How Much Does an Abortion Cost?

Cheyenne Erickson

11/6/2024

Abortions, like any medical procedure, cost money. How much does an abortion cost without insurance? And how much can you expect to pay with insurance and assistance? Before deciding to have an abortion, you should weigh all your options, think about what type of abortion you would receive, and consider the financial expense of the abortion.

Abortion Cost Variables

Factor 1: Where you live

Abortion costs differ from state to state. Some states offer programs that will allow you to qualify for financial assistance or sliding scale fees. Each state regulates whether or not your insurance will cover, or help cover, the cost of an abortion.

Factor 2: Type of Abortion Obtained

The cost of the abortion procedure will also vary based on what type of abortion you are considering. Based on your stage of pregnancy, you could have either a medical abortion by taking two pills or a surgical abortion.

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Cost of a Medication Abortion (The Abortion Pill)

What: Medication abortion is not Plan B, which can be found at your local pharmacy. There are two medications used to end a pregnancy, Mifepristone and Misoprostol, which should be distributed by a reputable health provider. The first medication, Mifepristone, block’s your body’s production of progesterone, stopping the pregnancy from growing. The second medication, Misoprostol, should be taken within 48 hours of taking Mifepristone. Misoprostol causes cramping and bleeding, emptying the uterus.Who: You will most likely qualify for a medical abortion in the first 10 weeks of your pregnancy.

Cost: Guttmacher Institute found that the average medical abortion at a local clinic will cost around $580. However, abortion costs can change based on your income level, the state you live in, and what insurance coverage you have. Based on an FDA ruling in December 2021, abortion pills may be legally sent by mail and administered at home depending on which state you live in. The costs of these online services vary based on location and by the speed of delivery you desire.

Cost of Surgical Abortions

What: A surgical abortion is an in-clinic procedure that terminates the pregnancy. The methods used for the surgical procedure vary based on how long you have been pregnant, and so does the price.

There are three types of surgical abortions.

• Aspiration Abortion: This method uses suction and can generally be administered in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
• D&E: The second method is called dilation and evacuation and is typically performed after 14 weeks of pregnancy.
• Induction abortion: This abortion is typically administered after 16 weeks and requires a few days of recovery in a hospital.

Who: Most women opt for medication abortions early in their pregnancies, during the first 4-10 weeks. Surgical abortions are generally used after the pregnancy is 11 weeks along. However, surgical abortion restrictions will differ based on what state you live in.

Cost: The cost of a surgical abortion will vary by how long you have been pregnant and what state you live in. For example, Planned Parenthood South Atlantic estimated that surgical abortions cost anywhere from $500-$3000 in this region.

• 1st Trimester: Planned Parenthood states that surgical abortions up to 12.6 weeks can range from $500-1150. However, cost may differ if you choose to be sedated or use local anesthesia.
• 2nd Trimester: Surgical abortions at 14 weeks and later can cost $570-$2300
• 3rd Trimester: Abortions after 24 weeks are rare. The Cut reported that third-trimester abortions can cost “$8,000 to $15,000 or more.” The costs of abortions at this stage will vary based on circumstance, state of residence, and insurance coverage.

Insurance Coverage for Abortions

Here is the simple answer. Private insurance coverage of abortion is dependent upon two things: (1) State laws (2) Your insurance company policy.

Even in states where there are no restrictions on private coverage of abortion, not all health insurance policies choose to cover it. Health insurance plans that you can purchase through your university if you are a college or graduate student may or may not cover abortion as well.

Medicaid: The Hyde Amendment currently does not allow federal funding for abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or endangerment to the mother’s life. However, 16 states will allow Medicaid to cover abortions that protect the life of the mother.

Do Your Research

Costs for abortions depend on several factors, so it’s important to go online and do some research into the different options available, as well as the costs.

If you’re looking for more information, check out this article

If you’re still considering your pregnancy options, check out this article