The cost of abortion at Planned Parenthood depends on different factors, like what type of abortion you receive and how far along you are. The starting cost for an abortion is around $625.00
If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy and considering abortion, it’s essential to learn all you can to make a safe, informed decision.
Read on to learn more about how abortion works and how to find out your pregnancy’s age. Or, if you want to talk to someone about your pregnancy options, contact A Woman’s Concern today to be connected to one of our nurses. All appointments and services are free and confidential.
How Does Abortion Work?
There are two main types of abortion—medical and surgical—and each functions very differently.
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion involves taking two different, powerful drugs at home. These drugs work together to terminate a pregnancy and remove it from the uterus via induced uterine cramping.
Medical abortion is only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is through ten weeks gestation or earlier. If your pregnancy is further along and you attempt to take the abortion drugs, you’re more likely to experience a risk to your physical health. These risks include:
- Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the pregnancy remain in your uterus
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Digestive system discomfort
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is performed in a clinic, and it involves dilating the cervix so that medical instruments can enter the uterus to terminate and remove the pregnancy.
The specific medical instruments that are involved and the complexity of the procedure depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy.
If your pregnancy is in the second trimester or older, you will be given a Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) abortion. This involves forceps entering your uterus to remove the pregnancy, a vacuum to suction out the uterus, and a curette to scrape the lining of your uterus.
Since surgical abortions are performed in a clinic, this is the more expensive option—and the further along you are in pregnancy, the more expensive the abortion procedure.
How to Find Out the Age of Your Pregnancy
Before seeking an abortion, it’s essential to learn the gestational age of your pregnancy, as this will determine what abortion options are available and help to protect your health.
Receiving an ultrasound is the only reliable way to find out the gestational age of your pregnancy. During this simple scan, performed by an RDMS Sonographer, measurements will be taken to determine your pregnancy’s age. However, the scan can protect your health by revealing the following:
- Your pregnancy’s location: This is essential to rule out a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy, which is when the pregnancy develops outside the uterus. If this is occurring, you will need emergency medical treatment.
- Your pregnancy’s viability: Roughly 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, and it’s possible to experience one without any immediate signs. If you’ve had one, you’ll need medical guidance to ensure that you don’t have any complications.
You’re Not Alone
An unexpected pregnancy can feel overwhelming, especially as you consider your options. But you’re not alone in this.
At A Woman’s Concern, we’re here for you. We offer free pregnancy resources and services—including ultrasounds—because we believe that you deserve to be fully informed. Contact us today to schedule your confidential appointment.
