abortion FAQ

If you have more questions, or if you just want to talk, give us a call or email us. We're here to help.

How much does an abortion cost?
That depends on how far along you are in the pregnancy and what kind of abortion you have. In this part of the state (Binghamton, NY) abortions during the first trimester generally cost $450-$550.

Do I need my parents’ permission to get an abortion?
Abortion laws are different from state to state. In New York, a girl of any age can have an abortion without her parents’ knowledge or permission. No matter what your age, if you’re considering abortion, you should really consider talking to a parent—or another adult, either a friend or family member. No one should have to make such a big, life-changing decision alone. Every family is different, but we have helped a lot of people who are surprised when their parents turn out to be their biggest supporters.

Can my parents force me to have an abortion?
Legally, no one can force another person to have an abortion. Of course, your parents can put a lot of pressure on you—especially if you live in their house. But ultimately, the decision is yours. No one will feel the effects of your decision more than you will, so don't let yourself be forced to have an abortion against your will. If someone is pressuring you, find someone who will support you. Contact us. We'll help.

How far along can I be and still get an abortion?
Most abortions are done in the first trimester (under 13 weeks) of pregnancy. It is possible to get an abortion through the entire pregnancy, but the procedure becomes more complicated the further along you are. You can read about abortion procedures here.

Is the Morning After Pill a form of abortion?
The Morning After Pill (also called “emergency contraception” or “Plan B”) contains a high dosage of progestin, the same hormone that’s used in birth control pills. When used as directed, it prevents or ends pregnancy. It is designed to be taken in two doses. The first pill is supposed to be taken within the first 72 hours after sexual intercourse, followed by the second pill 12 hours later.

Depending where you are in your menstrual cycle, the pill could affect you in one of three ways:
1. If you haven’t already started ovulating, the pill can prevent ovulation (the egg will not be released to meet the sperm).
2. The lining of the fallopian tubes (where fertilization occurs) may be affected so that sperm cannot reach the egg, preventing fertilization.
3. The lining of your uterus will be come irritated, and if an egg has already been released and fertilized by the sperm, this irritation will interfere with the ability of the embryo to implant in your uterus.

It is this third point that causes some people to believe that the Morning After Pill is a form of abortion. If human life begins at the moment of conception, as many people believe, then an early abortion occurs when the newly fertilized egg is prevented from implanting in the uterine wall. If you take the Morning After Pill, you won't ever know if the egg has been fertilized or not.

Still have questions? Email us at info@lifechoicescenter.org and we'll do our best to answer them.

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