How Can I Pay for My Abortion

Most people who seek abortions say that financial considerations are a key motivator of their decision. They worry about their ability to finish school, to give a baby a good life, or even to cobble together sufficient funds to leave an abusive relationship. Abortion costs vary a lot between abortion clinics and geographic areas, but in general, you can expect to pay $500 to $1,000 for a first trimester abortion. A medication abortion with the abortion pill is usually significantly less. If you’re wondering how to pay for your abortion, here’s what you need to know.

Ways to Save on an Abortion

Abortion costs inevitably increase the farther along your pregnancy progresses. This means that, if you want ot save money on an abortion, the single most important thing you can do is contact an abortion clinic today. If you can put your abortion on a credit card, borrow money from a loved one, and then pay the money back later, you may ultimately save hundreds of dollars. That’s doubly true if you’re nearing the end of the first trimester, since abortions become significantly more expensive and time-consuming in the second trimester.

Will Insurance Pay for an Abortion?

Insurers sometimes pay for abortions–most typically when the abortion is for medical reasons, such as a threat to the life of the mother or severe fetal birth defects. Contact your insurer to get details about your specific coverage, because in some cases you may have to pay a deductible first.

Will Medicaid Pay for an Abortion?

In most states, Medicaid will not pay for an abortion because of a federal ban on federal funds being used to fund the procedure. However, state Medicaid funds in some states, including California, will cover some costs associated with an abortion. Contact your Medicaid provider immediately to explore your options.

Abortion Options if You Can’t Afford an Abortion

If you need an abortion and can’t pay, things are not hopeless. You have a number of options:

• Contact the abortion clinic and ask about cash pay discounts and grants to fund abortion care.
• Contact your local Planned Parenthood, which may offer abortioin care on a sliding-scale fee basis.
• Ask about medication abortions. In some states, you may be able to more affordably access medication abortion via telehealth options.
• Contact the National Network of Abortion Funds, which may be able to fully or partially fund your care.

Finding the right provider is critical, especially when you’re worried about money. Click here for strategies to help you choose the right abortion clinic.