How to get an abortion in South Carolina

In the US, the average cost of a first-trimester abortion (up to 12 weeks) averages between $500-600 in most of the country. The average cost of second-trimester abortion often goes up by week of pregnancy. It can vary from $500 to $12,000.

When calling a clinic, it may be helpful to ask what the price of an abortion is based on how long ago your last period was. If you need help paying for an abortion, let the clinic know. They may be able to offer help or connect you with a local abortion fund.

Health plans under South Carolina’s Obamacare stipulations and health insurance plans for public employees cover abortion only in cases danger to the pregnant person's life, rape, or incest. Public funding is only available in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest.

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.

Given South Carolina's abortion laws, you likely won't be able to get an in-clinic abortion in the state. 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 in South Carolina is banned after approximately 6 weeks since your last menstrual period, except in cases of rape or incest (only up to 12 weeks), lethal fetal anomaly, or when the health of the pregnant person is at serious risk.

There is mandatory counseling and a 24 hour waiting period in South Carolina. Minors under 17 require parental consent or judicial bypass to access care.

If you need an abortion after 6 weeks in South Carolina, you still have options. 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. 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 South Carolina 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!