Let’s be honest, no woman dreams of an unplanned pregnancy and if you’ve recently taken a positive pregnancy test, you may feel like you’re watching your entire life flash before your eyes.
An unplanned pregnancy is by nature, well, unplanned, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t support out there for you! As you evaluate your pregnancy options — parenting, abortion, or adoption — it’s important for you to take time to consider the costs and risks associate with each option.
Today we’ll be breaking down the costs — both seen and unseen — related to abortion so you can make a fully-informed decision.
Are Planned Parenthood Services Free?
Many women come to us with the question, “Is Planned Parenthood free?” or with the assumption, “But I thought abortion was free!”
For being sold as a “simple procedure,” abortion can come with a surprisingly high price tag. Depending on what abortion procedure you’re eligible for, the process could cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. The average cost for medical abortions and first-trimester surgical abortions is around $500 with later abortions skyrocketing to over $3,000.
What other costs are involved in an abortion?
In addition to the base cost of your abortion, you can also prepare to face additional medical costs for other tests, appointments, and potential follow-ups.
One cost you’ll definitely want to consider is the cost of a pre-abortion ultrasound. These important scans will help your doctor determine the timing, viability, and location of your pregnancy — all factors that will help you decide what abortion procedure you can choose.
The Unseen Costs of Abortion
When it comes to abortion, there are some costs that won’t show up on a receipt. While the procedure brings some common physical side effects — like vomiting, diarrhea, persistent bleeding, and cramping — there are other more serious emotional and mental side effects you should carefully consider before scheduling your appointment.
According to the British Journal of Psychiatry, women who have had an abortion are 81 percent more likely to experience mental health issues in the future. These issues are often long-term and can have major impacts on future relationships, careers, and overall life trajectories.
Free Reproductive Healthcare
The last thing you should feel like you need to do right now is make a decision for your future based on finances. The good news is, you don’t have to! Palm Beach Women’s Clinic is here to help you through it all.
We offer free and confidential services so you can make the choice that’s right for you — not the one you feel like you have to make.
When you walk in our doors, you’ll find resources like…
- Free reproductive healthcare including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STD tests, and more
- Abortion counseling so that you can make an informed decision
- Physical supplies (think diapers, food, clothing, and more!) for those who decide to parent
- Adoption resources and referrals if you decide adoption is right for you
- A kind and caring staff, ready to answer all of your questions!
We believe women who are facing unplanned pregnancies should be confident, informed, and empowered as they make the choice that’s right for them. Contact Palm Beach Women’s Clinic for your free appointment today!