Making decisions about reproductive health can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to understand all your options.
At Women’s Aid Center, located on Peterson Avenue in Chicago, we provide a safe, non-surgical, and effective method for ending a pregnancy: medical abortion (the abortion pill). Alternatively, women can also opt for surgical abortion, which we’ll discuss thoroughly later on.
First, we’ll start with…
Medical Abortion: The Abortion Pill
Medical abortion uses two medications to end an early pregnancy.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), this method is highly effective when performed within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, with a success rate of approximately 95-98%.
- The first medication, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, which is necessary for pregnancy to continue.
- The second medication, misoprostol, causes uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy tissue. This process is similar to an early miscarriage and can be completed at home.
Most patients experience cramping and bleeding within 1-4 hours of taking the second medication.
Best for: Patients up to 10 weeks pregnant who prefer a non-invasive option and the privacy of completing the process at home.
Surgical Abortion: What to Expect
Surgical abortion involves removing pregnancy tissue through the cervix.
Women’s Aid Center does not perform surgical procedures in-clinic, but will gladly refer you to trusted partner clinics. According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, surgical abortion is one of the safest medical procedures with a complication rate of less than 1%.
The procedure is completed in minutes, and most patients return to normal activities within a day.
Aspiration (Suction) Abortion
Aspiration (Suction) abortion is the most common surgical method, typically performed between 6 and 13 weeks of pregnancy.
The procedure uses gentle suction to remove pregnancy tissue and usually takes 5-10 minutes. Patients can choose between local anesthesia (a Lidocaine injection to numb the cervix) or IV sedation for a more relaxed, sleep-like state.
Best for: Patients beyond 10 weeks of pregnancy, or anyone who prefers the certainty of immediate, in-procedure completion. Women’s Aid Center will connect you with a trusted partner clinic.
How Safe is Abortion?
Both medical and surgical abortion are extremely safe when performed by qualified healthcare providers.
The World Health Organization confirms that complications from abortion are rare when the procedure is performed under proper medical supervision. Serious complications requiring hospitalization occur in less than 0.5% of cases.
At Women’s Aid Center, our experienced healthcare team follows all clinical guidelines established by leading medical organizations.
We provide comprehensive pre-procedure evaluation, including an ultrasound to confirm how far along you are, and complete follow-up care to ensure your health and safety.
Choosing Between Medical and Surgical Abortion
Choosing between medical and surgical abortion depends on:
- Preferences
- Individual circumstances
- How far along you are in pregnancy
During your consultation at Women’s Aid Center, we’ll discuss factors like your medical history, pregnancy duration, personal preferences about privacy versus in-clinic completion, and any questions or concerns you have.
Some patients prefer medical abortion for the privacy and control of being at home. Others prefer surgical abortion for the certainty of immediate completion and minimal time commitment.
Both are valid choices, and our role is to provide accurate information so you can decide what feels right for you.
Read more about the differences between medical and surgical abortion.
Abortion Care Near Peterson Ave: Chicago & North Suburbs
Women’s Aid Center serves patients throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, including Skokie, Lincolnwood, Niles, Morton Grove, Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Evanston, and surrounding suburbs.
Located conveniently on Peterson Avenue with free parking, we’re accessible via public transportation and major highways.
Illinois law protects reproductive rights. According to the Guttmacher Institute, Illinois has enacted policies to protect access to abortion care, including Medicaid coverage for abortion services.
For approved Illinois Medicaid patients, the abortion pill is free at our center.
Telehealth Medical Abortion Services
For patients eligible for medical abortion who prefer remote care, we offer telehealth services.
Through a secure video consultation, our providers evaluate your eligibility, prescribe medications, and provide ongoing support.
Medications are shipped discreetly with detailed instructions. This option is particularly convenient for patients in suburban areas like Wilmette, Glenview, and Northbrook.
Free & Low-Cost Abortion Care: Insurance, Medicaid & Financial Assistance
Cost should never be a barrier to safe healthcare.
We accept Illinois Medicaid and offer financial assistance for both in-state and out-of-state patients. We also provide travel expense assistance for patients coming from outside Illinois.
Our transparent pricing is significantly more affordable than hospital settings, and we work with organizations like the National Abortion Federation to connect patients with additional funding when needed.
Confidential Abortion Care at Women’s Aid Center
Safe, effective abortion options are available to patients in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. All medical decisions and records are also strictly confidential and protected under HIPAA regulations.
Whether you choose medical abortion for privacy and non-invasiveness, or surgical abortion through a partner referral for quick in-procedure completion, both methods are safe when performed under proper medical supervision.
If you’re considering abortion care in the Chicago area, schedule a consultation to discuss your options.
We’ll confirm your pregnancy through ultrasound, discuss your medical history, explain both medical and surgical options, and answer all your questions.
Call and reach Women’s Aid Center at (773) 725-4232. We offer same-day and next-day appointments, including evenings and Saturdays.
We maintain a judgment-free environment where you can feel comfortable discussing your needs. Our staff treats every patient with kindness, respect, and compassion, without judgment or pressure.
Last Updated on March 20, 2026 by Womens Aid Center Chicago