If you are traveling for your appointment, make sure to pack these items in an obvious and easy-to-access place, like a purse or backpack:

• A piece of government-issued photo ID (read more at Step 4: Travel). If you don’t have one, ask the clinic if they can accept something else before you leave for the appointment.

• A copy of your insurance card, if you have one.

• Comfortable clothes. Don't worry, there is no dress code for your appointment, but you will want to be comfortable both during your appointment and while you travel. You may want to have loose fitting or soft clothes. You may also want to have a sports bra for after the procedure.

• If you have any medical records from other providers, it would be helpful to bring with you. Recent bloodwork and ultrasounds that have clear pictures, dates and numbers are especially helpful.

• Medications

• Inhaler if you have asthma

• Electronic devices and chargers

• Glasses if you wear contacts

When you have the procedure, you may be asked to take your jewelry off. Although your belongings will be stored for you, if there’s anything especially important to you, and if you have a safe place to keep it at home, you might want to leave it at home.

After the procedure, you will probably experience some bleeding that is like a period or spotting. The clinic will have pads to give you when you leave, but you might want to bring your preferred pads with you, as well as comfortable cotton underwear.

Having light, plain snacks can help with potential feelings of nausea after the appointment.

Consider what other things might feel supportive for you to have after your appointment, such as a favorite pillow, book, journal, fidget, or game.

If you go to a freestanding abortion clinic, there may be anti-abortion protestors outside. We don’t want you to worry, but it helps to know what to expect.

Please keep in mind:

• You will never need to stop your car at the parking lot or go anywhere else before entering the clinic. Sometimes protestors pretend to work for the clinic and try to lead people to an “ultrasound van” or another location. Do not go with them—just park your car and go straight into the clinic.

• Try to block them out. If protestors are there, try wearing visible headphones and listening to music so you don’t have to hear them.

• Look for the helpers. Many clinics have escorts who can walk with you and help block protestors. Escorts often wear bright vests or carry rainbow umbrellas. When you make your appointment, ask the clinic if escorts will be there so you know who to look for.

You have a legal right to access the clinic safely. The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act of 1994 prohibits anyone from intimidating you or physically blocking you from entering a reproductive health clinic.