Since the year 2000, an alternative to surgical abortion has been FDA-approved in the United States (U.S. Food & Drug Administration): Medical abortion (more commonly called, “medication abortion” or, “the abortion pill”). Although the drug Mifeprex has been approved by the FDA for almost twenty-five years at the time of this blog (FDA), financial and legal factors surrounding its use have shifted dramatically in recent years. It’s hard to keep up- even for the most well-informed among us!
Maybe you’re a normal person who’s going through an unexpected pregnancy right now. You’re probably not an expert on abortion laws and policies. Chances are, you’re just trying to educate yourself on your rights and options while struggling to navigate these difficult circumstances. Avenue Women’s Center is in your corner! We’re a first-step pregnancy clinic that offers confidential services at no cost. We’re here to help you cope with the complex challenges you’re facing and ultimately discover your own best pregnancy outcome.
Learn more about Avenue and reach out today! We’ve partnered with thousands of individuals from Chicagoland and beyond since 1981.
Financial Factors
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “How much does the abortion pill cost?” According to Guttmacher, “Insurance does not necessarily cover abortion services, and even when it does, patients may not use available coverage… More than half (53%) of people paid out of pocket for their abortion in 2021–2022.” It’s hard to pinpoint the cost of an abortion because expenses depend on a variety of factors. Common considerations include whether or not the patient is using insurance, where she’s seeking care, whether or not she needs additional tests or doctor visits, and how far along she is in her pregnancy. To provide some frame of reference, Guttmacher states, “The average cost of an abortion was $550 in 2017.”
* One important thing to keep in mind is not to focus solely on costs. When a service is health-related, much can be at stake. It is important to consider not only financial options, but all risks and everything that is involved.
Legal Factors
Abortion law has changed drastically in the U.S. since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2022. Abortion is no longer considered a federal right under the U.S. Constitution, and abortion laws are now regulated by state governments (Guttmacher). This means that the legality of abortion (whether medical or surgical) has become extremely complex. At the time this blog is being written, 41 states have active bans on abortion with limited exceptions. Specific legal considerations include the gestational age (the age of the pregnancy) and exceptions for circumstances like rape, incest, and health threats (Guttmacher).
*Because abortion laws differ significantly from state to state, it’s critical that you check your own state’s laws and requirements before moving forward with an abortion.
In addition to legal requirements, it’s important to consider FDA regulations for your own safety and wellness. The drug Mifeprex (generic mifepristone) is currently FDA-approved, “in a regimen with misoprostol, to end an intrauterine pregnancy through ten weeks gestation” (FDA). (Together, these 2 medications make up, “the abortion pill”). FDA regulations require that the abortion pill be prescribed by a healthcare provider who meets specific qualifications, has completed a Prescriber Agreement Form, and is certified under the REMS (risk evaluation and mitigation strategy) Program. Providers must obtain a signed Patient Agreement Form, and they must provide the patient with a copy of the mifepristone Medication Guide among other requirements (FDA).
“What are My Next Steps?”
As you start to consider all the factors involved with your pregnancy decision, it’s important to gather some baseline information about your unique pregnancy so you know exactly what you’re facing. Some financial and legal considerations may not even apply to your specific set of circumstances. Begin your journey by taking these first steps. At Avenue Women’s Center, we provide confidential support with all of these at no cost!
- Confirm your pregnancy.
Avenue Women’s Center offers free highly accurate medical-grade pregnancy tests.
- Get information on abortion and other pregnancy options through a free consultation.
What is involved with different abortion procedures? Are there risks or advantages with each that you would want to consider as you make your decision? A free, private consultation at Avenue Women’s Center provides space to gather information without pressure
- Schedule an ultrasound appointment.
An ultrasound can determine if you’re early enough in your pregnancy to meet FDA requirements for a safe and effective medication abortion. Avenue Women’s Center can provide a free limited medical ultrasound to answer this question and others.
Avenue Women’s Center is a great resource for your first steps. We strongly believe that learning about your pregnancy and your options can help you determine the course of action that’s right for you. We’ve been supporting women of all ages and in all circumstances for the past 40 years, and we’re here for you too.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with an expert pregnancy consultant! We will listen to your story and respond with knowledgeable, nonjudgmental, compassionate care.
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References:
Guttmacher. (2024, June). Abortion in the United States. Retrieved from: https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/induced-abortion-united-states
Guttmacher. (2024, March). Despite Bans, Number of Abortions in the United States Increased in 2023. Retrieved from: https://www.guttmacher.org/2024/03/despite-bans-number-abortions-united-states-increased-2023#:~:text=Cost%20has%20always%20been%20an,states%20without%20bans%20as%20well
Guttmacher. (2024, October). State Bans on Abortion Throughout Pregnancy. Retrieved from: https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/state-policies-abortion-bans
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). (2023, March). Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.