An abortion typically costs between $300 and $800 in the first trimester without insurance. The exact price depends on the type of procedure, how far along the pregnancy is, where you live, and whether you have insurance coverage. Costs rise significantly in the second trimester and beyond.
Medication Abortion Costs
A medication abortion (the abortion pill) can cost up to around $800 out of pocket, though most people pay less. At Planned Parenthood, the average cost is around $580. This option is available up to 10 or 11 weeks of pregnancy, depending on the provider.
That price generally covers the two medications, a consultation, and a follow-up visit. However, some clinics bill lab work and imaging separately. An ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and its timing can add roughly $220, and basic bloodwork like hemoglobin testing and blood typing runs around $10 to $25. A urine pregnancy test at a clinic costs about $23. These smaller charges can add $50 to $250 to your total bill if they aren’t bundled into the procedure price, so ask the clinic upfront what’s included.
First Trimester Procedure Costs
An in-clinic abortion (aspiration or suction procedure) during the first trimester falls in a similar range to medication abortion, generally between $500 and $800 without insurance. The total billed cost, including all associated services, averages around $1,046 when paid through insurance. Your out-of-pocket share with employer insurance is often much lower, typically under $100 at the median.
Clinics in urban areas with more providers tend to charge less than those in regions with limited access. If you’re comparing options, calling two or three clinics for their self-pay rates can reveal meaningful price differences.
Second Trimester and Later Costs
Costs climb as the pregnancy progresses. Early in the second trimester (around 13 to 16 weeks), the average cost at Planned Parenthood is about $715. Later in the second trimester, that rises to between $1,500 and $2,000. These procedures are more complex, take longer, and sometimes require two visits over consecutive days.
The total billed cost for a later procedure (known as a D&E) averages close to $4,900 when insurance is involved, reflecting the additional clinical time, sedation, and monitoring required. If you’re paying without insurance at this stage, the bill can be substantial, and fewer clinics offer care past 16 to 20 weeks, which may also mean travel expenses.
What Insurance Typically Covers
If you have private insurance through an employer, abortion is often at least partially covered, though you’ll likely still owe something. About two-thirds of people with employer insurance who get a medication abortion or first-trimester procedure have some out-of-pocket cost. Among those who do pay something, half spend less than $70 for a medication abortion or first-trimester procedure. For later procedures, a quarter of insured patients pay close to $1,000 out of pocket.
The most common charges are copays (62% of those with out-of-pocket costs), coinsurance payments (40%), and deductible contributions (29%). If you haven’t met your annual deductible, your share will be higher. A few states now require state-regulated insurance plans to cover abortion with no cost sharing at all, meaning zero out-of-pocket expense.
One thing worth knowing: many people choose not to use their insurance for abortion even when it’s covered, often for privacy reasons. Insurance statements (called Explanations of Benefits) are mailed to the policyholder, which matters if you’re on a parent’s or partner’s plan.
Medicaid Coverage by State
Medicaid coverage for abortion varies dramatically by state. Twenty-one states use their own funds to cover abortion care through Medicaid, going beyond the federal minimum. Seven of those states cover all abortions for Medicaid enrollees without additional restrictions. Twelve others cover most abortions but require a medical necessity designation.
The remaining 30 states and Washington, D.C., restrict Medicaid abortion coverage in line with the Hyde Amendment, a federal rule that limits funding to cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest. A handful of those states make narrow additional exceptions for fetal impairment or serious physical health risks. If you’re enrolled in Medicaid, your state’s rules will determine whether you pay nothing or the full self-pay price.
Travel and Hidden Costs
The sticker price of the procedure itself is only part of the picture for many people. If you live in a state with an abortion ban or severe restrictions, traveling out of state can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars in gas, flights, hotel stays, meals, and lost wages. Childcare is another cost that rarely shows up in estimates but affects the majority of people seeking abortions, since most already have children.
These indirect costs hit hardest for people with lower incomes. Over 35% of U.S. adults don’t have $400 in savings for an emergency expense, according to the Federal Reserve. For someone in that situation, even a $600 procedure can be out of reach before factoring in a hotel room and a tank of gas.
Financial Assistance Options
If cost is a barrier, several layers of help exist. Start with the clinic itself. Many clinics offer sliding-scale fees based on income. If your household income falls within the federal poverty guidelines, you may qualify for a significant discount. Note that if Medicaid covers abortion in your state, clinic-based income discounts are typically unavailable since Medicaid is expected to cover the cost.
Local abortion funds, coordinated through the National Network of Abortion Funds, can help cover some or all of the remaining cost, including the procedure, travel, and lodging. The National Abortion Federation (NAF) Hotline also provides income-based discounts. To access either resource, you’ll need to have a clinic appointment scheduled first, even if you’re unsure how you’ll pay. The process works like this: make an appointment, ask the clinic about their own discounts, contact your local abortion fund, then call or chat with the NAF Hotline to see if you qualify for additional help.
Some employers now cover travel costs for employees who need to go out of state for abortion care. This benefit is more common at large companies and can cover airfare, gas, lodging, and related expenses. Check with your HR department or benefits portal if this might apply to you.