What to Expect from an In-Clinic Abortion

An unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming. If you’re looking for an abortion clinic, it’s important to know what to expect. This can help you make a fully informed decision.

In this article, we’ll explore:

The different types of in-clinic abortion procedures
The possible risks and side effects
When to seek medical help if you experience complications
What to do before visiting an abortion clinic

Types of In-Clinic Abortion Procedures

The type of surgical abortion you can receive depends on how far along your pregnancy is. The abortion provider will recommend either a suction (vacuum) aspiration or a dilation and evacuation (D&E).

Suction (Vacuum) Aspiration Abortion

A suction (vacuum) aspiration abortion is typically performed up to 13 weeks of pregnancy. Here’s how it works:

Before the procedure, small instruments or a medication is used to open (dilate) the cervix.
Misoprostol may also be given to soften the cervix.
During the procedure itself, a suction device is used to remove the fetus.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)

A dilation and evacuation (D&E) is a surgical abortion most often performed in the second trimester. This procedure is usually performed under anesthesia. It’s more complex than a suction (vacuum) aspiration abortion due to the fetus’s size.

Here’s how it works:

Before the procedure, sponge-like sticks (laminaria) are inserted into the cervix.
These sticks absorb moisture and gradually expand, opening the cervix.
During the procedure itself, a suction device and tools like forceps are used to remove the fetus.

How Much Does an In-Clinic Abortion Cost?

The cost of an in-clinic abortion depends on how far along you are and whether abortion is legal in your state. Here are the national averages[1]:

First Trimester (up to 13 weeks of pregnancy): Prices range from $600 to $979.
Second Trimester (13 to 24 weeks of pregnancy): Early in the second trimester, the average cost is $715. Later in the second trimester, the cost can range from $1,500-2,000.

These prices do not include the cost of any pre-screening services (such as an ultrasound) or follow-up care.

States Where Abortion is Banned

There are no legally operating abortion clinics in states where abortion is banned. These states include:

Alabama
Arkansas
Indiana
Kentucky
Mississippi
Oklahoma
Tennessee
Texas

States Where Abortion is Legal

In states where abortion is legal, costs vary based on how far along you are and whether or not your insurance covers abortion services. Here are the average price ranges per state[1]:

Florida: $565–$800
Georgia: $550
North Carolina: $440–$625
Arizona: $926–$1,150
California: $885–$1,364
Hawaii: $900–$1,300
Illinois: $495–$1,385
Kansas: $988–$1,600
Michigan: $700–$950
Ohio: $758–$1,100
Pennsylvania: $594–$792

Side Effects and Risks

Common side effects of surgical abortion include cramping, spotting, and bleeding. These can last up to two weeks, depending on the procedure. One study found that second-trimester abortions can be more painful than expected.[2]

Potential physical risks include:

Uterine Perforation: An instrument may accidentally puncture the uterus, possibly needing surgical repair.[3]
Asherman Syndrome: Scar tissue inside the uterus from repeated procedures can impact future fertility.[4]
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Bacteria introduced during surgery may cause infection in the reproductive tract.[5]

Additionally, some women report experiencing mental health struggles after abortion. Examples include:[6][7]

Depression
Anxiety
Low self-esteem
Substance abuse
Suicidal behaviors

If you’re thinking about suicide, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Complications can happen after an in-clinic abortion. Go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following:

Heavy, excessive bleeding
Persistent fever
Severe or worsening abdominal pain not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
No bleeding within 24 hours of the procedure

What to Do Before Visiting an Abortion Clinic

Before visiting an abortion clinic, it’s crucial to receive an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy viability and gestational age. This information helps you understand your pregnancy options and make the best decision for your health.

Viability

A viable pregnancy indicates that the pregnancy is progressing normally and has the potential to continue to term. During an ultrasound, technicians look for signs like a fetal heartbeat. This usually appears between 6.5 and 7 weeks of pregnancy.[8]

Getting an ultrasound before an abortion helps check for nonviable pregnancies. This includes miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies, where the embryo grows outside the uterus. These conditions need alternative medical care.

Gestational Age

Gestational age refers to how far along you are in your pregnancy. Doctors measure it from the first day of your last period.

It’s important to know how far along you are, as certain abortion procedures are only available up until a certain point in pregnancy. Additionally, many states have limitations on how far along women can receive abortions.

States Where Abortion is Illegal or Restricted

Alabama

Currently, abortion is illegal in Alabama. However, exceptions can be made to preserve the health of the pregnant woman or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.[2]

Indiana

As of August 22, 2023, abortion is illegal in Indiana. However, exceptions can be made to prevent a serious health risk to the pregnant woman, if the fetus suffers from a lethal fetal anomaly, or if the pregnant woman has been the victim of rape or incest.[6]

Oklahoma

Currently, abortion is illegal in Oklahoma. However, exceptions can be made to save the life of the pregnant woman.[10]

Arkansas

Currently, abortion is illegal in Arkansas. However, exceptions can be made to preserve the health of the pregnant woman.[3]

Kentucky

Currently, abortion is illegal in Kentucky. However, exceptions can be made in the case of life endangerment to the pregnant woman.[7]

Tennessee

Currently, abortion is illegal in Tennessee. However, exceptions can be made to save the life of the pregnant woman. Women who receive abortions will not be prosecuted under Tennessee law.[11]

Florida

Currently, abortion is illegal in Florida past 6 weeks gestation, when the fetal heartbeat can first be detected by ultrasound. Exceptions can be made in cases of rape, incest, and human trafficking.[4]

Mississippi

Currently, abortion is illegal in Mississippi. However, exceptions can be made to save the life of the pregnant woman or in cases of a rape conviction.[8]

Texas

Abortion is currently banned in Texas, except to preserve the life of the pregnant woman. This will not affect care for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. A woman who seeks or obtains an abortion will not be held criminally or civilly liable under Texas law.[12][13]

Georgia

The current Georgia abortion law[5] prohibits abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, typically around 6 weeks from your last period. Exceptions can be made for:

Medical emergencies
Rape or incest in a pregnancy less than 20 weeks from the last menstrual period
Cases that in reasonable medical judgment there is an anomaly incompatible with sustaining life

North Carolina

Effective July 1, 2023, most abortions are illegal in North Carolina after 12 weeks gestation. However, exceptions can be made through 20 weeks in cases of rape and incest and through 24 weeks for “life-limiting” fetal anomalies and medical emergencies.[9]

States Where Abortion is Legal

Arizona

Currently, abortion is legal in Arizona through fetal viability. Exceptions can be made beyond viability necessary to preserve the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant woman.[14]

Kansas

Currently, abortion is legal in Kansas up to 22 weeks of pregnancy.[18]

California

Currently, abortion is legal up until viability* in California.[15]

Michigan

Currently, abortion is legal in Michigan all throughout pregnancy.[19]

Hawaii

Currently, abortion is legal up until viability* in Hawaii. Exceptions can be made beyond viability necessary to preserve the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant woman.[16]

Ohio

Currently, abortion is legal up until viability* in Ohio. However, exceptions can be made if a healthcare professional deems it necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman.[20]

Illinois

Currently, abortion is legal up until viability* in Illinois.[17]

Pennsylvania

Currently, abortion is legal in Pennsylvania through the 24th week of pregnancy. Exceptions can be made if the health of the pregnant woman is in danger.[21]

*Important note: Please be aware that this article is not meant to substitute for medical advice or treatment. The purpose of our limited ultrasound exams is to identify a pregnancy inside the uterus, detect the fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along you are. If there is no detectable heartbeat, it may indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is occurring. If we cannot detect a fetal heartbeat during your appointment, we will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care and treatment.

Considering an In-Clinic Abortion? Visit ICU Mobile First.

If you’re considering an in-clinic abortion, ICU Mobile is here to help you make an informed decision. We offer:

Free Services: Pregnancy tests and ultrasounds.
Compassionate Support: A safe space to ask questions and explore your options without pressure.
Personalized Guidance: We are here to answer your questions and help you explore each of your pregnancy options.

Schedule your appointment online today. Our mobile medical units are ready to serve you.