Pregnancy Termination Care at Thrive

Deciding whether to continue or end a pregnancy can be one of the most personal and emotional choices you will ever make. An unplanned pregnancy may bring up big questions about your life, relationships, values, goals, and your future. Whatever you decide, it is normal to experience a wide range of feelings and you do not have to go through this alone. At Thrive, we are here to support and guide you toward the decision that is right for you.

If you have chosen to end a pregnancy, you are not alone. About one in four women will make this choice by the age of 45. We respect and support your decision, and our team is proud to walk beside you. Because of stigma surrounding abortion, you may feel nervous about what to expect. Please know that these emotions are completely normal and that you are in caring, capable hands.

Termination Options

There are two safe and effective ways to end a pregnancy:

Medication abortion (abortion pill):

Uses two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol.
Approved for use up to 10 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP).
Most effective when taken earlier in pregnancy.
At eight weeks or less, success rates are 94–98%. By 10 weeks, success rates remain over 90%.
Works by first blocking progesterone (needed for pregnancy to grow) and then causing cramping and bleeding to pass the pregnancy, much like an early miscarriage.
Bleeding is usually heaviest the day misoprostol is taken, with light period-like bleeding possibly continuing for a few weeks.

In-office procedure (surgical abortion):

Performed by trained physicians up to 12 weeks from the first day of the LMP.
Involves gentle suction to remove the pregnancy under local anesthesia, with optional medications for pain or anxiety.
Recovery is usually just a few days with minimal discomfort or bleeding.
Thrive does not currently offer surgical abortions but can connect you with trusted community providers.

At this time, Thrive offers medication abortion up to 9 weeks of pregnancy using mifepristone and misoprostol. During your consultation, our team will review your options in detail, answer your questions, and support you every step of the way.

What to Expect After a Medication Abortion

Medication abortion is highly effective, successful in up to 99% of early pregnancies. Rarely, additional medication or an in-office procedure may be needed. Some people prefer the privacy and natural process of a medication abortion, while others choose a procedure to avoid cramping and bleeding. Both options are safe. If you are unsure, our team can help you decide what feels best for you.

Emotional Well-Being After Termination

Many people feel relief after ending an unplanned pregnancy. Others may experience sadness, empowerment, guilt, resolution, or even happiness or a mix of all these feelings at once. It is completely normal to feel conflicted emotions. Give yourself permission to honor your feelings as you would after any major life decision.

Because of political, cultural, and religious stigma, it can sometimes feel hard to talk about abortion. If you would like additional emotional support, the All-Options Talk Line (1-888-493-0092) is a free, confidential resource. You can also schedule time with a Thrive provider to talk through your experience. Visit all-options.org for more information.

A Personal Message from Dr. Pine

As a young medical school graduate in 1970, before Roe v. Wade, I witnessed the devastating consequences of unsafe, illegal abortions. Women endured permanent injury, loss of fertility, and even death because they lacked safe options. The legalization of abortion in 1973 was a turning point, recognizing that people deserve the right to make choices about their own bodies and families.

The recent reversal of Roe v. Wade is deeply concerning, and it reminds us how critical it is to protect access to safe and compassionate care. Reproductive choice is not only a health issue, it is a human right.

As a physician, friend, brother, husband, and father, I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure people maintain the freedom to make their own reproductive choices and receive the safe, respectful care they deserve.

With respect and compassion,
Dr. Pine

Pregnancy Termination FAQ

Is it normal to feel emotional about this decision?
Yes. Deciding whether or not to end a pregnancy can bring up many feelings—relief, sadness, empowerment, guilt, or a mix of all of these. Every reaction is valid. At Thrive, we are here to support you no matter what you feel or decide.

How common is abortion?
Very common. About 1 in 4 women will have an abortion by age 45. You are not alone.

What are my options for ending a pregnancy?
There are two safe, effective methods:

Medication abortion (abortion pill): Uses two medications (mifepristone and misoprostol). Works best in early pregnancy, up to 9–10 weeks.
In-office procedure (surgical abortion): A gentle procedure performed by a physician up to 12 weeks. At Thrive, we currently offer medication abortion only, but we can refer you to trusted community providers for in-office care.

How do the abortion pills work?

First pill (mifepristone): Blocks the hormone progesterone, needed for pregnancy to grow.
Second pill (misoprostol): Taken 24–48 hours later. Causes cramping and bleeding to pass the pregnancy, similar to a miscarriage.

What should I expect after taking the pills?

Heavy cramping and bleeding (often with clots or tissue) within 1–4 hours of misoprostol.
Bleeding is heaviest the first day but may continue lightly for a few weeks.
Most people recover within a few days.

How effective is medication abortion?
Very effective—up to 99%. Rarely, extra medication or a procedure may be needed.

What if I’m not sure which option is right for me?
That’s okay. Some people prefer the privacy of medication abortion, others prefer an in-office procedure for faster completion. Our team can talk with you about your health, lifestyle, and preferences to help you decide.

Is abortion safe?
Yes. Both medication and in-office abortion are extremely safe when provided by trained medical professionals.

What if I need emotional support?
Many people feel relief, while others experience mixed emotions. If you’d like to talk, you can: