Is abortion possible after the first trimester? How much does an abortion cost if you are a minor and want to keep the abortion from your parents?? Help!!!
Many teens want to talk with their parents before an abortion, and most teens involve a parent in their decision to have an abortion. But some people may really feel like they can't safely tell their parents that they're pregnant or need an abortion.
Laws about telling your parents depend on where you live. If you're under 18, some states require one or both of your parents to give permission for your abortion, or be told about your decision before the abortion. But in most of these states, you can ask a judge to excuse you from these requirements. That's called a “judicial bypass.”
Learn more about parental consent and notification laws in the different states. Your local Planned Parenthood health center can also tell you more about the laws in your state, and the judicial bypass option.
Most abortions happen in the first trimester. Abortion after the first trimester is possible, but it's usually more expensive and harder to get. The risk to your health also increases the longer a pregnancy continues (although abortion is generally safe, and serious complications are rare).
The cost depends on what kind of abortion you have, how long you’ve been pregnant, where you go for your abortion, whether you have insurance that will cover the cost, and if you can get financial assistance. An in-clinic abortion costs up to $750 in the first trimester, and up to $1,500 later in pregnancy. In general, an abortion costs more the longer you have been pregnant. And hospitals usually cost more than health centers.
Teens may be able to get financial help for abortion services. Some health centers and hospitals offer sliding scale fees according to income. Some may also reduce the cost for young people. And sometimes health insurance or Medicaid will cover the cost of an abortion procedure.
If you’re worried about how to pay for an abortion, contact Planned Parenthood or another reliable abortion provider to find out about financial help that may be available. Even if you can’t get an abortion in your state, Planned Parenthood can provide information to help you get the abortion care you need in another state. You can also visit AbortionFunds.org.
If you are pregnant, or think you are pregnant, be sure to see a health care provider as soon as possible. But watch out for crisis pregnancy centers. These are clinics or mobile vans that usually advertise pregnancy testing and counseling, but they’re run by people who are anti-abortion — their goal is to shame, scare, or pressure you out of getting an abortion. Crisis pregnancy centers don’t offer a full range of health care services, won’t give you honest information about your pregnancy options, and don’t have to follow privacy laws. Planned Parenthood or AbortionFinder.org can help you find a trustworthy abortion provider.