Will My Insurance Pay For My Girlfriend’s Abortion?
Are you worried about finances that come along with you and your partner’s pregnancy options? It can be confusing to understand insurance coverage of abortion and we hope to clear some of that up for you in this blog. Be informed today so you can make a confident decision for your future.
Will Insurance pay for my Girlfriend’s Abortion?
Most of the time, insurance companies will not cover your girlfriend’s abortion if you are not married. Policies are different from state to state, but normally insurance companies will not cover a partner on a policy unless they are a spouse.
If your partner has insurance, it could be covered under her individual insurance company. She will want to check with her insurance company for abortion coverage information, as some insurance companies do cover the cost of an abortion.
Cost of Abortion
If your partner does not have insurance coverage, you will need to pay out-of-pocket costs for abortion. According to the Guttmacher Institute, a first-trimester abortion can cost around $500 in the U.S. A second-trimester abortion normally costs around $1,000, and late-term abortion even higher, around $3,000 or more.
The cost of an abortion varies based on a couple of factors, including…
- How far along you are (determines what abortion procedure you have)
- Where you live (costs vary state to state)
- What abortion provider do you use
The Types of Abortion
Medical Abortion
Also called the abortion pill method, medical abortion terminates a pregnancy for women up to 10 weeks pregnant. Potential risks of medical abortion include incomplete abortion, heavy/prolonged bleeding, infection, and more.
Surgical Abortion
There are numerous types of surgical abortion procedures, all done at an abortion clinic. Each procedure causes the cervix to be dilated and surgical tools are used to remove the pregnancy. Potential risks of surgical abortion include perforation of the uterus, damage to the cervix, scar tissue on the uterine wall, and infection.
Learn Whether You Qualify
The first step to moving forward with any pregnancy option is understanding what options you’re eligible for. The only way to go about this is with lab-quality pregnancy testing and an ultrasound. An ultrasound reveals how far along your partner is and other vital pregnancy details so you both can move forward.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment today to confirm you and your partner’s pregnancy and learn more about your options.
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What are the Risks of Abortion?
If you’re considering abortion for your unexpected pregnancy, you deserve to know the truth about what to expect. Did you know there are definite side effects and several potential risks with each abortion method? Don’t choose this serious medical procedure without the facts. Here’s what medical experts have to say.
What are the Types of Abortion?
There are two types of abortion, medical and surgical. Which method you qualify for is determined by how far along your pregnancy is. Medical abortion is performed if you’ve been pregnant for 10 weeks or less. If the gestational age is longer than 10 weeks, you’ll have an in-clinic surgical abortion.
Medical Abortion
You may have heard about one method of medical abortion called the abortion pill. Contrary to its name, the abortion pill isn’t just one pill and it’s over. You actually take a series of powerful drugs over 24 to 48 hours.
The Mayo Clinic says, “Having a medical abortion is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences. If you’re considering this procedure, make sure you understand what it entails, side effects, possible risks, complications, and alternatives.”
Side Effects and Potential Risks of Medical Abortion
Here’s a list provided by the Mayo Clinic of side effects and potential risks:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- A viable pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever, especially serious if longer than 24 hours
- Digestive system discomfort
- Abdominal cramping
Surgical Abortion
Once again, depending on how far along your pregnancy is determines the type of surgical procedure you’ll have. The procedures are more invasive the longer you’ve been pregnant.
Dilation and Curettage (D & C)
The Mayo Clinic provides detailed medical information on the side effects and risks of a D & C. This procedure begins after you’ve received general anesthesia. Afterward, your cervix is dilated (opened). Then, a surgical instrument called a curette is inserted into the uterus to remove the pregnancy. Curettes can be sharp or use suction (vacuum aspiration).
Side Effects and Potential Risks of This Type of Surgical Abortion
According to the Mayo Clinic, the side effects are fairly easy. They indicate you’ll feel mild cramping and spotting or light bleeding. However, they also list:
- Bleeding that’s heavy enough that you need to change pads every hour
- Fever
- Cramps lasting more than 48 hours
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
In addition, surgical abortions run the risk of:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
You’ll also notice that the Mayo Clinic mentions abortion as having “emotional and psychological consequences” too. For some women, their emotional struggles after an abortion are devastating.
Let Us Assist You
At First Care, we can confirm your pregnancy with a lab-quality urine test at no cost to you. In addition, we offer free limited ultrasounds. Before scheduling an abortion, you need to know how far along you are if your pregnancy is growing, and where it’s located in your body.
We have four convenient locations that offer free and confidential pregnancy services. You deserve to know the facts and have your questions answered. Contact us today and let’s start the conversation.
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3 Things to Know If You Are Considering Mail-Order Abortion
Every woman handles unexpected pregnancy differently. While one might take her time and process her emotions, another might begin searching for options right after a positive pregnancy test. Regardless of how you’re feeling or handling the news, know we can help you.
Some women look to mail-order abortion pills as a quick way to terminate a pregnancy, but this comes with risks. Keep reading to learn the three things you should know if you’re considering mail-order abortion.
Mail-order abortion might not be an option for you
If you live in a state with certain abortion restrictions, mail-order abortion could be illegal and unavailable for you. Thirty-two states require licensed physicians to administer medical abortion (the abortion pill), and nineteen states require the clinician to be physically present when administering the drugs. Those nineteen states do not allow telemedicine for the abortion pill.
Trying to bypass state laws and purchasing the abortion pill online can be dangerous, as not every seller online is legitimate or selling what they claim to sell. Reputable providers and health systems will follow the laws for the states they operate in.
You might not need an abortion
There are a few conditions that can only be determined by an ultrasound. If doing a mail-order abortion without an ultrasound, you could pay money for an unnecessary procedure, only to later find out you need to do something else.
According to Mayo Clinic, about 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. This means, even if your pregnancy test was positive, your pregnancy might not be viable or progressing. If this is the case, you could miscarry on your own, or you might need to seek medical attention.
Ectopic Pregnancy
The abortion pill will not terminate a pregnancy outside the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies are pregnancies that have implanted outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube. These can be dangerous to your health and should be identified and treated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
You’re Too Far Along
The FDA has only approved the use of the abortion pill up to 70 days or less since the first day of your last menstrual cycle. If you’re considering mail-order abortion, and haven’t had an ultrasound, you could be farther along than you realize.
You should get tested for STDs before mail-order abortion
The presence of a sexually transmitted disease during an abortion procedure raises the risk of developing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) because it can spread the infection from the vagina or cervix further into the uterus. You’ll want to make sure you have STD testing performed prior to any abortion procedures.
Be Safe and Confident
You owe it to yourself to take the proper safety precautions and think through this life-changing decision before buying mail-order abortion pills. Schedule your free and confidential appointment at First Care Pregnancy Center. We’ll provide free pregnancy testing, an ultrasound, STD testing, and a safe environment to talk through your next steps.
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Can You Buy the Abortion Pill Online?
When we are faced with life’s most difficult challenges, we typically respond with emotion and action. We feel burdened and fearful about the challenge, but we also look for ways to overcome our challenges.
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, it is likely that you are feeling fear about the future. That feeling of fear is normal. Our team exists to offer services that calm your fears. We are always here for you.
In the 21st century, it seems as if everything can be delivered to our doorstep in a short amount of time. As you face this unplanned pregnancy, you may be wondering if the abortion pill can be ordered online, and delivered to your home.
Surprisingly, buying the abortion pill online is more complicated and riskier than you may think. It comes with significant warnings from medical professionals and is something we do not suggest due to the health risks. It’s incredibly important to know the facts.
What is the abortion pill?
The abortion pill is often thought of being a one-time pill consumption, but this is not the case. The abortion pill as actually two pills, composed of two different drugs that complete the medication abortion. Medication abortion is available through the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Mifepristone, the first drug, blocks progesterone, a hormone that causes the lining of the uterus to thin. Thinning prevents the embryo from remaining implanted and growing.
Misoprostol is the second abortion drug given in a medication abortion. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina.
The first abortion drug is typically taken at a doctor’s office and the second at home 24-48 hours later. A follow-up appointment with a doctor is necessary, a week later, to ensure the abortion is complete (FDA).
Is it safe the buy the abortion pill online?
FDA Regulations
The Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has abortion pill regulations to protect the health of all women who are considering abortion. The FDA warns about buying the abortion pill online because it bypasses multiple safeguards created to protect you.
One of the primary concerns related to ordering the abortion pill online is the reality that the drugs do not have a specified origin or creator. When consuming any drug, it is important to only trust manufacturers and providers that are transparent about ingredients and processes. It is also vital to only trust providers that are transparent about side effects, and many online abortion providers fail to be transparent.
The dosage could also be less or more than the standard abortion pill approved by the FDA. This could be deadly and/or cause an incomplete abortion. Many of the online abortion pill providers are overseas and do not follow FDA guidelines.
When you purchase the abortion pill online, you aren’t able to receive consultation or oversight from a doctor. Due to alarming side effects, a qualified doctor should prescribe these pills.
What should I know about the abortion pill before buying it online?
Risks & side effects of the abortion pill
Potential risks of medication abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
- Allergic reaction to the medication
Potential side effects of medication abortion include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Ultrasound will provide needed information about your pregnancy
Additionally, it is best medical practice to receive an ultrasound before making a pregnancy decision. An ultrasound reveals where your pregnancy is located, if it is a viable pregnancy, and how far along you are.
The results of the ultrasound will also bring to your attention any potential health concerns, such as an ectopic or tubal pregnancy.
The staff at First Care Pregnancy Center promises to treat you with kindness, respect, and genuine care.
Schedule a no-cost, confidential pregnancy test with an ultrasound at First Care. Our medical staff is here to serve you with the information and services you need to make an educated pregnancy choice. Talk to us today to schedule an appointment.
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Will Insurance Cover The Abortion Cost?
Before panicking over the abortion cost, let’s look at what your options are. Just the thought of your girlfriend saying, “I think I’m pregnant” causes panic. Pregnant? It’s impossible to even imagine, but if you recently had unprotected (or maybe even protected) sex and her period is late, she could be pregnant.
Free Pregnancy Testing
You need to know a lot more than a positive result on a pregnancy test. Did she take the test correctly? Was it taken at the right time?
Start out with free lab-quality pregnancy testing at First Care Pregnancy Center. Our tests are 99% accurate and will verify the result of her at-home test.
Free Ultrasounds
A verified positive result on a pregnancy test is just the beginning whether you’re considering abortion or parenting. For either option, she needs to know how far along her pregnancy is.
Plus, there’s the possibility she’s already miscarried. The Mayo Clinic says up to 20% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. She could be getting positive results on pregnancy tests and no longer be pregnant. You need to find out if the pregnancy is viable (growing).
It’s also important to find out where the pregnancy is located. Although rare, sometimes pregnancy can form outside of the uterus which is extremely dangerous.
Abortion in Minnesota
In Minnesota, a patient must receive state-directed abortion counseling and then wait 24 hours before the procedure is provided. The parents of a minor must be notified before an abortion is provided, and the abortion can only be performed at or after viability if the patient’s life or health is endangered.
Abortion cost in Minnesota
The following are average costs and not necessarily particular to any one clinic.
Medication Abortion (11 weeks or less) $700
In-Clinic Suction Abortion (12-13 weeks) $745
In-Clinic Suction Abortion (14 weeks) $845
In-Clinic Suction Abortion (15 weeks) $945
Paying for the abortion
Insurance policies only cover the abortion cost for you or another person who is legally married to you or a dependent child. Insurance rules change from state to state and from insurance company to company.
Some insurance companies may cover the cost of an abortion. She can contact her insurance provider to verify coverage. She also needs to take her insurance information with her at the time of her appointment.
You have options
Abortion isn’t the only answer. When you come to First Care Pregnancy Center for her pregnancy testing and ultrasound, ask to speak with an options consultant. Walk into any one of our four locations or book your appointment online.
The fact that you are hoping to help her during this time is a great beginning. She will be glad to have you by her side. Let us help you, contact us today.
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Top 5 Most Common STIs
All your life you’ve been encouraged to stay healthy. Maybe your Mom lectured you about not wearing a coat in the winter, or a friend suggested you get more sleep. Your health is vital to everything you do. That includes your sexual health too.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are extremely common. Almost half of all STIs occur in people younger than 25 years old. Exposure to an STI can occur any time you have sexual contact with anyone that involves the genitals, the mouth (oral), or the rectum (anal). Exposure is more likely if you have more than one sex partner or you don’t use condoms correctly.
Determining if You Have an STI
There is a wide variety of STIs with different types of symptoms. Common STI symptoms can include burning pain when you urinate, or itching, and sores on the genitals. But, some people don’t experience any symptoms at all until much later. It’s not uncommon to pass an STI to a sexual partner without even knowing you have one.
Most STIs can be treated and cured. If left untreated, some can lead to serious health issues like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), eye inflammation, arthritis, heart disease, and even infertility. This is why it’s so important to be tested at least once a year and more frequently if you have different sexual partners.
5 Most Common STIs
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are about 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) per year, with about half occurring in young people ages 15 to 24. Here’s a list of common STIs:
- Chlamydia
Chlamydia is an infection caused by bacteria with few outward symptoms. In most cases, it’s spread through sexual contact. It’s treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, chlamydia can cause infertility.
- Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection spread through sexual contact. It’s found most often in the genital area, but it can also infect other areas of the body, such as the rectum or throat. Most people with gonorrhea have symptoms within a few days after infection.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) / Genital Warts
Genital warts are skin growths on or around the genitals or anus. They are caused by a virus that’s spread by sexual contact. Some types can lead to cervical cancer. Other types may cause cancer of the genitals, mouth, and throat. There are usually no initial signs or symptoms of HPV infections.
- Herpes
Herpes can cause skin blisters and sores in the genital area but often causes no visible symptoms. It is commonly associated with cold sores or fever blisters (oral herpes), but also genital or anal sores. Herpes can also affect the developing fetus in a pregnant woman, especially if the woman becomes infected during the first trimester.
- Syphilis
Syphilis is an infection spread through sex. The most common symptom is a painless sore on the genitals, rectal area, or mouth. Later symptoms may include a rash, hair loss, and flu-like symptoms. It’s simple to cure but left untreated, it can affect the heart and brain.
Pregnancy and Abortion
Pregnant women can spread STIs to their babies. Health consequences include low birth weight, eye infection, pneumonia, blood infection, brain damage, blindness, deafness, lack of coordination, hepatitis, meningitis, chronic liver disease, and stillbirth.
We’re Your Next Best Step
If you believe you may be pregnant or have an STI, contact First Care Pregnancy Center for free and confidential health services. For a suspected STI, a nurse will oversee sample collection for testing, which may include a urine sample, blood draw, and swabs on the throat, vagina, and/or rectum, as indicated.
We are here to help you because we care about you and your sexual health. Our center is judgment-free and you are always welcome!
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Top 7 Pregnancy Symptoms
Not knowing whether or not you’re pregnant can lead to extreme feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.
As you wait until it’s time to take a pregnancy test, there are a few physical symptoms of pregnancy to be on the lookout for that might provide you with insight.
1. A Missed Period
A missed period is often the first physical sign women notice in early pregnancy as pregnant women typically do not ovulate or have periods. Those who are attentive to their cycles and have regular monthly periods may want to pay particular attention to this sign as an indication of pregnancy.
2. Nausea
Pregnancy-related nausea, also often referred to as “morning sickness,” occurs in early pregnancy due to an influx of hormones as the pregnancy develops. Thankfully, this pregnancy symptom usually disappears in the second or third trimester.
3. Spotting and Cramping
Many women experience light spotting early on in pregnancy as the embryo attaches to the uterine lining, also referred to as implantation bleeding. Additionally, women experience cramping similar to period cramps.
4. Exhaustion
Pregnancy-related fatigue is to be expected as your body produces progesterone to support your growing pregnancy. If you’re planning on carrying your pregnancy, it’s important to give your body the rest it needs during this time.
5. Changes in Nipples
Pregnancy hormones can lead to a change in the appearance and texture of the nipples. This can be accompanied by discomfort and itching sensations.
6. Tender Breasts
While many women experience breast tenderness around their ovulation or periods, pregnancy can bring about a more acute tenderness and can also be accompanied by swelling. Not to worry — this is a typical symptom of early pregnancy.
7. New Food Cravings and Aversions
An influx of hormones can bring about a variety of strange cravings and aversions. If you are pregnant, you may find your body craving new things and developing aversions to new food or smells.
Schedule an Appointment
It’s important to note that while these symptoms can indicate pregnancy, they can also be related to other health conditions and hormonal changes. To confirm your pregnancy through lab-quality pregnancy testing, schedule your free appointment at First Care Pregnancy Center today!
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What is the Abortion Pill?
No woman dreams of getting an abortion, but if you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may feel like it’s your only option.
If you’re considering terminating your pregnancy using the abortion pill, it’s important to take time to learn about the medications used, when you may be eligible for the procedure, and what to expect after you’ve taken the pills.
What is the Abortion Pill and How Does it Work to End a Pregnancy?
The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, is a chemical procedure that utilizes two drugs, Mifepristone and Misoprostol.
The first pill, Mifepristone, is administered to end the body’s natural production of the pregnancy hormone called progesterone. Progesterone provides the pregnancy with nourishment and support and without it, the pregnancy will end.
Once the pregnancy ends, Misoprostol is used to force contractions, which will push the pregnancy tissue from the body.
Who is Eligible for the Abortion Pill?
In order for the pill to be effective, it must be taken within the first 70 days of pregnancy.
After that point, your pregnancy may be too developed and this could lead to an incomplete abortion and retained fetal tissue, which may require an emergency surgical abortion procedure.
Before you schedule an appointment for an abortion, it’s vital to confirm the gestational age of your pregnancy through an ultrasound scan. Your ultrasound scan will tell you how far along you are, where your pregnancy is located, and whether there are any health concerns that need to be addressed, such as an ectopic pregnancy.
First Care Pregnancy Center provides ultrasound scans, pregnancy testing, STD testing and treatment, community referrals, and more!
Where Does a Medical Abortion Take Place?
Mifepristone is typically administered at a doctor’s office or abortion provider location; however, Misoprostol, the second medication, is taken at home between 24-48 hours later. This means that the pregnancy is typically expelled at home.
Does the Abortion Pill Have Side Effects?
Yes — it is normal to experience side effects when taking the abortion pill.
The abortion pill process involves bleeding and cramping as the body contracts and expels the pregnancy tissue. In fact, it may be cause for concern if the pill does not cause bleeding and cramping, as this can mean the pregnancy is not properly exiting the uterus.
Additionally, women also experience side effects such as vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, fever, chills, diarrhea, weakness, and fatigue.
Does the Abortion Pill Come With Severe Health Risks?
Yes — the abortion pill can be associated with severe health risks, including sepsis, infection, and hemorrhaging.
Is the Abortion Pill Right for Me?
Deciding what to do regarding an unplanned pregnancy can be a difficult process. In order to know if the abortion pill is right for you and avoid potential health risks, we recommend scheduling a free appointment to learn more about all your options.
First Care Pregnancy Center provides free pregnancy testing, ultrasound scans, and STD testing and treatment to confirm your pregnancy, assess your eligibility for the abortion pill, and determine if you are at risk for serious health complications.
We also provide free options counseling where we will provide you with unbiased information on all of your options and the many community resources available to you during this time.
As you make a choice for your pregnancy, the more information you have, the better! The staff at First Care Pregnancy Center is here to help you navigate this difficult decision and make the choice that’s best for you and your future.
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Schedule your free appointment today!
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What’s the Difference Between Plan B and the Abortion Pill?
Are you experiencing some early pregnancy symptoms? A late period, tender breasts, and nausea can all be signs. If your pregnancy was totally unexpected, you may be thinking about either Plan B or the abortion pill. Is there a difference?
Plan B vs. the Abortion Pill
Plan B
Plan B is also known as the “morning-after” pill. It is considered an emergency contraceptive, but should never be used as a regular form of contraception. Plan B works to delay or prevent ovulation and fertilization. However, it’s not effective if an egg has already been fertilized.
According to the National Institute of Health, the morning-after pill doesn’t stop pregnancy if it’s taken on the day of ovulation or after ovulation. Since the actual date of ovulation is difficult to determine, there’s no guarantee that Plan B will work.
Plan B may not be effective if you’re overweight or obese, allergic to any of its ingredients or taking certain other medications.
Abortion Pill
The abortion pill is a medication method of abortion. It isn’t just one pill. The process actually uses two very powerful drugs, mifepristone, and misoprostol. The first drug, mifepristone, works to block a hormone called progesterone. This drug causes the uterine lining to thin and prevents the embryo from implanting and growing.
The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo through the vagina. This abortion method can only be used up to the 10th week of pregnancy.
Side Effects of Both
Side Effects for Plan B Include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
- Lower abdominal pain or cramps
Side Effects for the Abortion Pill:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
How We Can Help You
If you suspect you are unexpectedly pregnant, First Care Pregnancy Center is your best first step. We provide free lab-quality urine pregnancy testing that is 99% accurate. If the test is positive, First Care provides free limited ultrasounds to help you confirm a viable pregnancy, detect a fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along you are based on fetal measurements.
Schedule an Appointment
Schedule your appointment at one of our four locations today.
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