What Is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill, also known as medication abortion, consists of two different abortion pills that terminate the pregnancy. Only women up to 10 weeks of pregnancy are eligible for the abortion pill. An ultrasound is the only way to accurately confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy and that the pregnancy is viable. It is also required in the state of Ohio prior to any abortion procedure, including the abortion pill. The first abortion pill, Mifepristone, blocks the progesterone hormone and causes the lining of the uterus to thin, and stops the embryo from staying implanted or growing. The second abortion pill, Misoprostol, makes the uterus contract and releases the embryo through the vagina. Many women think this process is as easy as taking a pill, and it’s over. Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple.

How do I know if I am pregnant?

If you have had unprotected sex or experienced a failure of birth control and are having symptoms such as a late or missed period, tender or swollen breasts, fatigue, food cravings, aversions or nausea, you may be pregnant. Your first step in confirming your pregnancy is to receive a lab-quality pregnancy test followed up by an obstetrical ultrasound. We offer these tests and more free of charge at Ivy Women’s Center.

When should I take a pregnancy test?

When you become pregnant, your body will begin to produce the pregnancy hormone, known as hCG. It may take up to a week after a missed period for your body to produce enough of this hormone to be detected by a home pregnancy test. The best time to take a pregnancy test and obtain the most accurate results is 1-2 weeks after a missed period.

Why is it important to be tested for an STD while pregnant?

Left untreated, an STD can carry serious health risks, especially through a pregnancy. Regardless of the decisions you make about your pregnancy, it’s important to be tested and treated if an infection is present. This testing and treatment will help to prevent conditions such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and other serious complications to your long term reproductive health. Testing is quick and convenient, taking place during the same appointment as your consultation.

Is abortion legal in Ohio?

Yes. Abortion is legal in Ohio with the following restrictions, which are in place for the protection and safety of women: Women must receive state-mandated counseling at least 24 hours prior to having an abortion procedure. FDA protocols must be followed when providing a medical abortion Parental consent is required for minors prior to an abortion Women must receive an ultrasound prior to an abortion Abortions after 22 weeks of gestation are only available when the woman’s life is in danger.

Can I order the abortion pill online in Ohio?

Ohio state law and the FDA protocols require a doctor’s prescription for the abortion pill. This law is in place to protect women from potentially harmful pills ordered online and to make sure the abortion pill is taken within the correct window of time during the pregnancy (prior to 10 weeks).

Is it important to have an ultrasound?

Once a positive result is received on your lab-quality pregnancy test, the next step is to have a limited ultrasound. An ultrasound is not only required if you are considering an abortion, but it will also reveal important information about the pregnancy that is crucial to your health and safety. It will also help determine what type of abortion procedure is available to you.

Will Ohio Medicaid Pay For The Abortion Pill?

Although no one is ever fully prepared for the responsibility of parenthood, becoming pregnant when you weren’t planning to can be extremely stressful and frightening. An unplanned pregnancy is never easy. As a solution, you may be considering abortion. You may be wondering about Ohio Medicaid abortion coverage, specifically if they will pay for the abortion pill.

The Abortion Pill

The abortion pill is one of the methods used by abortion providers to terminate a pregnancy. It’s also known as a medical abortion, RU-486, or self-managed. You need to know how long you’ve been pregnant to determine what abortion method can be used.

The abortion pill method can only be used up until the 10th week. A woman is required to have an in-clinic, or surgical, abortion if she’s between 10 and 20 weeks pregnant.

By law, providers are not allowed to perform abortions in Ohio past 20 weeks expect for in cases of “life endangerment or severely compromised health”.

Ohio Abortion Laws

Ohio law requires a patient to have a consultation before any abortion procedure, including the abortion pill. During the consultation, it is required that the patient is informed about the procedures, risks, and alternatives to abortion.

In addition, it is required to determine whether the unborn has a detectable heartbeat and to estimate the probable age of the fetus which requires an ultrasound.

The pregnant woman must sign a consent form prior to an abortion. If a person is 17 or younger, Ohio law requires the consent of a parent or other authorized adult before getting an abortion. If the teenager doesn’t feel she can get the needed permission, she can petition the court for a waiver.

Current Prices for Ohio Abortions

An abortion provider in Columbus listed the following as costs for abortion procedures:

The abortion pill (medication abortion) – $650
In-clinic abortions ranging from $650 to $1400
Ultrasounds only – $200

Medicaid for Ohio Abortions

There are a number of Ohio Medicaid health care plans, including CareSource, Buckeye Health Plan, Molina Healthcare, and others. None of them or any other form of public funding pays for abortions except in the case of reported rape, incest or to save the life of the mother.

In addition, health plans offered in the state’s health exchange under the Affordable Care Act can only cover abortion in cases of life endangerment, or in cases of rape or incest.

Unplanned Pregnancy?
Visit Ivy Women’s Center in Mentor

If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy and don’t know where to turn, we invite you to visit Ivy Women’s Center. Our staff provides confidential consultations, pregnancy testing, and ultrasounds free of charge.

You’re not alone: Make an appointment at our center today.

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FAQs About the Abortion Pill and Ohio Medicaid Coverage

Will Ohio Medicaid pay for the abortion pill?

No, Ohio Medicaid does not pay for the abortion pill except in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. This follows federal and state restrictions on public funding for abortion services.

How much does the abortion pill cost in Ohio?

The abortion pill typically costs around $650 in Ohio, according to pricing listed by some Ohio abortion providers. Costs may vary depending on the provider and any required testing or follow-up care.

Is an ultrasound required before getting the abortion pill in Ohio?

Yes. Ohio law requires that a patient receive an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy, estimate gestational age, and check for a detectable heartbeat before any abortion procedure, including the abortion pill.

Where can I confirm my pregnancy near Mentor, OH?

You can visit Ivy Women’s Center in Mentor for a free pregnancy test and limited obstetric ultrasound. These services are also available to women from nearby communities such as Willoughby, Painesville, and Wickliffe. Our team can help you understand your options and next steps at no cost.