Planned Parenthood charges for abortion care on a sliding fee scale based on your income
Planned Parenthood does not have a single national price for abortion services. Instead, each health center sets its own fees and offers a sliding scale — meaning you pay based on what you actually earn, not a fixed amount. A person making $20,000 a year pays less than someone making $60,000. The center you contact will ask about your household income and size to determine your cost.
The total you owe depends on how far along the pregnancy is, which method is used (medication abortion or in-clinic procedure), and whether you need additional services like ultrasound or anesthesia. Costs typically range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, but your actual bill will be lower if you may have access to for the sliding scale.
Payment is usually due at the time of your appointment, though some centers offer payment plans. You should call the specific Planned Parenthood location where you plan to receive care — not the national office — to learn what they charge and what payment methods they accept.
Key Takeaways
- Planned Parenthood uses a sliding fee scale based on your household income and family size, so your cost depends on what you earn.
- The total price varies by location, how far along the pregnancy is, and which abortion method you choose.
- You must contact your local Planned Parenthood health center directly to learn the exact cost and payment options available there.
- Payment is typically due at the time of your appointment, though some centers may offer payment plans if you ask.
- If you cannot afford the cost even with the sliding scale, some abortion funds and community organizations help cover expenses.
How the sliding scale fee works
When you call to schedule an appointment, Planned Parenthood will ask about your household income and how many people depend on that income. They use this information to place you on their sliding scale. If your income is very low, you may pay a minimal amount or nothing. As income rises, so does your share of the cost.
The sliding scale is not means-tested through a government program — Planned Parenthood staff calculate it themselves based on what you tell them. You do not need to provide tax returns or other proof of income, though some centers may ask for recent pay stubs if the amount you state seems inconsistent with your situation.
Different Planned Parenthood locations have different sliding scales. A center in a high-cost urban area may charge more at each income level than a center in a rural area. This is why calling your specific location matters — the national organization does not set a single price.
What factors affect the total cost
The stage of pregnancy is the biggest cost driver. Medication abortion (pills taken at home, usually available up to 11 weeks) costs less than an in-clinic procedure. In-clinic procedures cost more as pregnancy advances, because they require more time, more anesthesia, and more complex equipment.
Additional services also add to the bill. An ultrasound to confirm how far along you are may be included or charged separately. Anesthesia options — from local numbing to deeper sedation — carry different costs. Some centers charge for counseling or waiting periods if your state requires them; others include these in the base price.
Travel and time off work are not part of Planned Parenthood's bill, but they are real costs you may face. If your nearest center is far away, factor in transportation, lodging, or lost wages. Some abortion funds help cover these expenses in addition to the procedure cost itself.
Payment methods and timing
Most Planned Parenthood centers accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Some accept checks. You should ask when you call whether they accept the payment method you prefer — not all locations accept all forms.
Payment is due at the time of your appointment in most cases. If you cannot pay the full amount that day, ask whether the center offers a payment plan. Some do; others do not. If a payment plan is available, you will typically need to pay a portion upfront and the rest over a set schedule.
If you are paying with insurance, Planned Parenthood will bill your plan directly. Your insurance may cover some or all of the cost, depending on your plan and your state's laws. You should contact your insurance company before your appointment to understand what you will owe out of pocket.
When Planned Parenthood's sliding scale is not enough
If the sliding scale fee is still more than you can afford, abortion funds exist specifically to help. These are nonprofit organizations that raise money to pay for abortion care when cost is a barrier. They do not work for Planned Parenthood — they are independent groups — but they work with abortion providers including Planned Parenthood.
To find an abortion fund, search the National Abortion Federation's hotline (1-800-772-9100) or the Abortion Finder website, both of which can connect you to funds in your area. Most funds ask about your income and circumstances, then send money directly to the provider. Some funds also help cover travel, lodging, or childcare costs related to getting care.
Abortion funds typically have limited money and may have a waiting list. Contacting them as soon as you know you need care — rather than waiting until days before your appointment — gives you the best chance of receiving help.
Insurance coverage and what to expect
Whether your insurance covers abortion depends on your plan and your state. Some plans cover abortion fully; others cover it only in cases of medical emergency or fetal abnormality; some do not cover it at all. Your plan documents should say, though the language is often unclear.
If you are unsure, call your insurance company's customer service line and ask directly: "Does my plan cover abortion?" Be specific about whether you are asking about medication abortion or in-clinic procedures, since coverage may differ. Ask what you will owe out of pocket and whether you need prior authorization from your doctor.
If your insurance does cover abortion, Planned Parenthood will bill them. You will typically pay your regular copay or coinsurance amount at the appointment, and insurance will pay the rest. If your insurance does not cover abortion, you will pay Planned Parenthood's full fee (or the sliding scale amount if you may have access to).
What to do before your appointment
Call the Planned Parenthood location where you plan to receive care at least a few days before your appointment. Ask three things: the exact cost for your situation (based on your income and how far along you are), what payment methods they accept, and whether they offer payment plans.
If you have insurance, ask Planned Parenthood whether they are in-network and whether they will bill your plan. If you do not have insurance or your plan does not cover abortion, ask about the sliding scale and what income level qualifies you for the lowest fee.
If cost is a barrier, contact an abortion fund at the same time you schedule your appointment. The sooner you reach out, the more time they have to process your request. Have your income information and the Planned Parenthood's cost estimate ready when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for an abortion at Planned Parenthood in installments?
Some Planned Parenthood locations offer payment plans, but not all. You must ask your specific center when you call to schedule. If they do offer a plan, you will typically pay part of the cost upfront and the remainder over several weeks or months.
Does Medicaid cover abortion at Planned Parenthood?
Medicaid coverage of abortion varies by state. In some states, Medicaid covers abortion in all cases; in others, only for medical emergencies or fetal abnormality; in others, not at all. Contact your state's Medicaid program or ask Planned Parenthood whether your state's Medicaid covers the procedure you need.
What if I cannot afford the sliding scale fee?
Abortion funds help cover costs when price is a barrier. Call the National Abortion Federation hotline at 1-800-772-9100 or visit Abortion Finder to locate a fund near you. Most funds send money directly to the provider and can also help with travel or childcare costs.
Do I need to bring proof of income to my appointment?
Most Planned Parenthood centers do not require proof of income for the sliding scale — they calculate your fee based on what you tell them. Some may ask for recent pay stubs if your stated income seems unclear, but this is not standard practice at all locations.
Can I use a credit card to pay for an abortion at Planned Parenthood?
Most Planned Parenthood locations accept credit cards, but you should confirm with your specific center when you call. Ask what payment methods they accept and whether they charge a fee for credit card payments.