When facing an unplanned pregnancy in Colorado, understanding the financial aspects of your healthcare options is crucial for making informed decisions.
This guide provides detailed information about abortion cost in Colorado, including surgical procedures, insurance coverage, and the importance of receiving an ultrasound before an abortion.
Surgical Abortion Costs in Colorado
On average, a surgical abortion in Colorado can cost between $600-$850.[1]
Additional costs may include consultation fees, laboratory tests, ultrasounds, and follow-up care, which can add to the total expense.
Factors Affecting Surgical Abortion Costs in Colorado
Several factors may influence the total cost of your procedure:
- Gestational age: Earlier procedures are typically less expensive, while later procedures may cost more.
- Required medications: Pain management and antibiotics may incur additional fees.
- Complications: Complications during or after the procedure may require additional medical care.
Insurance Coverage for Abortion in Colorado
Colorado has specific regulations regarding abortion coverage:
- Medicaid: Currently, Colorado Medicaid covers abortion services in cases of rape or incest, life endangerment to the pregnant woman, or if the fetus has a severe fetal defect that is incompatible with life outside the womb.[2]
- Private insurance: Many private plans cover abortion, but coverage varies by policy.[3]
If you do not have any kind of health insurance, you may be required to pay out-of-pocket for an abortion.
Additional Costs to Consider
Aside from the cost of the procedure itself, you’ll also need to consider the cost of:
- Care that you may need before the abortion, such as an ultrasound
- Follow-up care if complications arise
All of these costs may vary depending on your provider and your insurance coverage.
Essential Steps Before Considering Surgical Abortion
An unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this alone. Making an empowered decision about your pregnancy requires careful consideration and proper medical evaluation.
Before considering surgical abortion, take these important steps:
Get an Ultrasound
An ultrasound is crucial before any abortion procedure because it provides essential information about your pregnancy:
- Viability: An ultrasound determines if your pregnancy is viable and progressing normally. This helps rule out miscarriage in progress or ectopic pregnancy, conditions where abortion wouldn’t be appropriate or necessary.
- Gestational Age: Knowing exactly how far along you are will inform your surgical abortion options. It’s also important to understand that the further along you are, the more complex the procedure will be.
Explore All Your Pregnancy Options
Understanding every available option helps ensure you make the best decision for your unique circumstances. Whether considering abortion, adoption, or parenting, having complete information about each path allows for confident decision-making.
At Pathways PRC, we provide comprehensive information about all pregnancy options without pressure or judgment, helping you understand the implications of each choice.
Please note that Pathways does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Surgical Abortion Information and More in Durango, Colorado
Surgical abortion is costly. Compassionate care is priceless. The licensed medical professionals at Pathways PRC offer comprehensive pregnancy support services at no cost, including:
- Free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds
- Pregnancy options education
- Ongoing support and resources
- Referrals to community assistance programs
Our team understands the challenges of unplanned pregnancy and is committed to providing the information and support you need to make confident decisions about your future.
Give us a call at 970-247-5559 or schedule your appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does surgical abortion cost at an abortion clinic?
Depending on how far along you are, a surgical abortion can cost between $600 to $850 at an abortion clinic.[1]
Prices vary based on how far along you are, the type of procedure you receive, and whether or not you have health insurance coverage.
Does Colorado Medicaid cover abortion?
Yes, but there are restrictions. Colorado Medicaid will only cover abortion in cases of[2]:
- Rape or incest,
- Life endangerment to the pregnant woman
- Severe fetal defects that are incompatible with life outside the womb
Are there additional costs beyond the procedure itself?
Yes. In addition to the abortion itself, you may have to pay for initial consultation fees, ultrasounds, laboratory tests, follow-up appointments, and potentially treatment for complications.
What happens if I can’t afford a surgical abortion?
If you can’t afford a surgical abortion, consider exploring all your pregnancy options including parenting resources and adoption services.
Pathways PRC offers free pregnancy support, ultrasounds, and information about community assistance programs to help you make the best decision for your future.
Sources
- As advertised by abortion providers.
- Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing. (2022, March). Medical Services Board Policy MSB 22-02-27-A: Revision to the Medical Assistance Rule Concerning Abortion Services, Section 8.770. https://hcpf.colorado.gov/sites/hcpf/files/MSB%2022-02-27-A%20PRRM%20-%20Mar%202022.pdf
- Colorado General Assembly. (2025). SB-25-183: Coverage for Pregnancy-Related Services. https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-183
Sources:
- Pregnancy Decision Line. (2023, October 10). Abortion Cost Colorado. https://pregnancydecisionline.org/learn/abortion/abortion-costs/abortion-costs-colorado/
- Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing. (2022, March). Medical Services Board Policy MSB 22-02-27-A: Revision to the Medical Assistance Rule Concerning Abortion Services, Section 8.770. https://hcpf.colorado.gov/sites/hcpf/files/MSB%2022-02-27-A%20PRRM%20-%20Mar%202022.pdf
- Colorado General Assembly. (2025). SB-25-183: Coverage for Pregnancy-Related Services. https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-183
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, October 15). Abortion – Surgical. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm
- American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. (2020). Medication abortion up to 70 days of gestation. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 136(4), 855-858. doi:10.1097/ aog.0000000000004083. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/10/medication-abortion-up-to-70-days-of-gestation#
- Stevenson MM, Radcliffe KW. Preventing pelvic infection after abortion. Int J STD AIDS. 1995 Sep-Oct;6(5):305-12. doi: 10.1177/095646249500600501. PMID: 8547409.
- Bridwell RE, Long B, Montrief T, Gottlieb M. Post-abortion Complications: A Narrative Review for Emergency Clinicians. West J Emerg Med. 2022 Oct 23;23(6):919-925. doi: 10.5811/ westjem.2022.8.57929. PMID: 36409940; PMCID: PMC9683756.
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, (2016). Mifeprex Medication Guide. https://www.fda.gov/media/72923/download
- Paul, E. S. Lichtenberg, L. Borgatta, D. A. Grimes, P. G. Stubblefield, & M. D. Creinin (Eds.), 2009. Medical abortion in early pregnancy in Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Comprehensive abortion care (pp.122-29). Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
- American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. (2019). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/pelvic-inflammatory-disease
- Swingle, H. M., Colaizy, T. T., Zimmerman, M. B., Morriss, F. H. (2009). Abortion and the risk of subsequent preterm birth: A systematic review with meta-analyses. The Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 54(2), 95–108.
- Shah, P. S., Zao, J. (2009). Induced termination of pregnancy and low birthweight and preterm birth: A systematic review and meta-analyses. British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 116(11), 1425–42. doi: 10.1111/j.1471- 0528.2009.02278.x.
- Moreau, C., Kaminski, M., Ancel, P.Y., Bouyer, J., et al (2005). Previous induced abortions and the risk of very preterm delivery: Results of the EPIPAGE study. Br J Obstet Gynaecol,5,112(4):430–37.
- Ancel, P.Y., Lelong, N., Papiernik, E., Saurel-Cubizolles, M.J., Kaminski, M (2004). History of induced abortion as a risk factor for preterm birth in European countries: Results