How Much Does an Abortion Cost Without Insurance? What to Do And What Not to Do?

While considering medical procedures, everyone wants the best course of action at a very affordable rate with the latest technology. Abortion can cost anywhere from nothing out of pocket to more than $1,000. These medical procedures have various prices that further are dependent on multiple factors like the stage of pregnancy.

How much is an abortion? Apart from the social stigma and mental stress, the price of the procedure is soaring high when compared to other procedures. The abortion care seekers can have additional costs including extra medication, sedation, transportation, lodging, and child care.

If you are new to the complicated jargon of abortions and insurance, you must have various questions about how much abortions will cost without any insurance and much more. To answer all your questions and concerns, this article will cover all the aspects of the steps one has to take in the calculation of abortion costs without insurance.  There will be a lot of legal, financial, and medical terms you would want to know, so follow this detailed guide on how much does an abortion cost without insurance?

Does health insurance cover abortion?

Prior to delving into details, one needs to understand that the cost of an abortion depends on a variety of circumstances. The list of factors might include information like location, insurance, and type of abortion. There are mainly two types of abortions: surgical abortion and medication abortion. Typically, abortion care is routinely covered by insurance. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan, which can include:

Private insurance and Affordable Care Act marketplace plans –  Some of the abortion care services are not considered essential health benefits under the Affordable Care Act.

Medicaid – Federal law limits the use of federal funds for abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or endangerment to the life of the mother.

Medicare – Coverage is restricted to pregnancies resulting from rape or incest, or those that a medical professional determines endangers the life of the mother.

How much does an abortion cost without health insurance?

In the aforementioned paragraphs, we touched upon the cost incurred due to abortion but with the facility of insurance. Now, we will be moving on to our topic and discuss the abortion cost without health benefits.

Primarily, there are two types of abortions namely the medication abortion also known as the “abortion pill” which includes two types of pills and surgical abortions. Popularly known as Plan C, a medication abortion typically involves two medications available by prescription. The cost averages about $500. Occasionally, the following pills can be obtained through a telehealth provider.

A surgical abortion can vary in price depending on the procedure, stage of pregnancy, and medications required. For instance, at Planned Parenthood in Washington, D.C., a surgical abortion in 2021 ranged from $525 to $1,725, with potential added costs for sedation and additional medication that could add another $340. A follow-up exam is included.

What is the abortion pill?

Now, we will be discussing the first and most common way of abortion that is usually adopted by the majority since it can be availed at affordable rates and is an effective way to end an early pregnancy. So what is the abortion pill? It is primarily a medication that helps in the termination of pregnancy.

How does the abortion pill work?

Generally, the abortion pill refers to two types of different medicines whose scientific terms are known as mifepristone and misoprostol. These pills are created to end the pregnancy in a two-step process. In the cases, where you are looking for an abortion the doctor will provide you with the following pills to abort your pregnancy. First, the patient takes a pill called mifepristone since the pregnancy needs a hormone called progesterone to grow normally, the medicine mifepristone helps in blocking progesterone. Thus, stopping the pregnancy from growing altogether.

Next, after the mifepristone pill effectively stops the pregnancy from growing, the second pill misoprostol is given either immediately or later after 48 hours. Misoprostol pills will cause cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus. The symptoms induced by the following pill are quite strong and heavy.

The pill is exhausting due to an overload of cramping and the process is quite similar to an early miscarriage. The bleeding follows shortly after, however, if the bleeding is not experienced within 24 hours after taking the second medicine, one should instantly seek immediate help or call the nurse or doctor.

Furthermore, in case of some oddity, the doctor and nurse will give both medicines at the health center. The location where the pill is consumed entirely depends upon the doctor’s preference, state laws, and your health center’s policies. The medical attendee like the doctor or nurse will give detailed directions about where, when, and how to take the medicines. To prevent unease and infection, the doctor will provide some antibiotics.

How effective is the abortion pill?

Dipping the toes on the effectiveness of the abortion pill, the medication has very high success rates in producing the desired or intended result. The effectiveness is entirely dependent on how far along you are in pregnancy when the patient takes the medicine. Below, we break down the pregnancy timelines and study the effectiveness of the pill in various situations.

1. Pregnant women who are 8 weeks pregnant or less can take the medicines and the pill will work about 94-98 out of 100 times. For the people who are 8-9 weeks pregnant, the statistics lower slightly but it works about 94-96 out of 100 times.
2. People who are 9-10 weeks pregnant can consume the pill and it will work more than 91-93 out of 100 times. If you’re given an extra dose of medicine, it works.
3. For people who are 10-11 weeks pregnant, it works about 87 out of 100 times. To ensure the effectiveness of medicine an extra dose is required and will work 98 out of 100 times. The abortion pill usually works. Nevertheless, if it doesn’t work we can take more medicine or have an in-clinic abortion to complete the abortion.

When can I take the abortion pill?

Now, that we have determined the positive aspects of taking the abortion pill, the next step is determining when we can get the abortion pill. It majorly depends on where the person lives and what the state law and policies are.

After deciding that you wish to terminate the pregnancy, the medical specialist will recommend that people will be eligible and safe to get a medical abortion after 77 days or 11 weeks prior to their last period. Only when there have been more than 78 days since one’s last period, then only the person can have an in-clinic abortion to end the pregnancy.

Why do people choose the abortion pill?

Subsequently, the abortion type majorly depends on personal preferences and situations. Medical abortion relies on people’s choice considering some opt for pills and others wish to go through surgical choice. Some people who are more comfortable in the comfort of their home can avail of the medical abortion at whichever location they prefer, however, there will be some additional charges.

Since medical abortion is quite similar in nature to a miscarriage, people believe that it is more natural and less evasive. The medication process and severe cramping feel like heavy periods so people label it as an easier process. Apart from uneasiness and hospital phobias, some people like that you don’t need to have a procedure in a doctor’s office. Your doctor, nurse, or health center staff can help you decide which kind of abortion is best for you.

What other factors can affect the price of an abortion?

Moreover, it is pertinent to mention that the total cost of an abortion may include nonmedical expenses apart from the type of pregnancy which is bound to have a far major impact. Some of the factors that might affect the abortion cast can be transportation, lodging, time off from work, and child care. Especially in the cases where availability is a hindrance, it plays a crucial role if there is no abortion service provider near you.

Typically, the price of an abortion increases as a pregnancy progresses. The cost can rise for those who need to raise funds or find the resources for abortion care. According to the Guttmacher Institute, the cost of an abortion at 20 weeks is more than twice as much as terminating a pregnancy at 10 weeks. This is due to the risk factor that increases with longer pregnancies.

What is the average cost of an abortion?

The average cost of an abortion depends on many factors including timing during pregnancy, termination method, and location. Most abortions happen in the first trimester and the average cost at 10 weeks is $500 and increases to an average of $1,195 at 20 weeks. A surgical abortion can vary in price depending on the procedure and medications required. For instance, at Planned Parenthood in Washington, D.C., a surgical abortion in 2021 ranged from $525 to $1,725, with potential added costs for sedation and additional medication that could add another $340.

Which organizations and funds help reduce the cost of abortion services?

We can safely conclude that the abortion cost is sky-high without insurance. However, where there is a will there’s a way. There are many organizations and funds that support the cost of abortion services from pills and procedures to logistical expenses. Now, we will list some of them below. The National Network of Abortion Funds maintains a state-by-state list of funds as well as tips for accessing financial support. Those national funds include the following options:

1. National Abortion Federation Hotline
2. Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project
3. Indigenous Women Rising

How much is abortion at Planned Parenthood without insurance

To gain comprehensive knowledge about abortions, one has to gain familiarity with Planned Parenthood. An elaborate understanding is required of what Planned Parenthood is and how it works. Working as a nonprofit organization, Planned Parenthood provides reproductive health care in the United States and across the globe.

The estimated cost of abortion according to their website is $750 in the first trimester and up to $1,500 later in pregnancy. The price and total expenditure of abortion directly depend on a few different things. While health insurance might cover all or some of the costs of your abortion, we also need to evaluate the options regarding how much does an abortion cost without insurance?

The other options include a plethora of other options like income and financial support programs available. For the people who do not have any health insurance, the staff at your nearest Planned Parenthood health center will let them know about programs that can help them afford the out-of-pocket cost. Furthermore, the cost of an abortion, just like the cost of medical care in general, can be different depending on where you live. The abortion pill may have a different cost than an in-clinic abortion. Moreover, a longer pregnancy requires higher abortion costs. Despite the pregnancy stage, Planned Parenthood health centers do their best to help people afford an abortion.

Does Planned Parenthood do abortions for free?

Suddenly facing unexpected surprises can get nerve-wracking and contribute to you getting anxious unnecessarily. Especially in the case of unplanned pregnancy, where the stakes are high and can make anyone insecure. It’s human nature that when we are faced with unexpected circumstances we fret a little and then our instinct of self-protection kicks in and we jump onto the bandwagon of searching for the best possible solution. Likewise, when facing unforeseen circumstances, one might be looking for various pregnancy services options. Planned Parenthood is amongst the most popular solutions and before dipping our toes in it, one needs to be mindful of the cost and calculated risks.

At Colorado Springs Pregnancy Center, the administration does not offer abortions. They do offer the same kind of services offered by Planned Parenthood does, but they are affordable in fact completely free. These services have a diverse range including pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, options consultations, and all things related to women’s cycle. The following healthcare centers give free support and care and help people, especially women to move forward in their pregnancy journey without the cost.

Service costs at Planned Parenthood vary based on several factors. Those factors could result in some services being free and others available at some cost to you. It could cost more than you think, especially if you don’t have health insurance. Costs vary based on:

1. The type of service the patient wants to avail like a pregnancy test, STI testing, etc.
2. The income level and family size of the patient
3. Kind of insurance and what it covers(If you have)

Planning for an Abortion: Costs and Support at Planned Parenthood

Considering an abortion can involve many questions, especially regarding costs. Planned Parenthood prioritizes affordability and patient needs. Let’s explore what you can expect for a medication abortion at Planned Parenthood.

Medication abortion typically costs under $750 at Planned Parenthood, though exact prices can vary depending on your location and insurance coverage. Your local Planned Parenthood health center can provide the most up-to-date cost information in your area.

Planned Parenthood understands that financial barriers shouldn’t prevent you from getting the care you need. They offer various resources and funds to help ease the financial burden of an abortion. Don’t hesitate to inquire about potential assistance programs during your consultation.

Regardless of your insurance status, Planned Parenthood is committed to providing quality care. Their staff can help you navigate your insurance plan and determine your coverage for abortion services.

If you’re uninsured, government-funded health insurance plans like Medicaid may be available in your state. Planned Parenthood can guide you through the application process for these programs.

If you’re concerned about the cost of an abortion, Planned Parenthood can help. Contact your local health center to discuss your options and explore potential financial assistance programs. They’re here to support you throughout the process.

How do I get an in-clinic abortion?

Previously, we discussed medical abortion aka the abortion pill that can remove the pregnancy by the intake of pills and thus successfully avoid any complications and the need for surgery. For the ones who are not comfortable with the pill route, they have a second option that is equally popular and this is opting for in-clinic more commonly known as surgical abortion. This abortion can be received from a doctor, abortion clinic, or Planned Parenthood health center. It can be free or at a low cost.

Where can I get an in-clinic abortion?

After calculating all the risks, the next step is deciding the location. You can get an in-clinic abortion at many Planned Parenthood health centers. The medical professionals there are experts at providing safe abortions and providing support throughout the process. Further, abortion is also provided by some private doctors or gynecologists, family planning clinics, and abortion clinics. Location plays a significant role as in some places there are age restrictions or waiting periods to get an abortion. All abortions are very safe, but it may be harder to find a health care provider who will do an abortion after the 12th week of pregnancy.

In your quest to determine the best medical facility to get an abortion, be aware of “crisis pregnancy centers.” These fake clinics look like medical centers that offer abortions but they are run by people who want to scare or shame people out of getting an abortion.

How much does an abortion cost?

An abortion costs up to $750 in the first trimester and up to $1,500 later in pregnancy. The price of an abortion depends on where you get it and whether or not you have health insurance that will cover some or all of the cost. The cost also varies based on how long you’ve been pregnant. Your abortion may be free or low-cost with health insurance, but some insurance plans don’t cover abortions. How much does an abortion cost without insurance? You can call your insurance provider directly to find out their policies. Some government health insurance plans in certain states (like Medicaid) cover abortion, but others don’t. And some plans only cover abortion in certain cases. Your local Planned Parenthood can give you more information about coverage in your state, or other funds that can help you pay for an abortion.

Furthermore, Planned Parenthood works to help and assist the people who are in need or require medical attention. If you are seeking to end pre-planned pregnancy and are worried about the cost, the patient and people have to call the Planned Parenthood health center and opt for the care plan that fits best with your budget.

How are abortions paid for?

One has to understand that there is a limited amount of health insurance available in the market. Hence, abortion services are paid for and subsidized using taxpayer money. The Hyde Amendment declares that states are allowed to pass their own laws to determine how they want to allocate funds for health insurance services.

Due to the following ruling, multiple states’ health insurance policies, including Medicaid and Obamacare plans, do not offer elective abortion services. However, in some cases, an abortion would be covered if the pregnancy endangers the health of the mother or is due to rape or incest.

Emotional costs of abortion

Apart from the financial costs, one has to bear due to the medical procedure, the aspect that remains predominantly untouched is the emotional and psychological cost of the abortion. Following the experience procedure, an overwhelming majority of females report feeling regret, guilt, and feelings of anger. Some could also be struggling with loneliness, depression, and anxiety.

After undergoing an abortion, the loss requires time for grief and mourning. Oftentimes, society tells you to ignore or repress those feelings. Instead, it is important to acknowledge these feelings and find counseling to help you work through the loss of your baby.

When making a decision about abortion, consider the physical costs, but don’t forget to take into account the emotional costs as well. Contact our office today to find a listening ear and someone to discuss the options with you. Sometimes life requires that we make hard choices and it is always good to have someone to listen to and share guidance.

Conclusion

The cost of an abortion can vary significantly depending on several factors. This guide will shed light on what to expect and resources available to help.

Pregnancy Stage Matters: Generally, the earlier the termination, the lower the cost. This is because earlier procedures are often less complex.

Two Options, Different Costs: Medication abortion, typically used in the first trimester, can be less expensive than a surgical abortion. The final cost depends on the facility and your specific situation.

Financial Assistance is Available: National, state, and local organizations understand that financial limitations shouldn’t prevent access to safe healthcare. They offer financial aid to help cover abortion costs.

Get Accurate Information: Planned Parenthood and other trusted healthcare providers can give you a personalized estimate based on your circumstances. They can also connect you with financial assistance programs if needed.

Remember, this is a personal decision. Don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance and explore your options with a healthcare professional.