How to pay for an abortion

Abortion access is about so much more than legal restrictions, though legal restrictions do have a staggering impact. But even before the Dobbs Supreme Court decision overturned Roe v. Wade and left abortion rights up to state lawmakers, care was inaccessible for so many.

The costs of accessing abortion care include the procedure or medication itself, of course, but they can also include practical support: lost wages from taking time off, childcare, lodging, and travel expenses. 

The unfortunate truth is that barriers to abortion access disproportionately affect people of color. The majority of abortion fund recipients are Black — and the Hyde Amendment makes it so people on public health insurance, a high proportion of whom are people of color, can’t use insurance to cover abortion procedures or medication in the vast majority of states. 

How can people get financial assistance for abortion care? Would assistance cover all or part of the costs for abortion access? Read on for answers to these questions and more.

How much does an abortion cost?

The cost of an abortion varies widely depending on several factors, including location and provider. You’ll get the most exact answer by reaching out to the provider you’d like to get care from — and some clinics may even list prices on their websites.

Typically speaking, procedures at abortion clinics can cost between $500 and $1,195. A medication abortion (aka abortion pills) can cost between $40 and $600.

Juniper Midwifery offers medication abortion (plus a complimentary birth control prescription for those who are interested) for $200, including free shipping.

Does insurance cover abortion care?

Sometimes, depending on the insurance plan and what state abortion care is in. 

Abortion coverage is required of private insurance plans in seven states: California, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, New York, Oregon, and Washington. 

Abortion coverage is required of state Medicaid/public insurance plans in 16 states: Alaska, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.

For specifics about your unique insurance plan’s eligibility for abortion coverage, it’s important to reach out to your insurance provider.

How can you get help paying for an abortion?

Financial assistance is possible for both abortion care and practical support. These are the best steps to take if you need it:

  • Reach out to your provider to see if they can help you secure financial support. They may have a relationship with abortion funds in your area.
  • Check out the National Network of Abortion Funds and connect with a fund or practical support organization (or more than one of each) in your area. 
  • Call the toll-free National Abortion Federation phone number (aka the NAF Hotline) for options and referrals.

If you’re able to get financial assistance through an abortion fund or practical support organization, they may pay for only part of what it costs to access care. Know that you can reach out to multiple funds and organizations if you need additional support.

Does Juniper Midwifery offer any financial assistance for medication abortion?

We believe in reproductive rights and abortion access for all people. Please reach out to us if cost is a barrier — we’ll make sure you’re able to get the care you need.

While we’re unfortunately unable to take insurance at this time, we can provide you with an invoice you can send to your insurance company for reimbursement. We’re working hard to be able to accept insurance in the future.

We also partner with two nonprofit abortion funds, the Abortion Freedom Fund and the New York Abortion Access Fund, and can offer sliding scale rates for those who need them.

Need abortion care? Juniper Midwifery can help

If you’re currently less than 10 weeks pregnant and need to access abortion care in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, or New Mexico, Juniper Midwifery can help. After completing an intake assessment, our clinicians will review your information to make sure medication abortion is right for you. Once your prescription is confirmed, it’ll take about 2-4 business days for your medication to arrive. (You can also expedite shipping for $25 when checking out for guaranteed 1-2 business day shipment). 

Need additional reproductive healthcare? Juniper Midwifery patients who would also like a consultation and prescription for contraceptives can get them for free.

For any of our patients who need additional support or medical advice, our clinicians are here for you. Please reach out whenever you need to. Organizations like the Reprocare Healthline, All-Options, Exhale Pro-Voice, and Connect & Breathe also run free, anonymous, and nonjudgmental helplines for emotional support for callers and texters accessing abortion care.