In-Clinic Abortion Procedures: Methods, Effectiveness, and Costs
Abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. In-clinic abortion procedures are safe and effective. In-clinic abortions are sometimes called surgical abortions, though they're generally an in-office procedure, not surgery.
Types of In-Clinic Abortions
In-clinic abortion works by using suction to take a pregnancy out of your uterus. There are a couple of kinds of in-clinic abortion procedures. Your doctor or nurse will know which type is right for you, depending on how far you are into your pregnancy.
- Suction abortion (also called vacuum aspiration) is the most common type of in-clinic abortion. It uses gentle suction to empty your uterus. It’s usually used until about 14-16 weeks after your last period.
- Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) is another kind of in-clinic abortion procedure. It uses suction and medical tools to empty your uterus. You can get a D&E later in a pregnancy than aspiration abortion -- usually if it has been 16 weeks or longer since your last period.
Why People Choose an In-Clinic Abortion
Which kind of abortion you choose all depends on your personal preference and situation. Some people choose in-clinic abortion because they want to have their procedure done at a health center, with nurses, doctors, and trained support staff there the whole time. In-clinic abortions are also much faster than the abortion pill: most in-clinic abortions only take about 5-10 minutes, while a medication abortion may take up to 24 hours to complete.
Effectiveness and Safety
In-clinic abortions are extremely effective. They work more than 99 out of every 100 times. Needing to get a repeat procedure because the abortion didn’t work is really rare. Care is provided in a safe, supportive environment and is personalized to address each individual’s physical and emotional needs.
Costs and Insurance Coverage
The cost of abortion procedures depend on a variety of circumstances, including how far along someone is in their pregnancy, as well as where they live, what insurance plan they have, and what type of abortion is performed. The in-clinic procedure can cost up to $1,500 later in pregnancy, but most hover around the $750 range per abortion price points. Prices for abortions are based on the local market, may differ by region, and are subject to change.
Regarding insurance, some companies cover elective abortion at least in part if your abortion is performed by a physician who is in network for your insurance. The best way to figure out whether your insurance will help cover the procedure is to call them directly and ask about the specifics of your plan.
Fees by Gestation Period
| Gestation | Total Price (without insurance) |
|---|---|
| <12 weeks (abortion pill) | $750 |
| <12.6 weeks | $750 |
| 13-13.6 weeks | $900 |
| 14-14.6 weeks | $1050 |
| 15-15.6 weeks | $1,100 |
| 16-16.6 weeks | $1,275 |
| 17-17.6 weeks | $1,300 |
| 18-18.6 weeks | $1,350 |
| 19-19.6 weeks | $1,500 |
Clinical Care and Support Services
Licensed and experienced physicians provide procedural abortion services in modern, licensed, and accredited facilities. Included in abortion fees is an individualized assessment of each client’s medical history, ultrasound, lab work, medication to make you comfortable during your abortion, birth control education and supplies, and any follow-up care you may need.
Pain Relief Options Offered
- Local anesthetic
- Oral sedation
- Conscious sedation
Note for Minors: If you are a minor considering abortion, some state laws require that one of your parents or a legal guardian give permission for your abortion, though a judge can excuse you from this requirement.