When you're staring at a positive pregnancy test and you know you can't be a parent right now, the first thing that hits is usually panic. The second? Thinking about the money. Honestly, it’s a lot to handle at once. You’ve probably heard of Planned Parenthood, but trying to pin down a single price tag is like trying to hit a moving target.
Budgeting for this isn't just about one number. It’s about where you live, how many weeks it’s been, and—this is a big one—what the current political climate has done to your local clinic’s funding. As of early 2026, the landscape is complicated. Federal funding for Planned Parenthood has been a total roller coaster over the last year, which directly impacts what you might pay out of pocket.
How Much Does an Abortion at Planned Parenthood Cost Right Now?
Let’s get into the hard numbers first. If you’re looking for a ballpark, a first-trimester abortion at Planned Parenthood usually sits somewhere between $580 and $800.
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If you choose the abortion pill (medication abortion), the average cost is roughly $580, though it can go as high as $800 in some regions. This is usually an option up until about 10 or 11 weeks of pregnancy.
For an in-clinic procedure, you’re looking at an average of $600 for the first trimester. But once you hit the second trimester, those prices start to climb fast. Early second-trimester procedures often start around $715, but if you are further along—say, 16 to 20 weeks—it can jump to $1,500 or even $2,000.
Why the price isn't the same for everyone
It’s annoying, but you can’t just look at a menu like it’s a coffee shop.
The price varies because every Planned Parenthood affiliate operates a bit differently. A clinic in New York City has different overhead than one in rural Pennsylvania. Plus, some states have "shield laws" or state-funded programs that help bridge the gap when federal money gets cut.
Right now, in 2026, we are seeing a massive divide. States like California and Connecticut are pumping their own money into these clinics to keep costs down. Meanwhile, in other states, the loss of Medicaid reimbursements—which was a huge blow in late 2025—means clinics have to rely more on donations or sliding scale fees to keep the lights on.
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The "Hidden" Costs You Might Not See Coming
When people ask how much does an abortion at planned parenthood cost, they usually just mean the medical bill. But if you have to travel because your local clinic was forced to close or because of state bans, your "bill" is going to be much higher.
- Gas and Hotels: If you’re driving three states over, that’s $200 in gas and a $150 hotel stay.
- The Ultrasound: Most places include the ultrasound in the package price, but some require a separate "dating" visit that can cost $150 to $200.
- Follow-up Meds: You’ll likely need to buy ibuprofen, anti-nausea meds, or pads. It sounds small, but another $40 out of your pocket matters when you’re stressed.
- Childcare: If you already have kids, paying a sitter for two days (travel plus procedure time) is a massive expense.
Honestly, the "medical" cost is often only half the story.
Insurance: Does It Actually Help?
This is where it gets super messy. Whether your insurance covers an abortion depends entirely on your plan and your state’s laws.
In about a dozen states, private insurance is actually prohibited from covering abortion unless your life is in danger. It sucks. If you have a plan through your employer, you have to call them or check your "Summary of Benefits." It’s awkward to ask, but it can save you $600.
Medicaid is a different story. Because of the Hyde Amendment, federal Medicaid money doesn't cover abortion. However, about 17 to 19 states (the number shifts with every election cycle) use their own state funds to cover it for Medicaid patients. If you live in a state like Illinois or New Mexico, your cost might actually be $0.
But be warned: as of early 2026, there have been intense legal battles over Section 71113 of the 2025 Federal Budget Reconciliation Law. This law tried to block Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood entirely—even for things like birth control. Some states are fighting this in court, but it has made using your "Gold Card" or Medicaid much more difficult in certain parts of the country.
What If I Can't Pay?
Don't panic. Seriously. Planned Parenthood's whole mission is to provide care regardless of your bank account balance.
They use something called a sliding scale. They look at your income and how many people you’re supporting, and they might drop the price significantly. I've seen people pay as little as $100 because they qualified for a subsidy.
Also, Abortion Funds are a lifesaver. Organizations like the National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF) work directly with clinics. They don't just give you a "discount"—they often send a check directly to the clinic to cover your balance.
If you are calling to make an appointment, you have to be upfront. Tell the person on the phone, "I cannot afford the full cost. Is there a sliding scale or a local fund you can connect me with?" They hear this every single day. They won't judge you.
Telehealth: The Cheaper Path (Sometimes)
If you are early enough (under 10 or 11 weeks), you might be able to use Planned Parenthood Direct. This is their app. In some states, you can do a video visit and have the pills mailed to you.
The cost for the telehealth abortion pill service often starts around $200 to $400. It’s usually much cheaper than going into a physical clinic because they don't have to pay for the "bricks and mortar" of the building while you're there. But again, this depends on where your feet are planted. If your state has a "telehealth ban" for abortion care, this isn't an option for you.
Looking Ahead: Why Costs Might Change Next Month
We are currently in a period of extreme volatility. With the 2025-2026 legislative sessions in full swing, there are bills like the "Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2025" sitting in Congress. While these often get tied up in the Senate, they create a lot of uncertainty.
When funding is "frozen" or under investigation, Planned Parenthood affiliates sometimes have to stop offering discounts temporarily. This is why you might see a price of $500 one month and $650 the next.
Actionable Next Steps
If you need to move forward, here is exactly what you should do to manage the cost:
- Find your nearest open clinic: Use the official Planned Parenthood website. Don't just Google "abortion clinic" because you might end up at a Crisis Pregnancy Center (CPC) that doesn't actually provide abortions but will try to talk you out of one.
- Ask for a "Good Faith Estimate": Under the No Surprises Act, you have the right to a written estimate of what you'll be charged before the procedure.
- Check your state's Medicaid status: If you have Medicaid, check if you live in one of the states (like CA, NY, OR, WA, or CT) that covers the cost.
- Contact an Abortion Fund early: Funds like the Brigid Alliance or local state funds often run out of money by the end of the month. The sooner you call, the better your chances of getting a grant.
- Calculate the "True Cost": Sit down and add up the medical fee, the gas, the time off work, and the child care. Seeing the total number helps you know exactly how much help you need to ask for.
The cost of an abortion is a hurdle, but it shouldn't be a wall. Clinics and funds are set up specifically to help people jump over it. Reach out to the clinic directly; they are the only ones who can give you the final, "real-world" number for your specific situation.