The cost of an abortion varies depending on the type of procedure a woman receives.
There are two types of abortion, medical and surgical. Not only do these procedures differ in cost, but also in eligibility and risks.
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion, sometimes referred to as the “abortion pill,” is two drugs that work together. First, mifepristone is taken to block the body’s progesterone, which the pregnancy needs to continue. Later, a woman takes misoprostol which expels the pregnancy from the uterus through contractions like in labor.
The average price of a medical abortion is $500.
Before you consider a medical abortion, you should know how long you have been pregnant and where your pregnancy is located. Medical abortion is only FDA-approved for pregnancies that are dated under ten weeks. Medical abortion is not a treatment for ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy growing outside the uterus.)
Most women are prescribed these drugs and experience a medical abortion at home, so they must be knowledgeable about the risks of medical abortion and be prepared to monitor themselves.
The risks of medical abortion are:
- Incomplete abortion (another procedure will likely be necessary)
- Heavy bleeding that will not stop
- Infection
- Fever
- Diarrhea and digestive pain
- Allergic reaction to the medications
Symptoms that would require immediate medical attention include:
- Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is a procedure that takes place in a medical facility. During this procedure, a woman’s cervix (the opening of her uterus) is opened. The pregnancy is then removed either using surgical tools or suction.
The risks of surgical abortion are:
- Damage to the uterus
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Scarring of the inside of the uterus
- Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
- Not removing all the tissue (requiring another procedure)
The average cost of a surgical abortion is about $1,195 at twenty weeks. However, the price can be higher if later in pregnancy.
After a surgical abortion, a woman is sent home to recover. She should be prepared to monitor herself for symptoms that would need immediate medical help:
- Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
What Should Your Next Steps Be?
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming and scary. When considering your options, gathering information is essential. This way, you can be sure that you are making a decision based on facts rather than fear.
If you think you are pregnant, the first step in your information-gathering process is to confirm with a pregnancy test.
Second, an ultrasound will be needed. An ultrasound will ensure that your pregnancy is viable. It will also verify that the pregnancy is in your uterus. This information can change the options that are available to you. We offer free ultrasound referrals.
We’re Here to Help!
Our compassionate and knowledgeable staff is here to help you understand your options. Contact us today to set up a free and confidential appointment.
