How to get an abortion in Louisiana
Doctors have been banned from performing abortions in Louisiana, but you still have options.
Doctors have been banned from performing abortions in Louisiana, but you still have options.
Abortions have been banned from being performed by physicians.
Legally, an exception can be made for the life of the patient, physical health of the patient, lethal fetal anomaly. However, if an exception applies, it still may be difficult to find doctors that will perform an abortion.
The state allows a 24-hour waiting period for patients who certify that they live more than 150 miles from the nearest clinic.
If you have more legal questions about getting or self managing an abortion, call the Repro Legal Defense Helpline at 844-868-2812
In the US, the average cost of a first-trimester abortion (up to 12 weeks from the first day of your last period) averages around $600. The cost of an abortion goes up the longer you're pregnant.
When calling a clinic, you can ask what the price of an abortion will be based on when your last period was. If you need help paying for an abortion, let the clinic know. After you make an appointment, they may be able to offer financial help or connect you with a local abortion fund.
An in-clinic abortion takes place in a clinic or hospital. They’re medically very safe and 99% effective. There’s a variety of names used for in-clinic abortions, as well as different types. Some names you might come across are surgical abortion, procedural abortion, dilation and evacuation (D&E), dilation and curettage (D&C), or vacuum aspiration. It can be a bit overwhelming keeping track of all of these! What’s important is they’re all very safe and effective.
With a first trimester in-clinic abortion (up to 12 weeks), your doctor will numb and dilate your cervix in order to insert a narrow flexible tube into your uterus. The tube will then remove the pregnancy tissue with suction. The suction portion takes about a minute and the entire procedure takes around 10 to 20 minutes.
If you need an abortion later in pregnancy (over 13 weeks), you’ll likely have what’s called a dilation and evacuation (D&E). It may take place over two consecutive days and require multiple visits to a provider. This procedure also involves suction to empty your uterus.
One thing to keep in mind is that in-clinic abortions later in pregnancy cost more with fewer providers to choose from. That’s why it’s helpful to contact a verified clinic as soon as you’re able to.
Some clinics offer pain and sedation medications to help you feel more comfortable before, during, and/or after the procedure. Be sure to ask the clinic before you arrive about your options.
If you can travel out of state, you can still get a legal in-clinic abortion. If you decide traveling for an in-clinic abortion is right for you, it’s important to be confident in how long you’ve been pregnant (determined by the first day of your last period) to make sure you’re traveling to a provider that can perform the abortion.
If you can't afford an abortion, or the costs associated with travel, there are organizations ready to help..
If you can’t travel, abortion pills could be an option for you. They’re medically very safe and 99% effective, but can come with legal risk.
To compare the differences between in-clinic abortions, abortions with pills via a clinic, and ordering pills online, check out our Types of Abortion Guide.
In states where abortion is less restricted, an abortion with pills may be available to you from a doctor or clinic up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Typically, you will be administered pills at your doctor’s office, as well as given some to take at home.
Abortion pills are also accessible on the internet and are safe and effective throughout pregnancy. It's important to note that while self-managing your abortion with pills is medically very safe and effective, it can come with legal risk. If you have legal questions about self-managing an abortion, the repro legal helpline has information on your rights and a helpline at 844-868-2812
We've put together guides to abortion pills based on FAQ's like: A comparison chart of access options in restricted states How do I know the pills worked? What happens if I throw up after taking them
If you have additional questions about medication abortion or need assistance while having one, there is a hotline run by medical professionals. Contact them at 1-833-246-2632. They're available via call or text for 18 hours a day.
If you'd like peer support and info throughout the process of planning or having an abortion with pills at home, call or text Reprocare - open 7 days a week at 833-226-7821
Abortion is banned in Louisiana, except in the case of a fetal anomaly or if the life or health of the pregnant person is at serious risk.
If you can travel out of state, that is still 100% legal. If you are worried you can't afford an abortion or the travel, there are still people ready to help you at your local abortion fund or practical support organization.
If you can't travel out of state, you can learn about self-managed abortion at Plan C Pills. Self-managing is not without legal risk, but there are people ready to help.
As of October 1, 2024, Louisiana has a law classifying abortion pills as controlled substances. While the law does not make it a crime for a pregnant person to have abortion pills for their own use, we know that police and prosecutors will misinterpret the law to stoke fear and target abortion seekers and those who support them.
If you have legal questions about self-managing an abortion, the repro legal helpline has information on your rights and a helpline at 844-868-2812.
One thing that isn't regulated: crisis pregnancy centers or fake clinics. There are more of these than actual abortion clinics in Louisiana and they will come up when you search for abortion clinics on Google or in the phone book. All providers on ineedana.com have been verified as real providers.
We work diligently to keep this site as updated as possible. If you find something that is out of date on this site, please fill out this form.
We’ve tried to provide answers and clear information on what to expect in seeking abortion access on this site because, we get it, we know sometimes it can be hard to know what exactly to ask. However, speaking to a knowledgeable counselor can actually feel great.
These are two great options if you want to talk to someone:
On the Phone: ALL-OPTIONS talkline is a great resource to speak to someone about… all of your options. You can talk to them if you’re trying to decide what to do about a pregnancy, or if you’re feeling complicated emotions about a decision you’ve already made. They’re happy to talk about anything related to pregnancy, abortion, adoption, and parenting related. Their hotline is toll free and available Mon-Fri 10-1am, Sat-Sun 10-6pm EST
CALL 1-888-493-0092
On the internet: If you're still not ready to pick up the phone and struggling to make a decision, there's an incredible community on reddit at /r/abortion/, ready to help. You can sign up and create a "throwaway" account to message the group.
If you'd still like to do some personal research before talking to anyone, check out this Pregnancy Options Workbook from Cedar River Clinics.
Have a suggestion for another question we should include on the site? Let us know!
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