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Medication Abortion

Abortion is legal & available in Montana

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A medication abortion is the use of pills to end a pregnancy safely and effectively at home (or wherever is comfortable for you). 

At Blue Mountain Clinic, you can choose a medication abortion up to 12 weeks after the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). If you know the first day of your last period or the date of conception, you can use a gestation calculator to estimate the pregnancy.  If you have irregular periods or are unsure of your last period, an ultrasound will likely be required to determine the pregnancy dates.  The cost of a medication abortion varies depending on the ultrasound.

To schedule an appointment, please fill out our appointment request form or call Blue Mountain Clinic with any questions about our services.

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Medication Abortion in Person Appointments Blue Mountain Clinic Missoula, Montana bluemountainclinic.org

Please do not delay an abortion for financial reasons. Blue Mountain Clinic offers funding and partners with organizations such as the Montana Abortion Access Program to provide financial assistance. We also accept Medicaid and private insurance.

In-Person Medication Abortion

The Process Explained

Most commonly, a medication abortion involves taking two medications, mifepristone, and misoprostol.  The process is usually complete within 24 hours after taking the second medication and is similar to an early miscarriage.  We recommend having a 24-hour period available for the process. 

Medication abortion is available in two ways. Please call (406) 721-1646 to: 

  1. Schedule an in-person appointment at our clinic 
  2. Schedule a telehealth appointment to receive medications in the mail. 

Medication abortions do not always require an ultrasound.  (How do I know if I meet the criteria for no ultrasound?)   

NOTE: Medication Abortion, sometimes called an “abortion pill” is not the same as the morning after pill or emergency contraception.

Prepare for your Visit

Some people prefer to have their appointment in the clinic where they see a provider face-to-face and receive medications in-person.

  • The cost is $300 if an ultrasound is NOT required. (Do I qualify for no ultrasound?)
  • The cost is $450 if an ultrasound is required or performed electively during the appointment
  • ULTRASOUND We will perform an ultrasound to date the pregnancy if necessary. An ultrasound is not always required if you meet certain criteria which we will go over with you. (How do I know if I meet the criteria for no ultrasound?)
  • Consent forms will be reviewed and signed during your appointment along with detailed instructions and thoroughly answering any questions you may have.
  • Medications are dispensed by a clinician during the appointment. You will be given written instructions as well as our 24-hour phone number.


For more information and to schedule an appointment, please call 406-721-1646.

Medication Abortion by Mail Telehealth Blue Mountain Clinic Missoula, Montana bluemountainclinic.org

Medication Abortion by Mail

For some people it is more convenient to set up a telehealth visit and have the medication delivered to their doorstep. 

  • The cost is $300 if an ultrasound is NOT required.  (Do I qualify for no ultrasound?) 
  • An ultrasound may be required prior to your telehealth appointment.  We can help find convenient locations to have this done.  The cost is in addition to Blue Mountain Clinic’s fee and depends on the provider of services. 
  • Consent forms will be reviewed and signed electronically prior to your appointment. 
  • Detailed instructions will be given, and all questions thoroughly answered via phone or video appointment prior to your appointment with a provider. 
  • During your scheduled appointment with a provider, medications will be sent via our mail order pharmacy and delivered 24-48 hours later.  Rush service is available for an additional charge. 
  • are 16 years old or older. 
  • have access to a smart phone, tablet, or computer with video capability so you can have a video consultation with a provider. 
  • are able to have your telehealth appointment and receive the package of medication at a mailing address in the state of Montana. 
  • are able to receive and take the first medication before you are 12 weeks pregnant.  
  • Please note:  you may be required to have an ultrasound prior to your telehealth appointment.  We can help find convenient locations to have this done.  The cost is in addition to Blue Mountain Clinic’s fee and depends on the provider of services.) 

A medication abortion is a two-step process using two different medications.

The first medication (mifepristone) blocks progesterone, the hormone necessary for growing and maintaining a pregnancy. Some people report mild nausea, light spotting, or cramping after taking mifepristone, but it is not common.

The second medication, misoprostol, is taken 6 to 72 hours after taking mifepristone. Misoprostol is used to soften the cervix and induce uterine contractions causing cramping and bleeding, thereby emptying the uterus, and expelling the pregnancy.

BLEEDING For most people, cramping and bleeding starts 4-6 hours after taking the Misoprostol. It is normal to see large blood clots (up to the size of a lemon) during this process. It is a lot like a really heavy, crampy period and very similar to an early miscarriage.

Heavy bleeding and cramping are normal and will typically last 2-6 hours, but it may take longer. Using pads during this process will allow you to monitor your bleeding. Cramping and bleeding will lighten once the pregnancy has passed. Most people will complete the abortion within 24 hours of using the second medication. If you don’t have any bleeding within 24 hours after taking misoprostol, call Blue Mountain Clinic at (406) 721-1646.

SIDE EFFECTS Some patients report experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, chills, dizziness, and mild fever with misoprostol (the second medication). These side effects are usually resolved within 24 hours. There are no long-term side effects of either medication. Prescriptions may be provided for additional medications to help manage any discomfort during the abortion process.

PREPARE You can be at home for this experience or wherever is safe and comfortable for you. Stock up on pads, food, books, movies, or whatever helps you pass the time. Staying well-hydrated, avoiding rich and spicy foods, and having a heating pad or hot water bottle on-hand can all be helpful ways of making you more comfortable.

It is normal to have some bleeding (period-like and/or spotting) for several weeks afterward. Pregnancy symptoms typically resolve as soon as 24-48 hours after you are no longer pregnant.

A follow-up appointment is required via telehealth, telephone, or in person approximately 1-2 weeks after taking the first medication. We will also have you take a pregnancy test after 4 weeks to confirm it is negative. In the unlikely event that the abortion does not work and you are still pregnant, you may need another dose of medication or an in-clinic procedure to complete the abortion.

Additional Information

Abortion is legal and available in Montana!

Patients under the age of 16 are currently required by law to notify a parent or legal guardian before the procedure or obtain a waiver from a judge. Call the BMC team for more information about Montana’s Parental Notification law.

Spousal consent is not required to obtain an abortion in Montana.

Blue Mountain Clinic is dedicated to upholding the right to privacy for all Montanans. We are a full family practice clinic, which includes reproductive health care. Patients visit our clinic for all sorts of reasons, and we proudly provide confidential, respectful care to all.

Licensed clinicians provide abortion care at Blue Mountain Clinic. Our clinicians are experienced and dedicated to safe, reliable reproductive health care.

Alongside our clinicians is a compassionate support staff trained to counsel clients about their options, provide supportive care, detailed and thorough information, and patient advocacy.

Your visit is strictly confidential. Send an email to a member of our staff or considering sharing your experience (anonymously) to help others feel more comfortable and to help us improve our care!

Sometimes people choose to manage their abortions on their own, outside the traditional medical system. If you are considering self managed abortion for financial reasons, call us first, as we can often help with financial support! For those who choose self managed abortion, please feel free to contact us and explore our Resources page for more information, including possible safety and legal considerations.

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