Deciding to end a pregnancy can be difficult. Sometimes having an abortion is not a choice because the pregnancy is high-risk and harmful to whoever is pregnant. Abortions are emotionally and physically exhausting. Debating whether or not this is the right decision may wear you out too.
In addition to the other aspects of this procedure, you may be worried about the price. That may be especially true if you do not have insurance. There are quite a few factors beyond insurance that can affect the cost of having an abortion or help you access affordable options.
Before deciding to go through with an abortion, it can be helpful to have all the information.
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What is an abortion?
Abortions are a type of procedure used to end a pregnancy through surgery or medicine. Sometimes abortions are also referred to as a termination of a pregnancy. Abortions should only happen in the care of licensed health care professionals who know what they are doing.
While having an abortion is a personal decision, sometimes there is no choice. Abortions can be medically necessary. Pregnancy causes changes in the body. These changes can result in preexisting conditions becoming worse, among other health issues. There are many times when terminating a pregnancy is necessary to save the pregnant person’s life.
There are two types of abortions.
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What are the different types of abortions?
- Medical abortions: If you are in the early stages of your pregnancy, having a medical abortion might be an option for you. This type of abortion is available to those ten weeks along or less. A medical abortion involves taking an abortion pill.
This option may sound more painless to handle than a surgical abortion, but it can be physically and emotionally hard on a person. With a medical abortion, you take a pill that ends the growth of the pregnancy and causes the uterus to empty in the comfort of your own home.
- Surgical abortions: After ten weeks into your pregnancy, the only abortion option available to you will be surgical. Surgical abortions include:
- Vacuum or Suction Aspiration: Before this type of procedure, you will receive some pain medication or anesthesia. A medical professional will use a small tool to empty the uterus. This method can take between 10 and 15 minutes. You will have to wait in the clinic for a while following your appointment.
- Dilation and evacuation (D&E): This procedure is similar to the Vacuum or Suction Aspiration. This type of procedure is for abortions taking place further in pregnancy. The medical professional will dilate your cervix in advance. This process can take a few days. After this, a similar procedure will follow.
- Vacuum or Suction Aspiration: Before this type of procedure, you will receive some pain medication or anesthesia. A medical professional will use a small tool to empty the uterus. This method can take between 10 and 15 minutes. You will have to wait in the clinic for a while following your appointment.
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What affects the price of an abortion?
Many abortion providers offer affordable procedures. However, there are some things they can not control. The cost of your abortion will depend on a variety of factors, including:
- Where you live
- The location of your provider
- Stage of pregnancy
- Type of termination
- Medication
- Sedation
How far along a person is in their pregnancy tends to be the factor that determines the cost the most. This factor can decide what type of termination is required, what medications are necessary, among other things.
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How much does an abortion cost without insurance?
According to CostHelper, an early abortion can cost $320 to $500. An abortion done further along in the pregnancy can cost between $1,000 and $2,000 or more.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 79.3% of abortions performed in 2019 happened before or at nine weeks. Nearly all abortions were performed by week 13. That means that most abortions are within that $320 to $500 range.
A patient without insurance who receives a surgical abortion at ten weeks will pay between $320 and $500. According to CostHelper, at 16 weeks, surgical abortions can cost between $500 and $700. At 20 weeks or later, a surgical abortion costs about $1,000 to $2,000 or more.
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Are there ways to reduce the cost of an abortion?
There are likely resources available near you that can help with the cost of an abortion. There is a lot of information available at Planned Parenthood. If you have a Planned Parenthood near you, it can be helpful to reach out to them for additional information.
Some organizations exist to help support those who need abortion services. These include the National Network of Abortion Funds and the Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project. Both of these exist to help cover the cost of abortions. Additionally, it is possible to acquire the pills necessary for medical abortion through a telehealth provider.
Cost should not stop someone who wants or needs to have an abortion from receiving the care they need. Take advantage of the many financial assistance options out there. Speak with someone from Planned Parenthood if you are curious about the other options that might help you pay for this procedure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does health insurance help cover the cost of an abortion?
Not every insurance plan will cover abortions. According to CostHelper, patients that are covered by insurance typically have to pay a copay between $15 and $150. Insurance can lower the cost of an abortion by a few hundred dollars.
What is the average cost of an abortion?
An early abortion can cost $320 to $500, while an abortion done further in the pregnancy can cost between $1,000 and $2,000 or more. Expect to pay somewhere between $320 and $2,000.
How much will an abortion cost without insurance?
According to CostHelper, a patient without insurance who receives a surgical abortion at ten weeks will pay between $320 and $500. At 16 weeks, surgical abortions can cost between $500 and $700. At 20 weeks or later, a surgical abortion without insurance costs about $1,000 to $2,000 or more.
Are abortions safe, and do they have side effects or risks?
There are many potential risks to having an abortion, but the same goes for pregnancy. These risks and side effects are rare, but you must be aware of them before making your final decision. When you go in for an abortion, you will likely be required to sign your acknowledgment of potential risks, including:
- Abdominal pain
- Spotting or bleeding
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Infections in your vagina, cervix, or uterus
- Damage to your cervix or uterus
- Damage to other internal organs
- Death
Does an abortion hurt?
Every person is different. According to Whole Woman’s Health, many people compare the feeling of having an abortion to menstrual cramps. For many, these cramps feel like severe period cramps. The medical professionals helping you will do everything in their power to make the whole day as painless as possible. After the abortion, it is common for the cramps to continue for a while.
Will there be protestors outside of the abortion clinic?
There tend to be protestors outside most abortion clinics every day. They may try to hand you things and shame you for your decision. They are not allowed on the property, so you should be safe besides listening to the protestors make negative remarks. Remember that you do not have to interact with them. It can be best to ignore them.
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