Abortion costs in Illinois range from $400 to $3,000+ depending on the procedure type, gestational age, and clinic location. Most private insurance and Illinois Medicaid cover abortion services, with financial assistance available through multiple abortion funds for those who need help affording care.
Quick Facts: Abortion Costs in Illinois
| Cost Category | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Medication Abortion | $400 – $600 |
| First Trimester Surgical | $400 – $800 |
| Second Trimester Surgical | $800 – $3,000+ |
| Illinois Medicaid Coverage | $0 (fully covered) |
| Private Insurance | Varies by plan |
| Financial Assistance | Available through abortion funds |
How Much Does a Medication Abortion Cost in Illinois?
Medication abortion (the abortion pill) costs between $400 and $600 at most Illinois clinics, including our Serenity Choice Health clinic in Matteson.
This price includes everything you need: your initial consultation, ultrasound to confirm pregnancy dating, both medications (mifepristone and misoprostol), detailed aftercare instructions, and follow-up care to ensure the abortion is complete.
What affects the price?
Some clinics charge toward the lower end ($400-450), while others charge more ($550-600). The variation depends on the clinic’s overhead costs, location, and whether they’re subsidized by larger organizations.
At Serenity Choice Health in Matteson, we work with patients to make medication abortion affordable through sliding scale fees, payment plans, and connections to financial assistance programs. We serve patients from Chicago’s south suburbs and northwest Indiana, making us easily accessible for those traveling from areas like Tinley Park, Homewood, and Munster, IN.
What’s included in the cost:
- Pre-abortion consultation and counseling
- Ultrasound examination
- Mifepristone (first medication)
- Misoprostol (second medication)
- Pain management guidance
- 24/7 nurse hotline access
- Follow-up appointment or pregnancy test
Medication abortion is available up to 11 weeks from your last menstrual period. The earlier you schedule, the more straightforward the process. Learn more about medication abortion explained and how to know if the abortion pill worked.
First Trimester Surgical Abortion Costs in Illinois
First trimester surgical abortion in Illinois costs between $400 and $800, depending on how far along you are in pregnancy and what type of anesthesia you choose.
Cost breakdown by gestational age:
- 6-10 weeks: $400-$550
- 10-12 weeks: $500-$650
- 12-14 weeks: $600-$800
The procedure itself takes only 5-10 minutes and is performed in our clinic with your choice of pain management options.
Anesthesia options and costs:
Local anesthesia is typically included in the base price. This involves numbing medication injected into the cervix, allowing you to remain fully awake and drive yourself home afterward.
Conscious sedation (twilight sedation) costs an additional $50-$150. This IV medication makes you drowsy and relaxed, though you’ll need someone to drive you home.
General anesthesia is rarely offered for first trimester procedures and costs $200-$400 extra when available.
At Serenity Choice Health, we discuss all anesthesia options for surgical abortion during your consultation so you can make the best choice for your comfort level.
Why choose surgical abortion?
Surgical abortion has the highest success rate (over 99%), involves less total bleeding than medication abortion, and you’re done with the physical process in one day. Most people return to normal activities the next day.
If you’re trying to decide between methods, read our guide on abortion pills vs surgical abortion to understand which option fits your situation best.
Second Trimester Abortion Costs in Illinois
Second trimester abortion procedures cost significantly more, ranging from $800 to $3,000+ depending on gestational age.
Price breakdown by week:
- 14-16 weeks: $800-$1,200
- 16-18 weeks: $1,200-$1,800
- 18-20 weeks: $1,500-$2,200
- 20-24 weeks: $2,000-$3,000
- After 24 weeks: $3,000-$10,000+
Why second trimester costs more:
The increased cost reflects the complexity of the procedure. Second trimester abortions require more cervical preparation, specialized provider training, more time in the procedure room, and sometimes multi-day appointments with overnight stays.
The procedure, called dilation and evacuation (D&E), typically requires cervical dilators to be inserted 4-24 hours before the actual abortion. You’ll return the next day for the procedure itself, which takes 10-30 minutes under sedation.
Not all Illinois clinics offer second trimester care. Our Serenity Choice Health clinic in Matteson provides comprehensive services, and we can connect you with specialized providers if you need care beyond our gestational age limits.
Recovery from second trimester abortion is similar to first trimester but may take slightly longer. Most people return to normal activities within 2-3 days. Check our second trimester abortion recovery guide for detailed aftercare instructions.
Does Insurance Cover Abortion in Illinois?
Illinois Medicaid covers abortion at no cost. Illinois is one of only 17 states that uses state funds to cover abortion through Medicaid, ensuring low-income residents have the same access to care as those with private insurance.
Illinois Medicaid coverage includes:
- All abortion procedures (medication and surgical)
- Any gestational age
- No copays or deductibles
- Pre-abortion consultation and ultrasound
- Follow-up care
To use Illinois Medicaid for abortion, you typically need to establish residency (usually 30 days). If you’re traveling from out of state and can’t access Medicaid, financial assistance programs can help cover costs. Learn more about free abortion through Illinois Medicaid.
Private insurance coverage:
Most private insurance plans in Illinois cover abortion. The Illinois Insurance Code prohibits insurance companies from treating abortion differently from other medical procedures.
However, coverage varies by specific plan. You may have copays ($10-$50) or need to meet your deductible first.
To verify your coverage:
- Call the number on your insurance card
- Ask: “Does my plan cover abortion services?”
- Ask about copays, deductibles, and prior authorization requirements
Privacy concern: If you’re on a family insurance plan and don’t want a parent or partner to know about your abortion, an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) may be mailed to the policyholder. You can pay out of pocket instead, request EOBs be sent to a different address, or use a confidential communications request under HIPAA.
Read our complete guide on does insurance cover abortion for detailed information about using your insurance for abortion care.
Financial Assistance for Abortion in Illinois
You don’t have to pay the full cost alone. Multiple abortion funds help cover procedure costs, travel expenses, and lodging for people who need abortion care.
Major abortion funds serving Illinois:
Chicago Abortion Fund
- Provides grants of $100-$300+ toward procedure costs
- Serves people seeking care in the Chicago area
- Prioritizes low-income patients and those traveling from restrictive states
- Apply by calling their hotline
Midwest Access Coalition
- Provides practical support including transportation, lodging, food, and childcare
- Serves people traveling to Illinois from other states
- Can arrange volunteer housing (free lodging with trained hosts)
- Provides gas cards, bus tickets, or rideshare vouchers
- Apply online or by phone
National Abortion Federation (NAF) Hotline: 1-800-772-9100
- Provides grants toward procedure costs
- Serves people at clinics nationwide including Illinois
- Can help find clinics and arrange appointments
Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project (WRRAP)
- Serves people with limited financial resources
- Provides grants for abortion care
- Apply through participating clinics
How to apply for financial help:
- Schedule your appointment first to get the exact cost
- Apply to funds immediately—don’t wait until the last minute
- Apply to multiple funds—you can combine assistance from several organizations
- Be prepared to share your financial situation, when your abortion is scheduled, how much you need, and your circumstances
Most funds process applications within 1-3 days. Apply as soon as you schedule your abortion appointment to ensure funding is available when you need it.
Find more resources in our guide to abortion financial aid programs in Illinois and abortion financial aid nationwide.
Additional Costs for Out-of-State Patients
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Gas (round trip) | $30-$100 |
| Bus/Train ticket | $30-$150 |
| Flight (urgent travel) | $200-$600+ |
| Hotel (per night) | $80-$150 |
| Airbnb (per night) | $60-$120 |
| Meals (per day) | $30-$50 |
| Childcare | Varies widely |
| Lost wages | 1-2 days typically |
If you’re traveling to Illinois from Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, or Iowa, remember to budget for these additional expenses. Your total out-of-state cost can range from $600-$2,500 depending on the procedure type and distance traveled.
Where to stay near Serenity Choice Health:
Our Matteson clinic is conveniently located near multiple hotels and short-term rentals. We’re just minutes from the Indiana border, making us the closest option for most northwest Indiana residents in communities like Dyer, South Haven, and surrounding areas.
The Midwest Access Coalition provides free lodging with trained volunteer hosts for out-of-state abortion patients. Apply through their website when you schedule your abortion—housing is limited, so apply early.
Learn about your legal protections in our guide: Can you get an abortion in another state?
Clinic Payment Options at Serenity Choice Health
We understand that affording abortion care can be challenging. That’s why we offer multiple payment options:
Sliding scale fees: We offer reduced prices based on your income. You’ll need to provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters). Sliding scale pricing can reduce costs by 20-50%.
Payment plans: We offer payment plans for second trimester procedures. Make a down payment and pay the rest over time. Ask about payment plan options when you schedule.
Financing options: We work with medical financing companies that offer payment plans similar to medical credit cards. Learn more about healthcare financing with Hello Rates.
Discounts:
- Student discounts (bring your student ID)
- Military discounts
- Cash discounts for paying the full amount upfront
Always ask: “Do you offer any discounts or financial assistance? I’m having trouble affording the full cost.”
Our staff is compassionate and understands financial struggles. We want to help you access care and can often work with you to find solutions.
Comparing Abortion Costs: Medication vs. Surgical
Understanding the cost differences between abortion methods helps you make an informed decision.
Medication abortion ($400-$600):
- Lower upfront cost
- Can be completed at home
- More bleeding and cramping
- Process takes several hours
- 95-98% effective
- Small chance of needing follow-up surgical procedure (adds cost)
First trimester surgical abortion ($400-$800):
- Slightly higher cost
- Done at the clinic in one visit
- Less total bleeding
- Over in one day
- 99%+ effective
- Immediate confirmation of completion
Total cost considerations:
Medication abortion appears cheaper initially, but if it doesn’t work completely (2-5% of cases), you’ll need a follow-up surgical procedure. Most clinics cover this follow-up in the original cost, but it’s worth confirming.
Surgical abortion has a higher upfront cost but the highest success rate and immediate completion. You won’t need additional procedures.
For a detailed comparison, read abortion pills vs surgical abortion and check our abortion pill effectiveness chart.
How Gestational Age Affects Abortion Costs
The earlier you schedule your abortion, the less expensive it will be. Costs increase as pregnancy progresses because procedures become more complex.
Week-by-week cost progression:
- Weeks 4-6: $400-$450 (earliest, simplest procedures)
- Weeks 7-10: $450-$550 (still first trimester, straightforward)
- Weeks 11-14: $550-$800 (late first trimester, requires more time)
- Weeks 15-20: $1,200-$2,200 (second trimester, multi-day procedures)
- Weeks 21-24: $2,000-$3,000 (specialized providers needed)
- After 24 weeks: $3,000-$10,000+ (rare, only for medical reasons)
Why costs increase with gestational age:
- More cervical dilation required
- Longer procedure time
- More specialized training needed
- Potentially multi-day appointments
- Higher level of sedation often needed
- Increased medical supplies and staffing
This is why booking your appointment early matters. The sooner you call, the more affordable options you’ll have. Learn more about abortion by gestational weeks and how early can you have an abortion.
What’s Included in Your Abortion Cost?
When you pay for abortion at Serenity Choice Health or other Illinois clinics, your cost typically includes comprehensive care, not just the procedure itself.
Standard inclusions:
- Pre-abortion consultation and counseling
- Ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and determine gestational age
- Medical history review
- The abortion procedure (medication or surgical)
- Local anesthesia (for surgical abortion)
- Pain management medication
- Antibiotics to prevent infection
- Aftercare instructions
- 24/7 nurse hotline for questions
- Follow-up appointment or pregnancy test
Additional costs (if chosen):
- Conscious sedation: $50-$150
- General anesthesia: $200-$400 (rarely offered)
- Birth control (IUD, implant) on same day: $0-$1,300 (often covered by insurance)
- STI testing: $50-$150
What you’ll pay separately:
- Transportation to/from the clinic
- Lodging (if staying overnight)
- Meals
- Childcare
- Lost wages from missed work
Understanding what’s included helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises at checkout.
Illinois Abortion Costs vs. Other States
Illinois abortion costs are comparable to other states with legal abortion access, but the key difference is accessibility and insurance coverage.
Cost comparison:
- Illinois: $400-$3,000+
- New York: $300-$2,500+
- California: $400-$3,500+
- Colorado: $500-$3,000+
What makes Illinois different:
- No waiting periods (save on travel/lodging costs)
- Illinois Medicaid covers abortion (many states don’t)
- No gestational limits for medically necessary abortions
- Shield laws protect out-of-state patients
- Welcoming environment for travelers
For patients traveling from states with abortion bans (Indiana, Missouri, Wisconsin, Iowa), Illinois offers the closest, most affordable, and legally protected option for care.
Compare costs in other areas: How much does abortion cost in NYC?
Paying Out of Pocket: When and Why
Some people choose to pay out of pocket for abortion even when they have insurance. Here’s why:
Privacy reasons: If you’re on a family insurance plan, an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) may reveal your abortion to the policyholder. Paying cash keeps your abortion completely confidential.
Deductible not met: If you haven’t met your annual deductible, you might pay the full cost anyway. Sometimes the cash price (especially with sliding scale) is lower than what you’d pay through insurance.
Out-of-network coverage: Not all Illinois clinics accept all insurance plans. If your preferred clinic is out-of-network, paying cash might be simpler.
Same-day care: Some clinics offer discounts for cash payment on the same day. This can reduce costs by 10-20%.
Cash payment advantages:
- Complete privacy (no EOB sent to anyone)
- No insurance company records
- Potential discounts
- Faster checkout process
- No prior authorization delays
Cash payment disadvantages:
- Pay full amount upfront
- Can’t spread cost over time
- Lose insurance benefit you’re paying for
Discuss payment options with our staff at Serenity Choice Health. We’ll help you decide whether using insurance or paying cash makes more sense for your situation.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Beyond the procedure cost, consider these potential expenses:
Time off work: Most people need 1-2 days off work for their abortion appointment and recovery. Calculate lost wages if you’re paid hourly or don’t have paid time off.
Childcare: If you have children, you’ll need childcare during your appointment (2-4 hours minimum) and potentially during recovery. This can cost $50-$150+ depending on your area and arrangement.
Follow-up care: Most clinics include follow-up in the original cost, but if complications arise or you need additional care, there may be extra charges. These are rare but worth budgeting for.
Parking or transportation: If you’re taking public transportation or rideshare, budget $20-$50 for round-trip travel. Parking at medical facilities can cost $10-$20.
Medications at home: You’ll need ibuprofen and pads for recovery. These typically cost $10-$20 total if you don’t already have them.
Birth control: If you want to start birth control after your abortion but don’t get it at your appointment, budget for this separately. Birth control costs vary widely but can range from $0 (with insurance) to $50+ per month (pills) or $0-$1,300 (IUD or implant).
Total realistic budget: For out-of-state patients, budget $600-$2,500 total including all expenses. For Illinois residents, budget $400-$1,000 depending on the procedure and whether you have insurance.
How to Save Money on Abortion in Illinois?
1. Schedule as early as possible The earlier in pregnancy you are, the less expensive the abortion. First trimester procedures cost half as much as second trimester.
2. Apply for multiple abortion funds Don’t apply to just one fund—apply to 3-5 different organizations. You can combine assistance from multiple sources to cover your full cost.
3. Ask about sliding scale fees Most clinics offer income-based pricing. Bring proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters) to your appointment.
4. Use your insurance if you have it Private insurance in Illinois usually covers abortion. Even if you have a deductible, your insurance may pay part of the cost.
5. Consider medication abortion If you’re early enough in pregnancy (under 11 weeks), medication abortion is typically $100-$200 cheaper than surgical abortion.
6. Travel to the most affordable clinic Illinois has abortion clinics throughout the state. If one clinic is out of your budget, call others. Prices vary by $100-$200 between clinics.
7. Look for cash discounts Some clinics offer 10-15% discounts for paying in cash upfront.
8. Share housing costs If traveling from out of state, stay with friends, family, or apply for free housing through Midwest Access Coalition rather than paying for a hotel.
9. Pack your own food Bring snacks and meals from home rather than eating out. This saves $20-$40 per day.
10. Schedule midweek if possible Some clinics offer lower prices for midweek appointments when they’re less busy.
At Serenity Choice Health in Matteson, we work with every patient to make abortion affordable. Call us to discuss your specific situation and financial options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a medication abortion cost in Illinois?
Medication abortion costs between $400 and $600 at most Illinois clinics. This includes your consultation, ultrasound, both medications (mifepristone and misoprostol), aftercare instructions, and follow-up care. Some clinics offer sliding scale fees based on income that can reduce this cost.
Does Illinois Medicaid pay for abortion?
Yes, Illinois Medicaid covers all abortion services at no cost. This includes medication and surgical abortion at any gestational age, with no copays or deductibles. Illinois is one of only 17 states that uses state funds to cover abortion through Medicaid.
What if I can’t afford my abortion in Illinois?
Financial assistance is available through multiple abortion funds including Chicago Abortion Fund, Midwest Access Coalition, National Abortion Federation (1-800-772-9100), and Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project. Apply to multiple funds simultaneously—you can combine assistance from several organizations. Many clinics also offer sliding scale fees based on income.
How much does surgical abortion cost in Illinois?
First trimester surgical abortion costs $400-$800 depending on gestational age and anesthesia choice. Second trimester surgical abortion costs $800-$3,000+ depending on how far along you are. Local anesthesia is typically included, while conscious sedation costs an additional $50-$150.
Will my insurance cover abortion in Illinois?
Most private insurance plans in Illinois cover abortion because state law prohibits insurance companies from treating abortion differently from other medical procedures. However, coverage varies by plan. Call your insurance company to confirm coverage, copays, deductibles, and whether you need prior authorization.
Take the Next Step
Understanding abortion costs helps you plan and access the care you need. At Serenity Choice Health in Matteson, Illinois, we’re committed to making abortion affordable and accessible for everyone who needs it.
Ready to schedule your appointment?
Call us today to discuss:
- Your specific procedure cost
- Insurance coverage verification
- Sliding scale fee eligibility
- Payment plan options
- Financial assistance connections
We serve patients from Chicago’s south suburbs, northwest Indiana, and beyond. Our compassionate staff is here to answer your questions and help you navigate the financial aspects of abortion care.
Additional resources:
- Abortion laws in Illinois complete guide
- What are the different abortion procedures?
- Abortion procedures explained complete guide
