At The Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center, we provide students with comprehensive access to reproductive health services. We are committed to continuing to do so, and have resources available to meet the demand of our community. In partnership with UCLA Health, medication abortion services are now available at The Ashe Center for pregnancies up to 70 days (10 weeks).
What is Medication Abortion?
Our university firmly supports individuals’ ability to access necessary health care services and make decisions about their own care in consultation with their medical teams.
— UC statement on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision
Students seeking reproductive services, including pregnancy testing, birth control, emergency contraception and consultation on the option of abortion, are encouraged to visit The Ashe Center Patient Portal to schedule or call (310) 825-4073 for a consultation with a medical provider.
Safety of Abortion
Both the medication abortion and procedural abortion options are safe! More than 95 in 100 people who have a medication abortion need no further treatment. First trimester procedural abortions are also safe and effective: 99 times out of 100, everything works well the first time. Having a more serious complication with either medication abortion or first trimester procedural abortion is rare, less than 0.5 / 100 abortions.
Procedural Abortion
There are a few medications that will be offered with a procedural abortion: usually an antibiotic, and pain medications to help with cramping. You can talk with your provider about being awake or asleep for the procedure.
The procedure consists of a pelvic exam, cleaning the cervix, usually an injection around the cervix to help with pain and cramping, dilating the cervix, then using a small suction tool to remove the pregnancy tissue from inside of the uterus. The whole procedure usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
Note: If you elect to receive a procedural abortion, The Ashe Center can provide a consultation and referral for UCSHIP students seeking this procedure.
Medication Abortion
The Ashe Center offers the recommended protocol for medication abortion – a combination of two medications: Mifepristone and Misoprostol.
Mifepristone works by preventing progesterone from continuing to support the pregnancy. About 24hrs after taking the Mifepristone, taking the Misoprostol causes your uterus to cramp/contract and your cervix to soften, which pushes out the inner lining and contents.
- This is an option through 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy / from the first day of your last menstrual period.
Risks of medication abortion: mainly include painful cramping, heavy bleeding, uncommon for the medications to fail, but if that happened you might require the procedure.
Who is a candidate for medication abortion?
- You have a known pregnancy in the uterus (10 weeks/ 70 days or less).
- You don’t have anemia and are generally healthy without allergies to these medications.
After Abortion
After both medication abortion and procedural abortion, you will have some bleeding and cramping which will go away on average in 9-14 days. Most people are able to return to work/school a day or two after either option. After a medication abortion, you will have a follow up visit. After a procedural abortion, you may have a follow up, although not usually required.
'Sam's Medication Abortion'
Sam’s Medication Abortion is a zine from RHAP that follows one person’s experience of a medication abortion. This evidence-based resource explains the medication abortion process, side effects, and when to reach out for help. The art in this zine is by Kit Mills, a Brooklyn-based artist.
How to Access at The Ashe Center:
- Log into The Ashe Center Patient Portaland choose “Abortion Care” under Online Services.
- An Ashe Center Nurse will contact you to review your options: Telehealth, In-Person, or Referral for a procedure.
For Medication Abortions:
- First Medication: Mifepristone will be provided at the Ashe Center.
- Second Medication: Misoprostol will be sent to your chosen pharmacy.
Follow-Up Appointments:
- 1-2 weeks after Mifepristone: In-person or telehealth.
- 4 weeks after Mifepristone: Phone call
You will be guided through this process by our staff and clinicians with detailed instructions.
How Medication Works
Medication Abortion
Resources & Support
For some people, it can be difficult to choose whether to have an abortion or to consider their options upon becoming pregnant. Additionally, for people who have made the decision to end a pregnancy, there may be a wide range of emotional reactions that arise at different points during or after their medical care.
UCLA Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
UCLA Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is available to support students’ emotional and mental health and can assist you if you would like to speak to a professional clinician about your experiences. CAPS is available by phone 24 hours per day at 310-825-0768.
To start the process of connecting to CAPS services, please schedule a same day telephone triage Mon-Fri between 9AM and 3PM.
Additional Links & Resources
- All Options
Phone: 1-888-493-0092
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 am – 10 pm
Saturday through Sunday, 7 am – 3 pm
Website: https://www.all-options.org/
Services: Provides confidential and judgment-free support to callers at any point before, during, or after an experience with pregnancy, parenting, abortion, or adoption.
Languages spoken by counselors: English, Spanish
- Connect & Breathe
Phone: 1-866-647-1764
Hours: Tues 3pm-6pm, Thurs 3pm-6pm, Sat 7am-11am
Website: https://www.connectandbreathe.org/
Services: Provides a talk-line staffed by people trained to listen and help you find peace. They can help by just listening or by providing resources in your area that can also help you connect with your decision in a way that affirms you.
- Exhale Pro-Voice
Phone: 1-617-749-2948
Hours: Mon-Fri, 12-6pm; Sat 11 AM- 6PM, Sun 12-4pm
Website: https://exhaleprovoice.org/
Services: Exhale offers a free textline that provides emotional support, resources, and information. All calls are completely confidential and counselors offer support and respect without judgment.
Languages spoken by counselors: English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese
- Faith Aloud
Phone: 1-888-717-5010
Website: http://www.faithaloud.org/
Services: Faith Aloud offers free counseling by phone. Counselors are clergy and specially trained religious counselors (Roman Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Unitarian-Universalist, Protestant Christian, and Buddhist) and want to offer an opportunity for candid dialogue about your abortion experience and provide the support you need to move forward with strength and confidence. Persons of no particular religious faith are welcome to call. Languages spoken by counselors: English, Spanish (varies by counselor)
The Pregnancy Options Workbook
This website includes helpful exercises to work through pregnancy decisions.
Location
Ashe Center, First Floor (Basement Level)
What to Bring
- BruinCard
- Complete the Clinical Questionnaire
- Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time
- Plan for your visit to take one hour
- There is a $20 fee for missed appointments and late cancellation (less than 24 hours before appointment time)
Fees
Medication abortion services are a covered benefit included in the UCSHIP medical insurance policy.
- For medication abortion services rendered at The Ashe Center, there is a $0 copay.