Abortion Cost in India

Abortion can only be carried out by a professional gynaecologist and at licensed clinics. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act in India allows abortion only until 20 weeks in normal cases and 24 weeks in limited circumstances, when the woman is a victim of sexual assault, like- rape or incest. The pregnancy is ended either by medication or surgical procedure, depending on the week of pregnancy. This page mainly focuses on the surgical procedure of pregnancy and the factors affecting the surgery cost in India.

Types of Abortion

The types of abortion are divided into two categories- medical abortion and surgical abortion. The type of abortion is chosen depending on the duration of the pregnancy. For the first 10 weeks, medical abortion can be performed safely. Up to 16 weeks, surgical abortion through vacuum aspiration is suggested. Other than vacuum aspiration, dilation and evacuation (D&E), dilation and curettage (D&C), or induction technique may also be used accordingly.

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion is a procedure in which prescription drugs or medications are used to end a pregnancy. In this type of abortion, mifepristone, and misoprostol are commonly used. The mifepristone pill works by blocking the hormone progesterone, thereby hindering the growth of the fetus. The second pill detaches the fetus from the uterus and expels the pregnancy. Overall, the cost of medical abortion is Rs. 500 to Rs. 5,000 approx.

Medical abortion can be done up to 9-10 weeks of pregnancy. The first pill is given to the women by the healthcare provider at the clinic. The second pill can be taken at home or at the clinic. The doctor will provide you with clear instructions on how and when to take the abortion pill.

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is the procedure that ends the unwanted pregnancy by surgically removing the fetus and placenta from the mother’s uterus. The procedure is usually carried out in a clinic or at a hospital.

It can be done in the following ways-

1. Vacuum Aspiration: Also known as suction aspiration, this method is used between 12 weeks to 16 weeks of pregnancy. A suction device is attached to a speculum and inserted into the uterus through the cervix. Then aspiration is done and the contents are suctioned out properly. The costs of vacuum aspiration is around Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 35,000.
2. Dilation & Evacuation (D&E): The D&E method is used for abortion typically after the 14th week of pregnancy. The procedure involves dilating the cervix and emptying the uterus with a surgical instrument. The cost of D&E treatment ranges from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000.
3. Dilation & Curettage (D&C) : It is a similar procedure to D&E. The cervix is dilated and surgical tools are used to curette the fetus, placenta, uterine lining, and other tissues. Surgical abortion usually requires hospitalization for at least 1 day and the recovery takes around 1 week. It also costs slightly more than D&E method, around Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 40,000.

Factors affecting the cost of abortion surgery in India

There are multiple factors that can make a difference in the overall cost of surgical treatment of abortion. Some of the factors are as follows- 

• Stage of pregnancy- It is the primary factor that can influence the overall cost of treatment. Abortion in the early stage (before 14 weeks) can be done with abortion pills, while in the later stage, abortion requires surgery. The cost of surgical treatment is quite high as compared to medication. 
• Consultation fees of the surgeon - It is one of the major aspects that can influence the entire treatment cost. The consultation cost of surgeons depends upon their experience and expertise in performing the surgery. Highly experienced surgeons charge more as compared to less experienced ones. 
• Post-abortion counseling- Post-abortion counseling helps in providing a safe and compassionate space for you to reflect on your abortion experience and find healing from it. The cost of these counseling sessions may influence the overall cost of abortion surgery.
• Diagnostics test cost before surgery- Tests like CBC, blood sugar tests, chest X-ray, ECG, MRI, and ultrasound are required before an abortion to examine the health condition of the patient. The costs of these diagnostic tests affect the overall cost of abortion surgery. These tests can make a considerable difference in the overall cost of surgical treatment. 
• Prescribed medication- After surgery, doctors suggest painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol to avoid any pain or discomfort. These medications usually need to be taken to avoid any complication after the treatment. 
• Certain underlying medical conditions- The cost of treatment will increase if the patient has an underlying medical condition that can expand the potential risks and complications. 

FAQs

When a medical abortion is not recommended?

Medical abortion is not for everyone. This method won’t be recommended in the following scenarios-

• The pregnancy is ectopic, i.e., the fetus develops outside the uterus
• The woman is allergic to abortion pills- mifepristone or misoprostol
• If the woman has a bleeding disorder
• When an intrauterine device is implanted
• If the woman has severe liver, kidney, or lung disease
• If the woman has been taking corticosteroid drugs for a long time

Is it necessary to have a post-abortion test?

Yes. Generally, the doctor will ask the woman to get an ultrasound done after two weeks of confirming the expulsion of the fetus. This is to ensure that no residual tissues are left that can affect the woman’s health.

Insurance Coverage of Abortion

Medical abortion cost is not covered under health insurance. However, surgical abortion cost may get covered under certain circumstances. The women who choose to undergo surgical abortion may or may not have a medical reason. Surgical abortion will be covered when it is medically required, otherwise, the patient has to pay for the procedure personally.

Get in touch with a certified gynecologist and have a detailed discussion about abortion procedures and their costs. Book an appointment for free and learn more about the specifics of abortion.