Understanding abortion laws can feel disorienting, especially if you already feel overwhelmed by an unplanned pregnancy.
Some states have abortion restrictions, so women travel to other states for an abortion. If you're considering an abortion, there are six things you should know before traveling!
1. Know About the Types of Abortion.
There are two types of abortion— a surgical abortion and a medical abortion. Before you travel, you'll want to understand the processes and risks of these procedures. At Shoals Women's Clinic we provide confidential and compassionate abortion information.
2. Know How Far Along You are in Your Pregnancy.
Most abortion laws depend on your gestational age, or how far along you are in your pregnancy. Plus, a medical abortion, or abortion pill, has only been approved by the FDA for up to 10 weeks.1 If a woman has a regular menstrual period, then she can estimate her gestational age. But an ultrasound is the most exact way to figure out how far along you are. Call Shoals Women's Clinic for a free ultrasound today.
3. Know the Laws In Your State.
In Alabama, all abortions are illegal.2 The majority of states with abortion restrictions do not prosecute women who choose an abortion. However, in some states, individuals who aid a woman in obtaining an abortion could be civilly prosecuted. This could include aiding with transportation or finances.3
4. Know the Laws In Other States.
Although the Constitution protects a woman's right to travel to another state for an abortion, abortion must be legal in that state.4 So, you'll want to know the abortion laws in the state you plan to travel to. Other states could also have further restrictions such as required counseling, ultrasounds, or a waiting period before an abortion.
5. Know the Cost.
A medical abortion, or abortion pills, can cost up to $700. Surgical abortions can cost up to $800 in the first trimester, to $2,000 in the second trimester.5 These costs often include fees for ultrasounds, blood tests, medications, and follow-up appointments. Traveling for an abortion also includes the cost of travel, lodging, and even missing work.
Medicaid will not cover an abortion if you travel out of state. Some private insurance companies may cover the cost, but you'll need to check with them.
At Shoals Women's Clinic we can confirm your pregnancy and perform an ultrasound for free. We do not provide or refer for abortion services, but we want to empower you with the information you need about all of your options. Call us today at (256) 740-0640 for a confidential appointment. We will never share your pregnancy decision with anyone.
6. Know About Follow-Up.
As with any medical procedure, follow-up care is recommended to evaluate for complications. Complications from the abortion pills could include retained pregnancy tissue, heavy bleeding, allergic reaction, or infection.6 Whereas complications from a surgical abortion could include uterine perforation, infection, or bleeding.7
So, if you travel out of state, you'll need to know how long you might need to remain in the state for follow-up with the abortion provider.
Abortion Pill Information in Florence, Alabama
At Shoals Women's Clinic, we understand that abortion may feel like the best option for you right now. But before you spend time, money, and energy on traveling out of state, call us today at Shoals Women's Clinic (256) 740-0640.
Our compassionate and confidential team wants to empower you with the information you need about your pregnancy and your options. We provide cost-free pregnancy confirmation, ultrasounds, and abortion information. We're here to walk with you one step at a time!
Please be aware that Shoals Women's Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources:
- FDA. (2023, January). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. FDA. 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
- Ala. Code § 26-23H-4. Robinson v. Marshall, No. 2:19-cv-00365-MHT (M.D. Ala. Jun. 24, 2022). https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-26-infants-and-incompetents/chapter-23h-the-alabama-human-life-protection-act/section-26-23h-4-abortion-prohibited-exception.
- HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE CHAPTER 171. ABORTION. (2021). https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.171.htm
- Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in Case on Right to Travel to Access Legal Abortions. (2023, November 9). https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-files-statement-interest-case-right-travel-access-legal-abortions
- Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Medical Abortion. Cleveland Clinic.
- Tess Catlett. (2023, September 6). How Much Does an Abortion Cost? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-much-does-an-abortion-cost
- Cleveland Clinic. (2024, February 9). What Is a D&C? Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/dilation-and-curettage