If you’re wondering if your insurance will pay for your girlfriend’s abortion, the answer is complicated. Health insurance providers aren’t required by law to provide coverage for abortions. And even if an insurance provider does provide coverage for an abortion, in states where abortion access is limited, coverage wouldn’t be available. The only way to know for sure if your insurance will cover your girlfriend’s abortion is to call them and ask.
If your girlfriend is considering abortion, there are essential steps she’ll need to take beforehand to protect her health. Read on to learn more about these steps so that you can encourage your girlfriend to stay safe.
Get an Ultrasound
Receiving an ultrasound is the first, most important step your girlfriend can take to protect her health. This harmless scan will reveal key details that she needs to know before getting an abortion, such as the age of the pregnancy, which will determine what abortion options are available to her, as well as the location of the pregnancy—this is vital to rule out a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy (which is when the pregnancy develops outside of the uterus). If your girlfriend is having an ectopic pregnancy, she will need immediate medical treatment, not an abortion.
An ultrasound will also reveal whether your girlfriend is still in fact pregnant. According to Cleveland Clinic, “Between 10% and 20% of all known pregnancies end in miscarriage.” Your girlfriend may have miscarried without any symptoms, and an ultrasound can reveal this information.
Review Medical History
A medical abortion (also known as the “abortion pill”), which is usually done in early pregnancy, isn’t recommended in certain situations, some of which include:
- A pregnancy that’s older than 10 weeks
- A history of bleeding disorders
- Having an intrauterine device (IUD) in place
- Taking certain medications, including steroids
This list isn’t exhaustive, which is why it’s necessary for your girlfriend to speak to a qualified physician before seeking an abortion.
Next Steps
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming for you and your girlfriend, but you have options other than abortion. At Woman to Woman, we offer free, confidential appointments where you and your girlfriend can receive accurate information about all your different options. We also offer free ultrasounds and lab testing that can help protect your girlfriend’s health, no matter what she chooses. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you and your girlfriend. Contact us today.