If your girlfriend is pregnant and you’re considering abortion, you’re likely wondering what the costs will be and if your insurance plan will cover it.

Your girlfriend can only receive coverage for medical expenses under your insurance if she is included in your plan as a dependent or spouse. Additionally, abortion services are not covered under Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. 

In North Carolina, federal funds, including Medicaid, are not allowed to be used for covering abortion costs.

Insurance Coverage

Some North Carolina insurance providers do have coverage for abortions, but they are often elective, meaning you have to enroll in them before receiving care.

Again, if your girlfriend is not listed as dependent on your plan, your insurance likely won’t cover any expenses, but the best thing to do is contact your provider to ask.  

The Costs of Abortion

The cost of an abortion depends on the type of procedure she would have, how far along she is, where she gets the abortion, and if she has to travel out of state.

A medical abortion uses drugs to terminate a pregnancy. It is FDA-approved through the first 10 weeks gestation (how far along she is). It costs between $500 and $800.

A surgical abortion uses a combination of drugs, medical instruments, or suction to expel the pregnancy from the uterus. The cost can be anywhere from $600 to $3000.

Abortion is only legal in North Carolina through 12 weeks. After that, you may have to travel out of state.

The law has several exceptions to the 12-week limit:

• In a medical emergency in which the pregnancy threatens the woman’s life or threatens to cause irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.
• Abortion is legal through the 20th week if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.
• It is legal through the 24th week if the fetus has a life-limiting anomaly.

Protect Your Girlfriend’s Health

Before seeking an abortion, North Carolina regulates that a woman needs an ultrasound. Albemarle Pregnancy Resource Center provides free limited obstetric ultrasounds. This will also give her key details about her pregnancy, such as the location, age, and viability.

Ultrasounds are essential in detecting miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies, both of which an abortion would not resolve. In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, immediate medical attention may be necessary. 

Though we do not perform or refer for abortions, we can give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Make an appointment with us today.