Does Planned Parenthood Give Abortions? | Clinic Access

When someone asks, “Does Planned Parenthood give abortions?”, they usually want a clear answer about where care is offered, what types of abortion exist, and how laws shape access. This guide walks through those points so you can see what Planned Parenthood does, where abortion services are offered, and what to check before you book an appointment.

Does Planned Parenthood Give Abortions? Services Snapshot

Planned Parenthood is one of the largest providers of abortion care in the United States. Its affiliates run hundreds of health centers, and many of those locations offer abortion services where the law allows it. Some clinics provide only medication abortion, some offer both medication and in-clinic procedures, and some no longer provide abortion at all because of state bans or funding cuts.

The exact mix of services depends on state law, local demand, and staffing. That is why two centers in the same region can have different offerings. The safest way to know what a nearby clinic provides is to check the online clinic finder, call the front desk, or use chat tools on the official site before you travel.

Common Abortion Services At Planned Parenthood

Most centers that still provide abortion focus on early pregnancy care. Medication abortion, sometimes called the abortion pill, is usually available up to around ten or eleven weeks of pregnancy, based on the first day of the last period. In-clinic procedures often cover a wider range of weeks, with specific limits set by state law and medical guidance.

Service Type	Where It May Be Offered	Typical Purpose
Pregnancy Testing And Dating	Most health centers	Confirm pregnancy and estimate how many weeks it has progressed
Medication Abortion	Many centers in states where early abortion remains legal	End an early pregnancy with pills taken at the clinic and at home
In-Clinic Aspiration Procedure	Select centers with trained surgical staff	Provide a short procedure in the clinic, often for early to mid first trimester
Dilation And Evacuation	Larger hubs or referral sites	Offer care for later first trimester or second trimester, where allowed
Pre-Abortion Counseling Visit	Nearly all centers that offer abortion	Review medical history, explain options, and answer questions
Follow-Up Visit Or Telehealth Check-In	In person or by video, depending on state rules	Confirm that recovery is on track and address concerns
Referrals To External Providers	Centers in states where abortion is banned or tightly restricted	Help connect patients with clinics in other states or trusted funds

Why Services Differ By State

Since the end of Roe v. Wade, many states have passed new bans and restrictions. Planned Parenthood health centers must follow these rules, so abortion services often stop or shrink when a ban takes effect. Some centers keep providing birth control, STI care, cancer screening, and gender-affirming care, even when they can no longer provide abortions.

Other states have moved in the opposite direction and now protect abortion access in law. Health centers in those states may continue to offer a full range of abortion care, including telehealth medication abortion, in-clinic procedures, and later pregnancy care within state limits.

Planned Parenthood Abortion Services By State Rules

This core question has one broad answer and many local details. At the national level, the organization still provides abortion care and is the largest single provider of abortions in the country. On the ground, each health center must follow state rules on gestational limits, waiting periods, parental involvement, and funding.

State Bans And Gestational Limits

Many states now ban abortion almost entirely or after especially early gestational points, such as six weeks. In those states, Planned Parenthood often cannot provide in-state abortion care at all. In states that allow abortion, limits usually appear later in pregnancy, such as around twenty to twenty-four weeks, with exceptions for health risks or severe fetal conditions.

Because these rules change over time through new laws and court cases, anyone planning an appointment should check current information with the clinic. Legal groups and research organizations, such as the Guttmacher state policy tracker, also maintain updated maps and summaries of state abortion law that can help people understand the broad picture.

Waiting Periods, Parental Rules, And Other Requirements

Some states require a waiting period between counseling and the procedure or between an initial visit and receiving abortion pills. Others require parental consent or notification when a patient is under eighteen, though many allow a judge to approve care when a parent cannot safely be involved. These policies shape how many appointments a patient needs and how long the process takes.

Planned Parenthood health centers explain these requirements during scheduling and at the first visit. Staff can help patients plan travel, arrange time off work, and coordinate child care so that legal steps and medical visits fit into a realistic schedule.

How A Planned Parenthood Abortion Visit Usually Goes

While every clinic runs slightly differently, the general flow of an abortion visit at Planned Parenthood follows a similar pattern. That pattern depends on whether someone chooses medication abortion or an in-clinic procedure and on the state’s requirements.

Before The Visit

Patients usually start online or by phone. They choose a nearby health center, share basic health information, and answer questions about the timing of the last period, previous pregnancies, allergies, and current medicines. Staff then suggest an appointment type and explain any state rules, such as a mandatory waiting period or parental involvement requirement.

During A Medication Abortion Visit

For medication abortion, the visit often includes an ultrasound or other dating method, lab tests when needed, and a conversation about what to expect with the pills. The first medicine is usually taken in the clinic. The second set of pills is taken later at home, following clear written and verbal instructions from the health team.

Patients get information about cramping, bleeding, pain relief, and warning signs that need urgent care. Many Planned Parenthood health centers also offer a phone number or chat option so patients can reach a nurse with questions after they go home. A follow-up check may happen in person or through a telehealth visit.

During An In-Clinic Abortion Visit

For an in-clinic procedure, the visit includes a similar intake process, along with consent forms and a review of sedation options when available. The procedure itself often takes only a few minutes, though time at the center is longer because of check-in, preparation, and recovery. Patients usually go home the same day with written care instructions and a plan for follow-up.

Costs, Insurance, And Financial Help

The cost of abortion at Planned Parenthood varies by method, clinic, and region. Medication abortion often costs less than in-clinic procedures, and early care may cost less than later care. Insurance plans, including Medicaid in some states, may cover part or all of the cost, while other plans exclude abortion altogether.

When someone calls to schedule, staff can check insurance details, explain self-pay prices, and point callers toward abortion funds or practical help organizations that can assist with travel and lodging. The exact mix of help differs by state and by funder, so early contact with the clinic gives people more time to line up resources.

Cost Factor	How It Can Change Your Bill	What To Ask The Clinic
Gestational Age	Later pregnancy care often costs more than early care	Ask how price changes by week and by method
Method	Medication abortion and in-clinic procedures have different price ranges	Ask for price estimates for each method you may choose
Insurance Coverage	Some plans cover abortion while others exclude it	Ask whether your plan is in network and what it will pay
State Funding Rules	Some states block public funds from covering most abortions	Ask whether local or national funds can help with costs
Travel And Lodging	Out-of-state care can add transport, hotel, and food costs	Ask about referrals to groups that help with travel
Required Extra Visits	Waiting periods or parental rules can add visit costs	Ask how many visits state law requires for your situation
Follow-Up Care	Some follow-ups are included, others may have a small fee	Ask whether follow-up visits or telehealth checks are included

Other Services Planned Parenthood Provides

Even in states where abortion is banned or restricted, Planned Parenthood health centers still provide many other forms of reproductive health care. These services can help people prevent pregnancy, monitor their health, and get ready for future parenthood if and when they want it.

Birth Control And Pregnancy Planning

Clinics offer a wide range of birth control methods, from pills and patches to IUDs and implants. Staff talk through the pros and cons of each option, including side effects, how often the method needs attention, and how quickly fertility returns after stopping it. Many centers also offer preconception visits to check vaccines, chronic conditions, and medicines before pregnancy.

STI Testing, Cancer Screening, And More

Planned Parenthood visits often include testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, Pap tests and HPV testing, and other preventive care. The organization’s national reports show millions of STI tests and cancer screening visits each year, along with pregnancy tests and prenatal care in some locations. You can see a breakdown of these services in the Planned Parenthood annual report, which summarizes services and patient numbers across the network.

Staying Safe When You Seek Care

Many people searching “Does Planned Parenthood give abortions?” also worry about safety, privacy, and misinformation. Anti-abortion centers sometimes appear in search results next to real clinics and may try to delay care or offer inaccurate medical claims.

To lower that risk, use official sources when you look for services. Start with the Planned Parenthood site or trusted medical groups. Confirm that the clinic lists abortion as a service, check reviews, and call to verify details about costs, timing, and state rules before you share personal information or travel long distances.

If you feel unsure about anything you read or hear, bring your questions to a licensed doctor or nurse at a clinic you trust. They can explain medical risks, outline all pregnancy options, and point you to legal and financial resources that match your situation and location.