Plan B: How it Works, Side Effects, and More
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you’ve probably got a lot of questions about how much the abortion pill costs. Does insurance cover the abortion pill? If not, what is the out-of-pocket cost? Can you get abortion pills over the counter? There are a lot of numbers to crunch and countless thoughts and feelings to sort through.
Before you take the pill, take time to get the facts. Keep reading to learn more about the cost of the abortion pill.
Does Insurance Cover the Abortion Pill?
It depends on where you live and what insurance plan you have. In states where abortion is legal, some private insurance plans may cover the abortion pill. In states where it is illegal, insurance plans will not cover it.
How Much Does the Abortion Pill Cost Without Insurance?
As of October 2024, the abortion pill can cost between $500 to $950 without insurance.1 Prices may vary based on the dosage you need and the provider you purchase it from.
Can I Get Abortion Pills Over the Counter?
No, the abortion pills (mifepristone and misoprostol) are not available over the counter.
They are only available by prescription through certified providers in states where distribution is legal. Additionally, they can only be obtained from pharmacies that are certified to dispense them.2
Additional Abortion Pill Costs to Consider
Like any medical procedure, the abortion pill comes with expected side effects and potential complications. Examples include:
- Hemorrhaging. It’s normal to bleed for a while after taking the abortion pill. However, heavier bleeding, known as hemorrhaging, can happen and may require an emergency surgical procedure to stop it.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. Women who experience abdominal pain, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, with or without a fever for more than 24 hours after taking the second medication (misoprostol), may have a serious infection and should seek medical care right away.5
What Do I Need to Do Before Taking the Abortion Pill?
We get it—finding out that you’re pregnant when you don’t want to be can be scary. It can be easy to spiral at a moment like this. We encourage you to take a deep breath and know that you aren’t alone. You owe it to yourself to make an informed and empowered decision!
Before taking the abortion pill, it’s important to receive an ultrasound and understand your pregnancy options.
Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?
Ultrasounds determine three key things about your pregnancy: location, viability, and gestational age.
Where Can Pregnancies Develop?
Most pregnancies grow and develop inside the mother’s uterus. A small number of pregnancies, known as ectopic pregnancies, develop outside the uterus.6 Not only can an ectopic pregnancy be life-threatening, but the abortion pill is not used to treat them.7,8 An ultrasound can show if the pregnancy is inside the uterus.
What is Pregnancy Viability?
A viable pregnancy means that, in the early stages, growth and development are progressing as expected. For example, after about 6 weeks gestation, the fetal heartbeat can be detected by an ultrasound.9 This is critical information because a significant number of pregnancies end on their own in miscarriage.10
What is Gestational Age?
Gestational age refers to how far along you are in your pregnancy. It’s important to know your gestational age since the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period.11
What are My Pregnancy Options?
In the chaos of an unplanned pregnancy, it can be easy to make a snap decision out of fear. It’s important to understand each of your pregnancy options, so you can make a decision you feel confident in. Pregnancy Decision Line is here to answer all of your questions regarding abortion, adoption, and parenting—all without judgment.
Get the Facts on the Abortion Pill at Pregnancy Decision Line
The risks associated with the abortion pill may be costly. Compassionate care is priceless. Pregnancy Decision Line is here to provide the insight and support you need to make an empowered decision for your unplanned pregnancy—all at no cost to you!
REFERENCES
- As advertised by abortion providers as of October 2024.
- FDA. (2023, September). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation?sm_guid=NTU1NzgyfDYzMDE1OTM2fC0xfGppbUBha2ZhbWlseS5vcmd8NTY4OTI4MXx8MHwwfDE5OTYwMDk4OHwxMDg2fDB8MHx8NTQ3NzI2fDA1
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023, January). Mifepristone Label. https://www.fda.gov/media/164653/download
- See source #3.
- See source #3.
- Ectopic Pregnancy – Symptoms & Causes. Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088
- Ectopic Pregnancy – Diagnosis & Treatment. Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372093
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2023, December 2023). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html
- Männer, J. (2022, June 9). When Does the Human Embryonic Heart Start Beating? A Review of Contemporary and Historical Sources of Knowledge about the Onset of Blood Circulation in Man. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9225347/#
- Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage – Symptoms and Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
- FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
Call 866-406-9327 and get help now.
All of our services are 100% free and confidential. We exist to provide accurate medical information and support to women and men facing an unplanned pregnancy. Our pregnancy centers do not offer or refer for pregnancy terminations or birth control. Information is provided as an educational service and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.