how much is an abortion

The average price of a first-trimester abortion in the US is $508 (ranging from $75 to $2500), according to the Guttmacher Institute. Abortion in the second trimester has a $1,195 median cost. Abortion in the third trimester can cost $3,000 or more.

The price of an abortion varies according to the procedure chosen as well as the baby’s size, which is determined by gestational age. As a pregnancy develops, the cost increases. Additionally, cost varies depending on the provider; private practitioners and clinics typically charge less than hospitals for abortions.

What is An Abortion?

A medical procedure called abortion is used to end pregnancies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the majority of abortions—92.7% in 2019—are carried out within the first 13 weeks of pregnancy.

There are two types of abortions: medication abortions and surgical (or procedural) abortions. A surgical abortion is a safe, effective medical procedure, and the majority of patients can return to their regular activities the following day. A medication abortion commonly referred to as “the abortion pill,” is another safe, effective form of abortion in which two different pills are administered to end the pregnancy.

Due to Roe v. Wade’s rejection by the Supreme Court, A person’s ability to obtain an abortion can vary significantly depending on how many weeks they have been pregnant and where they live since Wade struck down federal protections for abortion in June. This state-by-state guide on access to abortion can help you find out what medical services are available where you live.

What Effects the Cost of An Abortion?

The cost of an abortion varies depending on many things:

  • The type of abortion you need
  • How far along your pregnancy is
  • The state or health center where you get care
  • Whether you have health insurance (private or government insurance like Medicaid) that will help pay for your abortion
  • Whether you can get other types of financial assistance to help cover the cost of your abortion

Abortion Pills

(AKA medication abortion) can cost up to $800, but it’s typically less. Planned Parenthood charges about $580 on average for services.

An In-clinic Abortion

it can cost up to around $800 in the first trimester, but it’s often less. At Planned Parenthood, a first-trimester in-clinic abortion typically costs about $600. Depending on how far along in the pregnancy you are, Planned Parenthood has different prices for second-trimester abortions. The average varies from about $715 earlier in the second trimester to $1,500–2,000 later in the second trimester.

Insurance

With health insurance, you might receive a free or inexpensive abortion. However, coverage varies depending on a number of variables, including local laws, the type of insurance you have, and the nature of your need for an abortion. To learn more about their policies, you can directly contact your insurance provider. You can find out more about the price of an abortion and whether your insurance will help cover the cost at the Planned Parenthood health center or another abortion facility closest to you.

how much is an abortion

Legal Concerns Add Barriers and Costs

Anti-abortion organizations claim that some funds are operating illegally, if not against state law. Anyone who helps a woman get an abortion can be sued by an individual in Texas and Oklahoma, while those who help Alabama patients get out-of-state abortions could be charged with a felony.

Where Are Abortions Available?

Since the federal government ended its protections for abortion, some states have worked to uphold that right, while others have aimed to make it illegal to access abortion almost always. Daily changes are being made to the situation.

The state-by-state abortion availability map is consistently updated by the nonprofit organization the American Civil Liberties Union.

There are no state-level restrictions against abortion in the following states: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.

Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Virginia all have changing laws regarding abortion.

Additionally, the following states either outright prohibit abortion or make it very difficult to get one: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Can I Travel to Get An Abortion?

Abortion can be obtained outside of your state. There are currently no laws that forbid doing this.

However, some states have made an effort to make it illegal for people to travel for abortions. According to experts, more states may deviate from customs and begin to prosecute individuals who travel to another state to engage in behavior that is forbidden there.

Consider getting legal counsel to learn about the abortion laws in your state before traveling to get one. The American Bar Association provides free, private legal advice from attorneys who volunteer to respond to inquiries online.

What Does a Planned Parenthood Abortion Cost?

Abortions are subject to fees because Planned Parenthood is a clinic. Although the group will work with you to find a payment plan you can afford, fees are assessed on a sliding scale based on income. Abortions start at $750 but can cost up to $1,500, according to Planned Parenthood’s website.

Do Medicaid Cover Abortion Costs?

After the Hyde Amendment was passed, which forbids the use of federal funds for abortion procedures, there are a few exceptions: Medicaid, the insurance program jointly managed by the states and the federal government for those below a certain income level, only covers abortion in cases of rape, incest, or life endangerment; however, not all clinics are Medicaid providers.

Conclusion

Budget for all potential expenses associated with the trip if you choose to travel for an abortion. You should budget for costs like lodging, gas, food, kid and pet care, time off from work, and bus or plane tickets.