Learning of an unexpected pregnancy can be difficult to process. Maybe you were initially in shock, but now you’re fearful of what a pregnancy may mean for your future.
If you and your girlfriend are considering abortion, naturally, you may be curious about the cost. Depending on the type of abortion, abortions can range from $500 to $2,000.
This difference in costs between the types of abortions is usually determined by whether it is a medical or surgical abortion.
Generally, insurance companies will not cover an abortion for your girlfriend unless she is your spouse or domestic partner.
It is also important to keep in mind that while cost may be a factor in making your decision, you and your girlfriend should also be aware that choosing to have a medical or surgical abortion is a significant health decision that needs to be taken seriously.
Types of Abortion
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion, commonly referred to as the abortion pill, is typically the method of termination used in the first trimester and generally is the least expensive type of abortion.
The drug mifepristone is administered first to thin the lining of the uterus and cause the pregnancy to detach and stop growing. Then, misoprostol is given 24 to 48 hours later to induce uterine contractions, which lead to the expulsion of the pregnancy through the vagina.
Risks of medical abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may require a follow-up surgical abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to the drug
- Diarrhea and digestive pain
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion is most often used to terminate beginning in the second trimester and is a medical procedure where the healthcare provider manually removes the pregnancy from the uterus.
The healthcare provider dilates the cervix with a surgical instrument and scrapes and suctions the pregnancy out of the body through the vagina.
Risks of surgical abortion include:
- Perforation/tearing of the uterus
- Bleeding
- Infection
In both medical and surgical abortion, additional costs may be acquired if complications arise.
Get Help Today
Maybe you’re unsure if abortion is the right path, or perhaps you’re sure that is the best route for you and your girlfriend.
Regardless of how confident you are in the decision, it is critical that your girlfriend confirms the pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test and follow-up ultrasound scan.
Not all women are eligible for all types of abortion. Helping your girlfriend learn more about her pregnancy before she makes the final decision is crucial for her to protect her health.
Lilli Women’s Center is here to help. We provide free pregnancy services and a medical team to answer both of your questions and discuss the available options.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.
