How much does an abortion cost?

March 17, 2007 10:25 AM

What is the average range cost for an abortion? I know there are different procedures and costs most likely vary depending on health insurance? But I just need some basic idea because I cannot talk to a health professional until monday, and I want some idea. Please no moral judgements!
posted by bilbo baggins to health & fitness (11 comments total)

Google "abortion cost."

In 2001, the average charge for a surgical abortion at 10 weeks’ gestation was $468; but since most abortions in the United States are performed at low-cost clinics, women on average paid $372 for the procedure.
posted by decathecting at 10:35 AM on March 17, 2007

Are you in the US? Guttmacher (excellent source for non-judgemental reproductive statistics) has some answers. Note that the cost for surgical and medical abortions are different.
posted by joannemerriam at 10:36 AM on March 17, 2007

That'll teach me not to preview.
posted by joannemerriam at 10:37 AM on March 17, 2007

It depends where you go. One of my girlfriends had an abortion at Planned Parenthood and I'm pretty sure we paid about $40 on a sliding scale. Another girlfriend went to a private practitioner and we paid $200, sliding scale. I can't remember what the specific procedure was, but both were done at the beginning of the second trimester, if that makes an impact on the costs involved.
posted by cmonkey at 11:09 AM on March 17, 2007

A surgical abortion from American Women's Services, I believe, costs $250, depending on the clinic, but they can tell you how much. Google them and check. Also, they have an 800 number that you can call 24/7 to ask about costs and procedures.
posted by onepapertiger at 2:13 PM on March 17, 2007

The phone number for American Women's Services is 1-888-ABORTION. The call center is supposed to be open 24/7.
posted by onepapertiger at 2:15 PM on March 17, 2007

Most heath insurance companies won't cover it. There are organizations which help pay for women who cannot afford to. As the previous links indicate, expect to pay $200-$400.

Planned Parenthood is open on weekends, no need to wait till Monday. If you go through PP the cost will be lowered if you fit the low-income requirements.
posted by jesirose at 2:21 PM on March 17, 2007

i think it depends in the state. ive heard about $600 without reporting to insurance, paid in cash.
posted by enaira at 2:23 PM on March 17, 2007

In response to previous comments, not all Planned Parenthoods have sliding scale for abortions. It has something to do with PPs in different states being funded differently. If you live near a state line (or can travel), you should check in both states as the price may be vastly different.
posted by clarissajoy at 3:32 PM on March 17, 2007

My health insurance paid for mine. I believe I had Aetna at the time.
posted by elisabeth r at 5:36 PM on March 17, 2007

My information is old, but some years ago, I heard that a 1st trimester was about $200 or so at PP in the DC area and a 2nd trimester was double that. That was without sliding scale financial assistance.
posted by wildeepdotorg at 7:40 PM on March 17, 2007