Abortion Options

UHCS provides judgement free support for students as they navigate decision making for their health and future. We refer to local community clinics and medical centers for on-going care through your pregnancy.

UHCS medical providers can offer consultation about your options, depending on the stage of the pregnancy, your health, and your preferences. UHCS provides medication abortion services, emergency contraception counseling and prescription, as well as pregnancy testing, options counseling including parenting, adoption and abortion.

The decision to seek an abortion is complicated. You don’t have to do it alone. Mental Health Clinicians certified in Pregnancy Options Counseling are available at UHCS. They provide confidential mental health support regarding the next steps after pregnancy and can help you review options. Call UHCS 617.373.2772 to set up an appointment.

UHCS worked with student leaders to explore resources and wellness needs. The below information is a result of student efforts to develop materials and information. If you have any questions, please call UHCS to set up an appointment to discuss further.

Abortion Frequently Asked Questions

The decision to seek abortion is a complicated one – how it fits with our lives, our resources, our beliefs. Access should not be another complication.

How can I get an abortion?

UHCS provides medication abortion services. UHCS medical providers can offer consultation about your options, depending on the stage of the pregnancy, your health, and your preferences (see “What are the different types of abortion?”), and can provide onsite treatment or referral to local, regional, or online providers. You may also contact abortion providers directly, without a referral. If you are more than 16 weeks pregnant, we recommend starting with Planned Parenthood to expedite the use of their referral network for abortion after 16 weeks.

If you are interested in pregnancy options counseling, or a free in-office pregnancy test, call UHCS at 617.373.2772 to make an appointment. 

Is it legal to get an abortion in Massachusetts?

Abortion is legal in Massachusetts (MA) from conception through the 23rd week of pregnancy. After 23 weeks, abortion is legal if someone’s physical or mental health, life, or pregnancy is at risk.

Weeks of pregnancy are determined by counting from the first day of your last menstrual period.

Abortion services in MA are completely confidential for people aged 16 and older. An abortion provider cannot disclose information to anyone other than their patient, without their permission. Minors under 16 must receive parental consent or permission from a judge through a judicial bypass procedure.

To learn about abortion policies in other states, visit states.guttmacher.org/policies.

Is it safe to get an abortion?

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, abortion is a “common medical intervention that improves the lives, health, and well-being of those who need it”.

Abortion does not cause increased risk of cancer, infertility, or mental health issues. There are some risks associated with abortion like all medical procedures, but they are rare. Earlier pregnancies often experience lower rates of these risks. These risks include the procedure not being effective (the pregnancy is not ended), heavy bleeding, and infection. More information available on Planned Parenthood’s website: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion.

MA State law provides protections from harassment and physical harm for anyone entering an abortion clinic. Depending on the location, there may be protestors present outside the clinic.

What are the different types of abortion?

Medication abortion (“abortion pill”): Medication abortion is available at UHCS and involves taking pills which cause your uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue (similar to the process of an early miscarriage). The most common pills used are misoprostol and mifepristone. This type of abortion is recommended within the first eight weeks of pregnancy but is available to individuals who are up to 11 weeks pregnant. Some telehealth providers can prescribe abortion medication without an in-person office visit and can send pills through the mail. UHCS does not provide telehealth visits for medication abortion. Visits are conducted in-person.

Procedural abortion: During a procedural abortion, a healthcare provider ends the pregnancy by emptying the uterus. There are two types of procedural abortion procedures.

  • Suction abortion (also called vacuum aspiration) is the most common procedural abortion. This type of abortion should be accessible up to approximately 16 weeks after your last period. This procedure involves using gentle suction to remove the fetal tissue.
  • Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) abortion is typically used for those who are more than 16 weeks pregnant, using suction and medical tools to empty the uterus.

Important: Options for abortion care may change depending on legal regulations and clinical recommendations. Check with your abortion provider for the most current information.

 The Reproductive Health Access Project has developed fact sheet explains basic information about early abortion options. It compares and contrasts medication abortion and aspiration abortion procedures. 

How do I decide which type of abortion is right for me?

Important factors to consider when determining which type of abortion best suits your situation include 1) the stage of the pregnancy, 2) your health, 3) your feelings or preferences. Consulting with your medical provider can be a helpful step in determining which of these options is recommended for your circumstances.

How much does it cost to get an abortion?

The cost of an abortion depends on the type of abortion and how many weeks an individual has been pregnant at the time of the procedure. Without insurance, medical and surgical abortions are approximately $500-$1200+. In Massachusetts, private health insurances are required to cover abortion, including NUSHP. MA State Medicaid funds cover abortion.

For students on NUSHP, medication abortion is available at UHCs at no cost to the student.

If you require additional funding assistance in Massachusetts, reach out to The Jane Fund (1- 508-829-7300) or the Eastern Massachusetts Abortion Fund (866. 354.3839). Search for additional abortion funds across the country at abortionfunds.org/need-abortion/.

If you require additional funding assistance in California, please see Access Reproductive Justice in affiliation with the National Network of Abortion Funds at their website or call 800-376-4636 for the English hotline.

How do I prepare to get an abortion?

Plan ahead to make sure your experience will be as comfortable as possible. Wear loose, comfortable clothes, and have snacks, a plan for pain management, and thicker pads on hand for bleeding. Identify a support person who can accompany you if you’re going into a clinic. Be gentle with yourself and take time away from obligations and activities as needed.

What else should I know about getting an abortion?

After an abortion, it is not uncommon to experience bleeding for two to four weeks. Please also be aware that:

  • Abortions do not prevent your ability to conceive, even immediately after your procedure. Contraception is recommended to prevent unintended pregnancy.
  • Pregnancy tests can continue to read positive for 3-5 weeks after an abortion.
  • Menstrual cycle tracking will not be reliable for several months following an abortion.

How can I ensure my privacy?

UHCS is committed to providing confidential medical care to Northeastern University students.

MA State law protects abortion providers from investigations by other states; may cover patients and support organizations.

The Protect Access to Confidential Healthcare (PATCH) Act allows an individual between 18-26 to choose how and where your health insurance company sends your summary of payment (SOP), an explanation of services sent from your insurance company after your healthcare visit.

Contact your health insurance provider to learn more about where your explanation of benefits (EOB) is sent and to update your address.

Northeastern Support Resources

Peer Support

Northeastern University Mental Health Resources

  • Mental Health Clinicians certified in Pregnancy Options Counseling are available at UHCS. They provide confidential mental health support regarding the next steps after pregnancy and can help you review options. Call UHCS 617.373.2772 to schedule an appointment. 
  • 24/7 urgent mental health support is available by calling 877.233.9477 (US), 855.229.8797 (Canada), or +1.781.457.7777 (International). Full-time students also have access to unlimited free virtual counseling through Uwill. Visit https://uhcs.northeastern.edu/counseling-services/find-at-northeastern/ for more information about mental health services available. 

Know Your Options: Pregnancy – if you need additional support or assistance connecting with campus resources, including academic accommodations, you can talk with a UHCS clinician or reach out to the Office of University Equity and Compliance.

Boston Area Resources

Women’s Health Services
  • Primarily female staff members, informed on gender-inclusive care and medical trauma.
  • To make an appointment call 617-227-0009
  • 111 Harvard St. Brookline, MA
  • 1.9 miles from NU’s Boston Campus (in Brookline)
  • Offers medication and surgical abortion with anesthesia if requested for comfort.
  • Estimated wait time for appointment: same day appointments
  • Accepted Insurance:
  • Allways, Aetna, Blue Cross, Cigna, Fallon, Tufts, Harvard Pilgrim, Mass
  • Health, BMC, Tufts Health Together, and many others.
  • Verify benefits and inform you of coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses prior to appointment

HealthQ

Planned Parenthood Boston
  • Weekend appointments available
  • To make an appointment book online or call 617-295-7235
  • 1055 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, MA
  • 2.4 miles from NU’s Boston Campus (in Brookline)
  • Offers medication and surgical abortion.
  • Estimated wait time for appointment: 2-7 days
  • Accepted Insurance:
  • Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, BMC HealthNet, Celticare, Cigna, Fallon,
  • Harvard-Pilgrim, Health New England, MassHealth, AllWays Health
  • Plans, Tufts Health Public Plans, Tufts, Unicare, United
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) Family Planning
  • Hospital-based care
  • To make an appointment call 617-667-4600
  • 330 Brookline Ave. Boston, MA
  • 1.2 miles from NU’s Boston Campus (in Longwood Medical Area)
  • Offers medication and surgical abortion.
  • Estimated wait time for appointment: 7-10 days
  • Accepted Insurance:
  • Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Commonwealth Care, Harvard Pilgrim, Neighborhood Health Plan, MassHealth/Medicaid, Medicare, Tufts, and most commercial insurance.
  • Offer pay-out-of-pocket options.
Boston Medical Center – Abortion Center
  • Hospital-based care specializing in patients with complex medical history.
  • Can offer a range of anesthesia for comfort.
  • To make an appointment call 617-414-2000 or book online (for existing BMC patients)
  • 850 Harrison Ave. Boston, MA
  • 0.7 miles from NU’s Boston Campus (in South End)
  • Offers medication and surgical abortion.
  • Accepted Insurance:
  • Aetna, Allways Health Partners, BCBS, BMC Wellness Plan, Cigna, CCA, East Boston ESP, eternalHealth, Fallon, Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan, MassHealth, Medicare, Multiplan, Humana Military, Tufts, United Healthcare
HealthQ Sexual and Reproductive Health
  • Massachusetts-based telehealth services
  • Offers medication abortion pill sent by mail.
  • To make an appointment call or text 978-575-8420Estimated wait time for appointment: 4-5 days
  • Accepted insurance:
  • Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Boston Medical Center (BMC) HealthNet, Celticare, Cigna, Fallon, Harvard Pilgrim, Health New England, MassHealth, Medicare, Allways Health Partners, Network Health, Tufts, and United Healthcare.
  • Out-of-pocket price of $650

Oakland Area Resources

Medication abortion is available at the onsite clinic in Oakland. See Health and wellness – Northeastern University Oakland 

Planned Parenthood – East Oakland
  • Weekend appointments available
  • 3.4 miles from NU’s Oakland Campus
  • 8480 Enterprise Way Oakland, CA
  • To make an appointment call 510-746-4700
  • Offers medication and surgical abortion.
  • Estimated wait time for an appointment:
  • Accepted Insurance:
  • Medi-cal, Family PACT, Anthem, BCBS, CalViva- under Health Net, Central California Alliance, Health Net, Health Plan of San Joaquin, Health Plan of San Mateo, Molina, Santa Clara Family Health Plan, Valley Health Plan
Alameda Health Services – Highland Wellness Women’s Services
  • Features female provider options and LBGT+ inclusive services.
  • 2.9 miles from NU’s Oakland Campus
  • 1411 E 31st Street Oakland, CA
  • To make an appointment call 510-437-4800
  • Offers medication and surgical abortion.
  • Estimated wait time for an appointment:
  • Accepted Insurance:
  • Aetna, Affinity Medical Group, Alameda Alliance for Health, Anthem, Beacon, BHCS, Blue Shield, Bright Health/Brand New Day, Brown and Toland, Canopy Health, Care1st, CIGNA, Community Health Center Network, Easy Choice, Health Net, HealthPAC, Hill Physicians, Kaiser Permanente, Tricare, United
  • Reproductive Equity Now Abortion Legal Hotline call 833-309-6301 to obtain free legal advice and resources on accessing a lawful abortion in MA.
  • If/When/How Repro Legal Helpline is a free, confidential helpline where you can get information about your legal rights regarding self-managed abortion across the country.