Do I Need a Ride After an Abortion?

If you’re preparing for an abortion, it’s natural to have concerns about what the experience will involve, including how you’ll feel afterward and whether you’ll need help with transportation. Many patients wonder: “Do I need a ride after my abortion?”

The answer depends on the type of abortion you have, how you’re feeling post-procedure, and clinic policies. In this blog, we’ll break down what you need to know about transportation after an abortion, whether you’re using a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft or relying on someone else to pick you up.

Medical Abortion: Do I Need a Ride?

A medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, involves taking two medications (Mifepristone and Misoprostol) to end a pregnancy. If you’re having a medical abortion, you typically don’t need a ride after the procedure. The first pill is taken in the clinic, and the second pill is taken at home, so you won’t be required to stay or need a ride home after taking the first dose.

However, it’s essential to have support at home, as you may experience cramping and bleeding after taking the second pill. While you won’t need a ride immediately after taking the first pill, you may want to arrange for help or have someone nearby when the process begins.

Surgical Abortion: Do I Need a Ride?

For patients undergoing a surgical abortion, transportation is more often required. After a surgical abortion, you may feel groggy or dizzy from the anesthesia or sedation used during the procedure, making it unsafe to drive yourself. In these cases, clinics typically require that you arrange for someone to drive you home or use a service like Uber or Lyft.

If you don’t have a friend or family member available to drive, ride-sharing apps can be a great option. However, check with your clinic beforehand, as some locations may have policies about needing a known person (like a friend or relative) to pick you up for safety reasons. DISCLAIMER: WRC is a pill-only clinic.

Abortion: Using Uber or Lyft

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can be helpful when you don’t have someone available to drive you after a surgical abortion. Here are a few tips if you plan on using Uber or Lyft after your procedure:

Notify your driver ahead of time: If you’ve just had a procedure, it’s always courteous to let your driver know you may need a gentle ride. Drivers may appreciate knowing they must drive carefully, especially if they feel tender or uncomfortable.
Bring a friend along. If you’re nervous about traveling alone post-procedure, having a friend accompany you can be helpful.
Prepare for comfort: Carry a small pillow or blanket to make your ride more comfortable, especially if you feel physically tender after the procedure.

Can I Drive Myself Home After an Abortion?

If you’re having a medical abortion, you can generally drive yourself home from your initial clinic visit since the physical effects will begin later once you take the second pill. However, having someone with you or on-call is essential if you feel unwell.

If you’re having a surgical abortion, you should not drive yourself home. The effects of sedation and anesthesia can impair your ability to drive, and for your safety, it’s best to have someone else handle transportation.

Final Thoughts

While transportation needs vary depending on the type of abortion, it’s always a good idea to plan. Whether you arrange for a loved one to drive you, use Uber or Lyft, or rely on other transportation options, having a solid plan will help you feel more secure and supported.

If you have any questions about what to expect during and after your abortion or need help arranging transportation, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at the Women’s Reproductive Clinic of New Mexico. We’re here to ensure your experience is safe, comfortable, and compassionate.

Contact us today to learn more about your care options, and don’t forget to check out our Google reviews for more insights from our patients.