Planned Parenthood offers payment plans for abortion services, but the structure and terms depend on which clinic you contact and your location.
Most Planned Parenthood locations do offer payment plans for abortion care, though they are not standardized across all clinics. Some locations allow you to split the cost into installments; others require payment in full at the time of the procedure. A few clinics partner with third-party financing companies like CareCredit, which lets you spread payments over months. The cost of abortion care itself varies widely by location, how far along the pregnancy is, and the type of procedure, so the payment plan terms you see at one clinic may not match another's.
The fastest way to learn what your nearest clinic offers is to call them directly. Planned Parenthood clinics do not publish payment plan terms online in most cases, because the options change based on funding, state law, and the individual clinic's resources. When you call, ask whether they offer in-house payment plans, whether they accept third-party financing, what the total cost is, and what payment methods they take on the day of the procedure.
Key Takeaways
- Payment plan availability and terms vary by Planned Parenthood location, so you must contact your specific clinic to learn what they offer.
- Some clinics allow installment payments; others require full payment at the time of the procedure or accept third-party financing like CareCredit.
- The cost of abortion care depends on how far along the pregnancy is and the type of procedure, which affects what payment plan terms make sense.
- Call your local Planned Parenthood clinic directly to ask about payment options, total cost, and whether they can discuss a plan before your appointment.
How to find out what payment options your clinic offers
Start by locating your nearest Planned Parenthood clinic using the clinic finder on their website. Once you have the clinic's phone number, call and ask to speak with someone in billing or scheduling. Tell them you are interested in abortion care and ask what payment methods they accept and whether they offer payment plans or financing options.
Be specific about what you want to know: Can you pay part of the cost now and part later? Do they work with CareCredit or another financing company? Can you make payments before the procedure, or only after? What is the total cost for the type of procedure you need? Some clinics will discuss payment options during the phone call; others will wait until your first appointment. Either way, asking upfront helps you plan and avoid surprises on the day of your procedure.
Third-party financing and credit-based payment plans
Some Planned Parenthood clinics accept CareCredit, a credit card designed for medical expenses. CareCredit lets you make purchases and pay them back over time, usually with no interest if you pay within a set window (often 6, 12, or 18 months, depending on the promotion). If you do not pay off the balance in that time, interest kicks in at a high rate. You apply for CareCredit on the spot at the clinic, and approval is usually instant or takes a few minutes.
Other clinics may accept general credit cards, debit cards, or work with other medical financing companies. The clinic can tell you which options they support when you call. Keep in mind that using a credit card or financing company means you are borrowing money and will owe interest unless you pay it off quickly, so read the terms carefully before you commit.
In-house payment plans through Planned Parenthood
Some Planned Parenthood locations offer their own payment plans, where you pay part of the cost upfront and the rest in installments over weeks or months. These plans are usually interest-free, which makes them cheaper than credit-based financing. However, not all clinics offer them, and the terms vary—some might let you pay half now and half after the procedure, while others might split the cost into three or four payments.
When you call your clinic, ask whether they have an in-house plan and what the payment schedule looks like. If they do offer one, ask whether you can set it up before your appointment or whether you have to wait until the day of the procedure. Some clinics will let you lock in a plan over the phone; others require you to discuss it in person.
Cost factors that affect payment plan options
The cost of abortion care at Planned Parenthood depends on several things: how many weeks pregnant you are, whether you choose a medication abortion or a procedural abortion, and your location. Medication abortion (using pills) is usually less expensive than procedural abortion. The further along the pregnancy, the higher the cost. State regulations also affect pricing—some states require additional visits or waiting periods, which can add to the total cost.
Because costs vary so much, a payment plan that works for one person might not work for another. This is why the clinic needs to know your specific situation before they can tell you what payment options make sense. When you call, be ready to tell them how far along you are (or your best estimate), so they can give you an accurate total and discuss realistic payment terms.
What to do if your clinic does not offer payment plans
If your nearest Planned Parenthood clinic does not offer payment plans or financing, ask whether they can refer you to another clinic in your area that does. Planned Parenthood is a network of independent clinics, so options vary by location. Some clinics in your state may have different payment structures than others.
You can also look into abortion funds—nonprofit organizations that help pay for abortion care when cost is a barrier. Organizations like the National Abortion Federation Hotline, Abortion Finder, and state-specific abortion funds can tell you what financial help is available in your area. These funds sometimes cover the full cost or part of it, depending on your situation and the fund's resources. Call the National Abortion Federation Hotline at 1-800-772-9100 to ask about funds in your region.
Timing and what to expect when you call
When you call Planned Parenthood to ask about payment plans, have your insurance information ready if you have it—some clinics can bill insurance, which may lower your out-of-pocket cost. Also be ready to discuss your timeline: do you need the procedure soon, or do you have time to save up? Some clinics have wait times, and knowing when you can come in helps the staff understand what payment schedule might work.
The clinic will likely schedule an appointment for an ultrasound and consultation before the procedure itself. This first visit is when they confirm how far along you are and discuss your options. Payment plans are usually discussed at this appointment or during the phone call when you schedule it. If cost is a major concern, mention it when you call—staff may be able to discuss options or connect you with financial resources before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for an abortion in installments after the procedure?
Some clinics will set up a payment plan after the procedure, but most prefer to discuss payment before your appointment. Ask your clinic whether they allow post-procedure payment plans or whether payment must be made on the day of the procedure. If you cannot pay in full that day, tell the clinic upfront so they can work with you on options.
Does Planned Parenthood accept insurance for abortion care?
Some Planned Parenthood clinics can bill insurance for abortion care, but coverage depends on your plan and your state. Call your clinic and your insurance company to ask whether abortion is covered. If it is, your out-of-pocket cost may be lower, which might affect what payment plan you need.
What if I cannot afford abortion care even with a payment plan?
Abortion funds exist to help people who cannot pay. Call the National Abortion Federation Hotline at 1-800-772-9100 or visit Abortion Finder to learn about funds in your area. These organizations may cover part or all of the cost, depending on your situation and available funding.
Can I use a personal loan or credit card to pay for abortion care?
Yes. You can use any payment method the clinic accepts—credit card, debit card, personal loan, or money from family or friends. Some clinics also accept CareCredit or other medical financing. Ask your clinic what they take, and compare the interest rates and terms if you are borrowing money.
Do all Planned Parenthood clinics offer the same payment plans?
No. Each Planned Parenthood clinic sets its own payment policies based on its resources and state law. Payment plans available at one clinic may not be available at another. Always contact your specific clinic to learn what they offer.