Finding out that your partner is pregnant can be overwhelming, and you probably have many questions about your next steps.
You might wonder how you will pay for an abortion if that is what she chooses. The added stress of finances can make your situation seem even more challenging.
Insurance Coverage
Unless you are married, most insurance plans will not extend coverage to your partner. Some insurance companies are loosening eligibility requirements to include domestic partners in their plans.
Regardless, your girlfriend would need to be enrolled in your insurance plan. You can contact your insurance company to learn more about the coverage they might offer for your girlfriend.
Cost of Abortion
The cost of an abortion can vary depending on the type of abortion chosen. There are two kinds of abortions, medical and surgical.
Medical abortion is the process of taking prescribed drugs to stop the pregnancy from growing and expelling it from the body. You might have heard medical abortion commonly referred to as the “abortion pill.”
The average cost of a medical abortion is over $500.
Surgical abortion is a procedure that typically takes place in a medical facility. It involves a medical professional opening the cervix (the opening of the uterus) and using suction and surgical tools to remove the pregnancy through the vagina.
The average cost of a surgical abortion varies depending on how far along you are and can go up to about $1200 when the pregnancy is 20 weeks.
Are You Eligible?
Each abortion has different eligibility requirements. To determine which type of abortion would be recommended for your girlfriend, she should consider having an ultrasound.
An ultrasound is a tool that would give her the information she needs to determine which option might be best for her. An ultrasound can help in the following ways:
- Ultrasound can confirm the pregnancy. According to the Mayo Clinic, as many as 10-20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. If your girlfriend’s pregnancy is ending naturally, treatment might not be necessary, or a form of treatment other than the abortion pill might be required.
- Ultrasound can date the pregnancy. Medical abortion is only FDA-approved for pregnancies up to 10 weeks.
- Ultrasound can locate the pregnancy. In an ectopic pregnancy, the pregnancy implants somewhere other than the uterus. This can be dangerous for the woman and is not effectively treated with the abortion pill.
How Can We Help?
If you and your girlfriend aren’t sure about your next steps, Avenue Women’s Center can help. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your options and take advantage of our free services, including ultrasound.
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.