Seventeen-year-old Veronica Clarke takes a pregnancy test at school, but her moment of anxiety is interrupted by her former best friend, Bailey Butler, who accidentally discovers that the test shows a positive result. Initially unsure about whom the pregnancy belongs to, Bailey offers to drive Veronica to a clinic should she decide to terminate the pregnancy. However, when Bailey assumes that Veronica will keep the baby, she gets rid of the test.
Determined to have an abortion, Veronica soon realizes that Missouri law requires parental consent, prompting her to devise a plan to travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she can obtain the procedure without parental involvement. Faced with financial hurdles, Veronica meets with her boyfriend, Kevin, only to be taken aback when he proposes to her upon hearing the pregnancy news. He also admits that the condom had broken, adding to her turmoil. Cunningly, Veronica pretends to contemplate the proposal while pocketing the engagement ring, and then convinces Bailey to accompany her on the journey to Albuquerque.
Their first stop leads to an attempt to pawn the engagement ring, but Kevin appears, having been following Veronica. Upon learning about her need for funds to terminate the pregnancy, a compassionate pawnshop broker agrees to purchase the ring. The duo then sets their sights on Texas, where tensions rise as they clash over their past friendship; Bailey is unaware of how her father's embarrassment over her nerdy childhood pursuits has contributed to their rift.
At a diner, the atmosphere becomes charged when local sheriffs arrive, causing Bailey to panic about the Firebird they are driving, which belongs to her mother’s boyfriend. They manage to evade trouble thanks to a fellow diner named Jarrod, who creates a distraction. Jarrod offers them a ride and introduces them to a racecar driver named Kira, with whom Bailey feels an immediate connection. Bailey later confesses her sexuality and shares her first kiss with Kira.
Just as Kira is about to drop them at the bus station, a young couple overhears their plans regarding the abortion and unexpectedly offers them a ride to Albuquerque. When Bailey and Veronica wake up at the couple's house the following morning, they find themselves at the mercy of pro-life activists trying to prevent Veronica from proceeding with the abortion. In a daring escape, they seize the couple's GMC Yukon and fake their own deaths to break free.
Arriving at a nearby bus station, they discover it is out of service but soon encounter Bob, an anti-government survivalist running a mechanic shop. Upon learning of Veronica's situation, he agrees to take her to the clinic in an old Lincoln limousine. During their ride, Veronica's friends call and, fearing for her reputation, suggest that she blame Bailey for the test. Desperate to protect herself, Veronica reluctantly concurs. Bailey overhears the conversation, igniting a fierce argument about their severed friendship. In frustration, Bailey leaves, prompting Veronica to continue alone to her appointment. However, realizing that Bailey has sought out her estranged father, she decides to postpone her appointment and follows Bailey instead.
At a flower shop where Bailey's father works, Veronica bears witness to their strained reunion. Defending Bailey when her father reacts coldly, Veronica exemplifies the solidarity of friendship. The climax builds at the clinic when Kevin confronts them, threatening to expose the truth unless Veronica stays with him. Unperturbed, Veronica tells him to do as he pleases, signaling her independence.
After the procedure, Veronica and Bailey find themselves broke and reach out to their mothers, who come through with plane tickets home. Upon returning, Veronica's mother expresses her confusion about Veronica's choices but reiterates her love and support for her daughter.
The next day at school, Veronica learns that Kevin has kept the abortion a secret from their friends, but she opts to share the truth herself. Reinvigorating their bond, she decides to rebuild her friendship with Bailey, joining her for lunch. The film concludes with the pair embarking on yet another road trip, this time to Roswell, New Mexico, signaling newfound freedom and the promise of adventure.
