How to Pay for an Abortion: Payment Plans and Cost Options
Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers offer several ways to pay, from upfront cash to payment plans that spread the cost over months
The cost of an abortion varies widely depending on how far along you are in pregnancy, which procedure is used, and where you live. Planned Parenthood clinics typically charge between $300 and $1,500 for a medication abortion (pills) and between $1,000 and $2,500 for a procedural abortion, though prices differ by location. Many Planned Parenthood locations offer payment plans, sliding-scale fees based on income, and referrals to funds that cover costs entirely.
Before you call or visit, know that you will need to provide proof of income to may have access to for a reduced fee or payment plan. Bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. If you receive benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, or unemployment, bring documentation of that as well. This information determines what you actually pay.
Key Takeaways
- Planned Parenthood locations set their own fees and payment options, so cost and payment plans vary by clinic — call your nearest location to learn what they offer.
- Sliding-scale fees reduce your cost based on household income and family size, and you will need recent pay stubs or tax returns to show your income.
- Payment plans let you pay part of the cost upfront and the rest over several months, though the clinic must approve the plan before your appointment.
- Abortion funds cover costs partially or fully for people who cannot afford the procedure, and you can find funds specific to your state through the National Abortion Federation hotline or All-Options Talkline.
- Some states' Medicaid programs cover abortion, while others do not — check your state's rules before assuming you have to pay out of pocket.
How sliding-scale fees work at Planned Parenthood
A sliding-scale fee means the clinic charges you based on what you earn, not a fixed price. If you make $20,000 a year and support two children, you pay less than someone earning $60,000 with no dependents. Planned Parenthood uses a federal poverty guideline to calculate your fee.
To use sliding scale, call the clinic directly and ask what documents to bring. You will typically need your most recent tax return, two recent pay stubs, or a benefits letter showing your income. Some clinics let you bring this information to your appointment; others ask you to provide it over the phone when you schedule. Be honest about your household size and income — the clinic uses this only to set your fee, not to report you anywhere.
Sliding scale does not mean free. It means reduced. A person with very low income might pay $150 to $300 for a medication abortion instead of the full $500 to $800. The exact reduction depends on the clinic's fee structure and your income level.
Payment plans: spreading the cost over time
If you cannot pay the full cost at your appointment, ask the clinic whether they offer a payment plan. Some Planned Parenthood locations let you pay part upfront (often 25 to 50 percent) and the rest over 3 to 6 months. You typically make monthly payments by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer.
Payment plans are not automatic. The clinic approves them based on your income and ability to pay. You will need to show the same income documentation as you would for sliding scale. The clinic may also run a credit check, though some do not. Ask whether there are interest charges or late fees — policies vary by location.
Schedule your appointment only after the payment plan is approved in writing. Do not assume you can arrange it on the day of your procedure. Some clinics require the first payment before your visit; others collect it at the appointment.
Abortion funds that cover costs partially or fully
Abortion funds are nonprofit organizations that pay for abortion costs when you cannot. They exist in most states and some cover the entire procedure, travel, lodging, and childcare. Others cover only part of the cost. Most funds do not require you to repay them.
To find a fund in your state, call the National Abortion Federation hotline at 1-800-772-9100 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time) or visit the National Abortion Federation website. You can also call the All-Options Talkline at 1-888-493-2372 (Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern time). Both services are free and confidential. They will tell you which funds serve your area and how to contact them.
When you call a fund, be ready to say where you live, how far along you are, and roughly what the procedure costs at your nearest clinic. The fund will ask about your income and household size. Some funds require you to have already scheduled your appointment; others help you find a clinic first. Processing usually takes a few days to a week.
Medicaid coverage by state
Whether Medicaid covers abortion depends entirely on which state you live in. Some states' Medicaid programs cover abortion with no restrictions. Others cover it only in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the pregnant person's life. Still others do not cover it at all.
To find out whether your state's Medicaid covers abortion, call your state Medicaid office or visit your state's Medicaid website. You can also ask the Planned Parenthood clinic directly — staff there know which insurance plans they accept and whether Medicaid in your state covers the procedure. If Medicaid does cover it, you will still need to show your Medicaid card and may have a copay, though many states waive the copay for abortion.
If you have private insurance, check your plan documents or call the customer service number on your card. Some plans cover abortion; others exclude it. Do not assume based on what you think your plan should cover — ask directly.
What to expect when you call a Planned Parenthood clinic
Call the clinic during business hours and say you want to schedule an abortion appointment. The staff member will ask how far along you are, whether you have insurance, and whether you have questions about cost. Be direct: "I need to know about payment plans" or "I want to know if I may have access to for a reduced fee."
The clinic will tell you the cost at that location, what payment options they offer, and what documents to bring. They may schedule you for an appointment right away or ask you to call back after you have gathered your income information. Some clinics require an in-person or phone consultation before the procedure appointment; others do not.
Write down the clinic's name, phone number, and the name of the staff member you spoke with. Ask for the appointment date and time in writing, either by email or text. Confirm whether you need to bring anything besides your income documents — some clinics ask for a photo ID and insurance card.
Other ways to cover costs
Beyond Planned Parenthood's own payment options and abortion funds, some people borrow money from family or friends, use a credit card, or take out a personal loan. These are not ideal — they create debt — but they are options if other routes are closed to you.
Some employers offer emergency loans or hardship funds. If you have an employee assistance program (EAP), call the number on your benefits paperwork and ask whether they cover medical emergencies or loans. Credit unions sometimes offer small personal loans with lower interest rates than banks or credit cards.
If you are in school, your college or university may have an emergency fund for students facing unexpected costs. Contact your financial aid office or student services office to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay before my appointment?
It depends on the clinic and the payment method. Some clinics collect payment at the appointment; others require at least a deposit beforehand. Ask when you schedule. If you are using a payment plan, the clinic will tell you when the first payment is due.
Will my insurance company know I had an abortion?
If you use insurance to pay, yes — the claim will show up on your explanation of benefits (EOB). If you pay cash or use an abortion fund, your insurance company will not know. If privacy is a concern, ask the clinic about paying out of pocket or whether they can bill your insurance in a way that does not reveal the procedure type.
What if I cannot afford it even with a payment plan or reduced fee?
Call an abortion fund. They exist specifically to cover costs when you cannot pay. The National Abortion Federation hotline and All-Options Talkline can connect you to a fund in your state within one call. Some funds cover the entire cost plus travel and lodging.
Can I use a payment plan and an abortion fund at the same time?
Yes. Some people use a fund to cover part of the cost and a payment plan for the rest. Tell the clinic you are seeking outside funding and ask them to hold your appointment while you contact a fund. Most funds can tell you within a few days whether they can help.
Does the clinic report my income information to anyone?
No. The clinic uses your income only to calculate your fee. They do not report it to the government, your insurance company, or anyone else. The information is confidential and protected by medical privacy laws.