If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you probably have many questions, especially about the cost of the abortion pill. Does insurance cover the abortion pill? If not, what is the out-of-pocket cost? Sorting through the numbers and processing your emotions can feel overwhelming, but it’s essential to be informed.
Is Abortion Legal in Tennessee?
As of June 2026, all forms of abortion are illegal in Tennessee, though exceptions can be made if the woman’s life is medically at risk. [1]
Does Insurance Cover Abortion in Tennessee?
No, insurance will not cover the cost of abortion in Tennessee unless medically necessary for the life of the pregnant woman.
Understanding Abortion Costs
How Much Does it Cost to Travel for an Abortion?
Some women choose to travel to another state for an abortion. However, this could require additional expenditures such as:
- Time away from work
- Gas or other mode of transportation
- Hotel stays before or after an abortion (especially if state laws require a waiting period before the abortion or a follow-up ultrasound after the abortion)
- Food during travel
Before traveling for an abortion, research individual state abortion laws.
How Much Does the Abortion Pill Cost?
The average cost of the abortion pill will vary from state to state.[2] It’s important to note that there may be additional expenses such as:
- Ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and gestational age
- Lab work or blood tests
- Follow-up appointments
- Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or anti-nausea medicine
Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?
You may be wondering why you’d want an ultrasound if you’re considering the abortion pill.
The reason is that it helps answer two key questions about your pregnancy:
- How far along am I? It’s important to know how far along you are (your gestational age) since the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period.[3]
- Is my pregnancy viable? A viable pregnancy means that, in the early stages, growth and development are progressing as expected. A vaginal ultrasound can detect a fetal heartbeat between 5 and 6 weeks and rule out an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage, both of which require alternative medical interventions.[4]
Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic provides free ultrasounds to women who receive positive pregnancy tests at our clinic.
Other Important Considerations
Like any medical procedure, abortion comes with risks and side effects. These could require follow-up care, antibiotics, or even surgery. Examples include:
- Hemorrhaging. It’s normal to bleed for a while after taking the abortion pill. However, dangerous heavy bleeding (hemorrhage) may also occur. This may require emergency medical treatment and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.[5]
- Incomplete abortion. Incomplete abortions occur when some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after misoprostol has been taken. Emergency surgery may be needed to remove the remaining tissue and prevent infection.[6]
- Infection. If you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or persistent fever after taking the second medication, an infection may have developed. You may need antibiotics or even surgery to treat your condition.[7]
It’s important to factor in the cost of additional care if you were to experience any side effects or complications.
You Don’t Have to Decide Alone
We understand that facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming, especially when financial concerns are part of the equation. Whether you’re exploring your pregnancy options or simply need someone to talk to, we’re here for you.
Our compassionate team provides judgment-free support and accurate information. All services are confidential and free of charge.
Give us a call at (931) 526-5525 or request an appointment online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an ultrasound before an abortion?
Yes. An ultrasound confirms how far along you are, checks for viability, and rules out complications like ectopic pregnancy. At Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic, we offer free and confidential ultrasounds to give you accurate medical information—no cost and no obligation.
Is abortion legal in Tennessee as of 2026?
Abortion is currently illegal in Tennessee except when the woman’s life is at serious risk. Laws can change, so professional medical advice is important. Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic offers free ultrasounds and confidential counseling to help you understand your options.
What should I do first if I’m facing an unplanned pregnancy?
Start with a free medical-grade pregnancy test and ultrasound to confirm viability and gestational age. At Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic, all services—including testing, ultrasounds, and resources —are free and confidential. Call (931) 526-5525 or book online anytime.
*Important notes: Please be aware that Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Additionally, this article is not meant to substitute for medical advice or treatment. The purpose of our limited ultrasound exams is to identify a pregnancy inside the uterus, detect the fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along you are. If there is no detectable heartbeat, it may indicate that a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is occurring. If we cannot detect a fetal heartbeat during your appointment, we will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care and treatment.
Sources
- Tennessee General Assembly. (2022, June). Human Life Protection Act. https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1029&GA=111
- Advertised by Abortion Providers.
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, March 23). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
- Männer, J. (2022, June 9). When Does the Human Embryonic Heart Start Beating? A Review of Contemporary and Historical Sources of Knowledge about the Onset of Blood Circulation in Man. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9225347/#
- FDA. (2019, July). Prescribing Information for Mifeprex. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/022348s014lbl.pdf
- Redinger, A., & Nguyen, H. (2022, June 27). Incomplete Abortions. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559071/
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html