What is Medical Tourism?
The term medical tourism typically refers to people traveling internationally – to another country – for some sort of medical care [1]. However, some laws and regulations surrounding abortion services have changed recently, so this term sometimes also refers to women traveling from one state to another in order to obtain abortion services.
Know Before You Go
That said, just because something is happening more often does not mean it is automatically safe, so we’ve got a few “Know Before You Go” things to consider if you or a friend are planning to travel for abortion services.
- Do you know the doctor? Is the clinic reputable? It’s important to know about the kind of care you’ll be getting and the qualifications of the doctor and clinicians who will be treating you.
- What are the risks involved with these abortion services? Possible complications from a D&C (Dilation and Curettage – the procedure used for first trimester surgical abortion services [2]) include perforation of the uterus, damage to the cervix, scar tissue, and infection.
- Will you have access to follow-up care? Will this be an additional cost?
- Will you be under physical restrictions or discomforts after your procedures that could prevent you from traveling or delay your return home? Will you be administered any medications that could make it unsafe to drive?
- Do you know the area well? If you live in a generally safe town, this may be something easy to take for granted. Safety should always be a top priority no matter when, where, or why you’re traveling.
- How much will gas/airfare, lodging, food, and medical care cost? How much extra should you have on hand if there are complications that prevent you from traveling home right away? The abortion services alone could cost nearly $1,000 (though this cost may vary) [3], and additional costs could stack up quickly.
Know Your Options
If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy and are considering abortion services, we want you to know that you’re not alone. Our compassionate, knowledgeable staff at PLL is available to help you find information about all of your options so you can make the best decision for your situation. We also offer free, medical-grade pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. All of our services are free, confidential, and non-judgmental.
Disclaimer: This website and blog do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided here is only for general understanding. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Sources
Sources
- Medical Tourism: Traveling to Another Country for Medical Care. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, June 1). https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/medical-tourism
- Dilation and Curettage (D&C). Mayo Clinic. (2023, Nov. 7). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac-20384910
- How Much Does an Abortion Cost? NerdWallet. (2024, Nov. 6). https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/health/abortion-cost