If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering your options, understanding how much abortion costs is an important part of making an informed decision.
At Choices Resource Center, we believe you deserve clear, accurate information about all your options, including the costs involved. This guide will help you understand how much an abortion costs, including both medication and surgical procedures, as well as whether insurance coverage is available.
Can I Get an Abortion in Tennessee?
Currently, abortion is illegal in Tennessee. However, exceptions can be made in the case of life endangerment to the pregnant woman.[1]
Because of the ban, you cannot receive an abortion in Tennessee. If you plan to travel to another state for an abortion, you need to understand how much the procedure may cost. Keep reading to learn more.
How Much Does a Surgical Abortion Cost?
The cost of a surgical abortion depends on:
- How many weeks pregnant you are
- The type of anesthesia used
- The facility where the procedure is performed
- Additional medical services required
Here are the national averages[2]:
- First Trimester: The average cost of an in-clinic abortion in the first trimester (up to 13 weeks of pregnancy) is $600. However, prices can range from $600 to $979.
- Second Trimester: Early in the second trimester, the average cost is $715. Later in the second trimester, the cost can range from $1,500-2,000.
How Much Does the Abortion Pill Cost?
The abortion pill can cost between $150 to $1,100.[2] However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t include additional expenses such as:
- Ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and gestational age
- Lab work or blood tests
- Follow-up appointments
- Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or anti-nausea medicine
Does Insurance Cover Abortion?
No, Tennessee insurance—including private providers and Medicaid—does not cover abortion services. You will likely have to pay out of pocket for an abortion.
Other Important Considerations
Like any medical procedure, abortion comes with risks and side effects. These could require follow-up care, antibiotics, or even surgery to treat. Examples include:
- Hemorrhaging. It’s normal to bleed for a while after taking the abortion pill. However, dangerous heavy bleeding (hemorrhaging) may also occur. This may require emergency medical treatment and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.[3]
- Incomplete abortion. Incomplete abortions occur when some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after misoprostol has been taken. Emergency surgery may be needed to remove the remaining tissue and prevent infection.[4]
- Infection. If you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or persistent fever after taking the second medication, an infection may have developed. You may need antibiotics or even surgery to treat your condition.[5]
It’s important to factor in the cost of additional care if you experience any side effects or complications.
What You Need to Do Before an Abortion
Before visiting the abortion clinic, we encourage you to gather all the information you need to make a fully informed decision. At Choices Resource Center, we offer free services including:
- Pregnancy testing
- Ultrasounds to confirm pregnancy viability, placement, and gestational age
- Information about all your pregnancy options
- Referrals to community resources
You Don’t Have to Decide Alone
We understand that facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming, especially when financial concerns are part of the equation. Whether you’re wondering how much an abortion costs, exploring your pregnancy options, or simply need someone to talk to, we’re here for you.
Our compassionate team provides judgment-free support and accurate information so you can make the decision that’s right for your unique situation. All of our services are free and confidential, and we’re committed to supporting you whatever you decide.
Give us a call at (865) 483-0099 or request an appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge.
*Important notes: Please be aware that Choices Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Additionally, this article is not meant to substitute for medical advice or treatment. The purpose of our limited ultrasound exams is to identify a pregnancy inside the uterus, detect the fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along you are. If there is no detectable heartbeat, it may indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is occurring. If we cannot detect a fetal heartbeat during your appointment, we will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care and treatment.
Sources
- Commonwealth of Kentucky Office of the Attorney General. (2022, June 24). Human Life Protection Act. Attorney General Daniel Cameron. https://www.ag.ky.gov/Press%20Release%20Attachments/Human%20Life%20Protection%20Act%20Advisory.pdf
- Advertised by abortion providers.
- FDA. (2019, July). Prescribing Information for Mifeprex. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/022348s014lbl.pdf
- Redinger, A., & Nguyen, H. (2022, June 27). Incomplete Abortions. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559071/
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html