Can someone walk in the same day and get the abortion pill?
It actually depends on the laws in your state. Some states allow you to have an abortion on the same day. Unfortunately, many states have stricter policies — like mandatory waiting periods and ultrasounds — which are meant to put a barrier between you and your abortion. Contact your local Planned Parenthood for guidance on the best way to move forward.
how do you pay for an abortion? why won’t medicaid cover it?
Those are very good questions – ones that a lot of people are curious about.
For those of you who don’t know, Medicaid is government-funded insurance for low-income people. There’s federal funding for Medicaid and also state funding for Medicaid.
The Hyde Amendment prohibits the federal government from paying for abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or if the pregnant person’s life is in danger.
However, the Hyde Amendment doesn’t keep states from using their own Medicaid money to cover abortion. Right now, 17 states use their own state funds to cover abortion for those who have insurance through Medicaid.
When it comes to private health insurance, it depends on the plan. Some cover abortion and some don’t. So the best thing to do is to call your Medicaid or private insurance office and the health center where you’re getting your procedure to find out if your abortion will covered and how much it will cost.
If your insurance won’t cover your abortion, or if you don’t have health insurance, your local Planned Parenthood health center may be able to help. Many health centers can work out a payment plan with you. Some even provide services on a sliding scale (meaning the lower your income, the less you pay).
You can also check out the Abortion Access Fund, which provides funding for abortions for those who cannot afford them.
We were deeply saddened to hear the news about Savita Halappanavar – a woman who died after being denied a life-saving abortion in Ireland. There are too many stories like Savita’s out there and many countries – other than Ireland – where abortion remains illegal.
Remember Savita and the importance of access to safe and legal abortion in the United States and around the world. Please share this in support.
My best friend just found out she is pregnant a few days ago. She doesn’t feel ready to raise a child, so I told her I would take her to Planned Parenthood if she was up to it, but she is living in fear that her extremely anti-choice parents will find out if she gets an abortion. She called me earlier and told me that she is going to take mass quantities of vitamin C to try to self abort. Will this work? I’m really worried that this will hurt her. Is this safe to do?
It is absolutely NOT safe for her to take mass quantities of any medication, even vitamins, in an attempt to end her pregnancy. She could seriously hurt herself and even put her life in danger. Intentionally overdosing is no guarantee of ending a pregnancy and it could be incredibly dangerous.
Depending on how old she is and in what state she lives, there may be laws that could require her parents to either be notified or to give their consent before she has an abortion. However, in all states with these restrictions a judge can excuse a minor from having to get permission or tell their parents (this is called judicial bypass). Check out our website for the laws in your state.
Lastly, she can always visit her local Planned Parenthood to learn what her options are. Having more information and someone to answer questions can really help as she considers her pregnancy options.
Being confronted with an unwanted pregnancy can be an emotional experience for anyone. It can be especially difficult for a young person who feels alone, embarrassed, or ashamed. Your friend is very lucky to have you looking out for her. Thank you for being there for her.
