pregnancy. Medication abortion is safer than being pregnant. Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22270271/
More info about what happens during a medication abortion
Additional resources and information
Reproductive Rights
- NY State Department of Health: Abortion services
- NY Attorney General: NY reproductive rights and FAQs for patients seeking reproductive care
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Crisis Pregnancy Centers, misleading practices and harms to public health
What is a Crisis Pregnancy Center (CPC)?
A CPC:
- Is a facility that poses as a legitimate healthcare center for pregnant people, but is not.
- Is typically an unregulated, non-medical facility.
- Does not offer comprehensive prenatal or medical services.
- Has staff trained to persuade patients not to have an abortion or, in some cases, not use contraception.
- Has staff who are not responsible for giving accurate health or medical information to patients.
CPCs that are not staffed by medical professionals are not bound by federal privacy laws to protect your information. These facilities do not offer abortion services.