Abortion Cost

• The cost of abortion depends on the type of abortion performed and how far the pregnancy has progressed.
• For patients not covered by insurance, a surgical abortion in a doctor's office or a medical abortion at 10 weeks typically costs about $320 to $500. At 16 weeks, a surgical abortion costs about $500 to $700. At 20 weeks or later, a surgical abortion costs about $1,000 to $2,000 or more.
• Most abortions -- 88 percent -- are obtained by week 13; however, sometimes a health risk faced by the woman or other reasons cause women to seek later abortions, according to the National Abortion Federation. An abortion usually is considered late-term at 20 weeks, and it is much more difficult to find providers for second-trimester abortions.
• Cost examples include: the Aalto Women's Center in Houston, Texas, which charges $320 up to 11 weeks, up to $595 at their maximum of 15 weeks; and Choice Medical Group in San Francisco, Calif., which charges $450 to $600 up to 12 weeks, $1,000 at 15 to 16 weeks; and $2,000 at 20 to 24 weeks.
• For patients covered by insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically include a copay for routine outpatient surgery -- usually between $15 and $150, depending on the plan. For medical abortions, out-of-pocket costs usually include copays for the prescription drug and for the office visit.
• Elective abortion is sometimes covered by health insurance. For example, Women's Health Practice works with BlueCross BlueShield, United Healthcare and Unicare. However, five states -- Colorado, Kentucky, Missouri, North Dakota and Oklahoma -- restrict private insurers' ability to cover abortions, allowing it only under certain circumstances, such as rape or for health reasons. Plans vary, so it is important to check with your insurer to see if abortion is covered, and to check with the clinic to see if they accept your insurance.

• There are several types of abortion that fall into two groups -- surgical and medical. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists provides an overview of the various types of abortion procedures.
• In a vacuum aspiration, the most widely used type of surgical abortion, which can be done through the end of the first 12 weeks, the doctor administers local anesthesia, dilates the cervix, then uses a thin tube with gentle suction to remove the contents of the uterus. WebMD has a detailed description of the procedure.
• In dilation and evacuation, which usually is done in the second 12 weeks, the doctor will administer local or general anesthesia, then use probes to dilate the cervix, use a hollow tube with suction to remove tissue, use forceps to remove larger pieces of tissue and then scrape the uterine walls. WebMD has a detailed description of the procedure.
• In medical abortions, doctors prescribe one or a combination of the drugs mifepristone, methotrexate and misoprostol. Sometimes, one drug is administered at a doctor's office and a second drug is taken at home 24 to 72 hours later, causing bleeding that can resemble a heavy period. A follow-up visit will be scheduled for two weeks later to make sure the abortion is complete. This type of abortion must be performed early --within the first seven to nine weeks. WebMD has a detailed description.
• A pre-surgery ultrasound, lab work and a follow-up visit usually are included in the flat fee for an abortion.

• A twilight anesthesia, instead of local one, can cost about $100 extra.
• Patients who are Rh negative -- about 15 percent of the population is --will need a shot of immune globulin, which can cost $40 to $120 extra.
• Pain medication and antibiotics can cost extra. Some clinics offer oral Valium for $200 or more extra.
• Sometimes, blood tests are required after the procedure to make sure all pregnancy tissue has been removed from the uterus, to prevent infection; these can cost about $100.

• Abortions at low-cost clinics can cost 20 to 30 percent less than abortions at a doctor's office. The National Abortion Federation offers a toll-free hotline that provides referrals to area clinics and information on financial assistance options.
• The National Network of Abortion Funds offers information about abortion funding for women who qualify, as well as a map of state Medicaid coverage.

• Contact your gynecologist to see whether he or she performs abortions. The National Abortion Federation offers a clinic locator by state; or call the NAF toll-free hotline at 1-800-772-9100.
• Make sure the provider you choose is licensed by the state, will do a pregnancy test and a pelvic exam or ultrasound to determine how far along the pregnancy is, will answer your questions and tell you the total cost upfront. Also make sure the clinic has arrangements with a local hospital in case of complication. The National Abortion Federation offers advice on choosing a provider.
• The Guttmacher Institute offers information on abortion restrictions in each state.
• Abortion is considered a low-risk procedure, especially in early pregnancy. Risks include incomplete abortion; infection; hemorrhage; damage to the uterus or other organs, such as bladder and bowels; or a risk of death of one in 100,000.

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