Common Abortion Methods
Learn more about abortion pills and procedures in Missouri. We do not provide abortions or recommendations for abortion providers. We provide education on abortion pills and in-clinic procedures in Columbia, MO and Boone County.
Considering abortion?
If you have scheduled an abortion or have ordered the abortion pill online, an ultrasound should be performed prior to a procedure or taking abortion pills. For your health and safety, it's important to rule out an ectopic pregnancy and talk to a nurse about your health history and medications. An ultrasound can also help determine how far along you are, if the pregnancy is viable, and if the pregnancy is in the uterus.
We do not provide abortions or recommendations for abortion providers. If you’re considering an abortion, we recommend making an appointment for an ultrasound to confirm viability.
The Abortion Pill
The abortion pill is two different drugs, Mifepristone (also known as Mifeprex) and Misoprostol, taken in one or two doses. The number of pills ordered can be determined by how far along you are. The abortion pill is FDA-approved up through 10 weeks after a woman's last menstrual period. It is not an option for people with certain medical conditions, if the pregnancy is not viable, or if the pregnancy occurs outside of the uterus.
If you're considering the abortion pill, it's important to rule out an ectopic pregnancy or a natural miscarriage and find out how far along you are via ultrasound. Conception calculators can only estimate a potential due date. Contact us for a free ultrasound and to learn more about your options.
Note: The abortion pill goes by many names including missed period pills, at-home abortion, self-managed abortion, 10-week-after pills, medication, medical, or chemical abortion. It is not the same as emergency contraceptives. The FDA has issued a warning about abortion by mail and new safety regulations. Your health and safety come first here. Contact us to learn more.
Aspiration Abortion
Aspiration abortion procedures can be performed up to 13 weeks after a woman's last menstrual period (LMP). It is the most common early surgical abortion method and it is an outpatient procedure. Aspiration abortion is sometimes performed in the event of a medication abortion failure.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
A D&E abortion is typically performed 13 weeks or more after a woman's last known period (LMP). It is the most common second-trimester surgical abortion method. Local anesthesia or sedation is commonly utilized. If you think you may be in your second trimester and are looking for options, contact us for a no-cost consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
At My Life Clinic, we provide compassionate, professional care to women in Mid-Missouri — completely free of charge. Thanks to the generous support of our community and donors, all of our services, from pregnancy tests to ultrasounds, are offered at no cost. Below are some of the most common questions we hear from clients about our services.
How much do your services cost?
Every service we provide — including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and STI testing and treatment — is completely free, made possible by donations from the support of our community partners in Mid-Missouri.
Do I need insurance to visit My Life Clinic?
No, you do not need insurance. We do not bill insurance, collect insurance information, or charge for any services — so nothing will be sent to your home or your parents.
Who can come to My Life Clinic?
Any woman seeking our services is welcome, regardless of age or circumstances. Our goal is to provide compassionate care to everyone who needs it. We serve women in Columbia, MO and Boone County.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes! You are welcome to bring a support person to your appointment.
How long does an appointment take?
Most appointments take around an hour, depending on the services you receive and any questions you have.
Who will administer the pregnancy test or ultrasound?
All medical-grade pregnancy tests and limited ultrasounds are administered by our licensed registered nurses and registered medical diagnostic sonographers who provide compassionate, professional care.
Why do I need an ultrasound?
An ultrasound helps confirm your pregnancy’s location, estimate how far along you are, and check that it’s developing safely. Before scheduling an ultrasound, a nurse will give you a medical-grade pregnancy test. If your test is positive, a trained sonographer (RDMS) can perform an ultrasound to give you important health information before you decide what to do next.
I’m a student. Will any information from my visit be shared with my parents?
Your appointment is completely confidential. Your private health information will not be shared with anyone without your consent, including your parents or guardians. While we are not a HIPAA-covered entity because we do not bill for services, we voluntarily follow privacy and confidentiality practices that align with HIPAA standards.
What if I've already decided I want an abortion or ordered the abortion pill online?
Abortion is a medical procedure, and your health and safety matter most. Our team can walk with you through any questions you may have and provide information based on your health history. We do not refer or provide termination services but provide education and information on abortion pills and in-clinic procedures in Columbia, MO and Boone County.
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