The Cost of D&C Procedure (Abortion)
Abortion often brings emotional, physical and financial losses.
Dilation and curettage (D&C) is usually performed after an abortion to remove tissue from the inside of the uterus.
The average cost of a D&C procedure ranges from $709 to $15,149, depending on a variety of factors.
Abortion also causes emotional, mental and physical harm to pregnant women. The emotional toll of abortion is obvious, and Lane Edatikunel, 31, knows this all too well.
During Thanksgiving week, Edatikunel found out she was pregnant. At nine weeks of pregnancy, Edatikunel had a routine ultrasound and heard the fetal heartbeat. The doctor told her everything "looked good." Two weeks later, Edatikunel noticed some spotting while working out at the gym. Her body did not expel the pregnancy on its own. She had a manual vacuum aspiration, which is another method of removing a nonviable embryo from the body.
About 10 out of every 100 pregnancies result in miscarriage.
Approximately one in six women who experience a miscarriage will develop long-term post-traumatic stress disorder.
1. What is D&C?
D&C is a surgical procedure to remove tissue from the inner lining of the uterus, where the fetus develops during pregnancy. Healthcare providers may use D&C to remove tissue after a miscarriage.
Healthcare providers may also use D&C to:
Diagnose a health condition (such as uterine cancer)
Remove endometrial polyps or small tissue growths in the uterus
Perform an abortion
Remove a displaced intrauterine device (IUD)
Remove thick uterine tissue
Treat abnormal uterine bleeding (such as heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular periods and spotting)
The healthcare provider will dilate (enlarge) the cervix, the lowest part of the uterus. Then, they will perform a curettage to scrape the tissue. You will receive general or local anesthesia during the curettage.
2. False Miscarriage: How Miscarriage Can Be Misdiagnosed
3. How Much Does D&C Cost? (Financially)
The financial losses caused by miscarriage are rarely discussed. The bills after a miscarriage can exacerbate or even impede the grieving process. The cost of a D&C to remove a nonviable embryo and a hospital visit after a miscarriage ranges from $709 to $15,149.
FAIR Health. Treatment of Miscarriage. In: FAIR Health. FAIR Health; 2023.
The losses from miscarriage can vary depending on a variety of factors.
Factors that may affect the cost of a D&C include:
Additional medical care
How far along you are
Where you live
Whether you have insurance and the type of insurance
The cost of a miscarriage without the need for additional medical care is lower than this estimate. But this does not mean that the emotional stress of receiving a bill will be less.
With Insurance
If you have insurance, the cost of a D&C may range from $709 to $8,170.
The cost of a D&C in the early stage of pregnancy is about $1,103 to $8,507.
If you have a miscarriage in the second trimester, the cost may be slightly lower, ranging from $998 to $7,864.
Your insurance company will calculate the cost of your D&C based on your plan's coinsurance, copay, deductible and out-of-pocket expenses.
Medicaid helps pay for pregnancy-related medical services, including D&C.
You can consult your state's Medicaid office to find out if you are eligible for coverage.
Without Insurance
For those without savings, without a job with income or without insurance, the financial impact of a miscarriage can be very severe. You may have to pay $15,149 or more for a D&C.
If you have a miscarriage in the second trimester, the cost may increase to $16,523.
4. What Are the Other Options After a Miscarriage?
There are some non-surgical methods to help remove tissue from the uterus after a miscarriage. Some people can let the tissue expel on its own, which is the cheapest and most natural option after a miscarriage. If the tissue does not expel naturally within two weeks, you may need a D&C.
Others choose to take medication to help the tissue leave the uterus. You can take oral medication or a vaginal suppository to make the uterine wall contract. The tissue will completely leave the uterus within 48 hours.
Medication treatment is usually cheaper than D&C, but the cost depends on whether you have insurance and the type of insurance.
5. How to Get Support After a Miscarriage
As more and more celebrities and influencers open up about their experiences, society is gradually understanding the range of reactions to miscarriage. These reactions range from relief to anger, from disappointment to breakdown, and all are normal.
After a miscarriage, people usually feel shame, guilt and self-blame. Cultural misunderstandings about miscarriage often exacerbate these feelings. People mistakenly believe that miscarriage can be avoided as long as medical advice is strictly followed. This idea is completely wrong, because most miscarriages are unpreventable.
Remember, miscarriage is not your fault. Talking to family, friends or a mental health care provider may bring you some comfort. Support groups (such as Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support) can provide resources. If you have concerns about your emotional, mental or physical health after a miscarriage, contact an obstetrician-gynecologist.
6. What is Implantation Bleeding?
7. Quick Review
D&C is a procedure that may be needed after a miscarriage to remove tissue from the uterus. Miscarriage can bring some emotional and financial losses. For those without insurance, the cost of a D&C can be as high as $16,523 or more, depending on where you live.
If you are pregnant and have symptoms of miscarriage, such as abdominal cramping and spotting, consult an obstetrician-gynecologist.
They may suggest letting the tissue flow out naturally or taking medication to complete the miscarriage. If you feel sad, don't hesitate to seek help from family, friends, a mental health care provider or a support group.
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