The true costs of abortion go beyond the price you see on a clinic’s advert or website. Understanding the hidden costs that may be associated with terminating a pregnancy can help you plan better and avoid unexpected fees.
What is a Medical Abortion?
Abortion
📌 To Learn More Read Our :- Medical Abortion Guide .
How Much Does a Medical Abortion Cost?
The cost of a medical abortion procedure depends on the provider, stage of pregnancy, and whether additional services like ultrasound and follow-up appointment will be needed.
| Gestation Period | Cost (ZAR) |
|---|---|
|
Up to 4 Weeks |
R599 |
|
5 – 6 Weeks |
R800 |
|
7 – 8 Weeks |
R1000 |
|
8 – 9 Weeks |
R1200 |
|
10 – 12 Weeks |
R1500 |
|
13 – 14 Weeks |
R1700 |
|
15 – 16 Weeks |
R2000 |
|
17 – 20 Weeks |
R2300 |
💡 At Carlton Women’s Clinic, the Cost of Abortion Pills shown above includes consultation with a qualified professional, the medication itself, and any necessary follow-up care.
Carlton Women’s Clinic Pricing (from R599)
| Abortion Pills | Surgical Abortion | |
|---|---|---|
|
1 – 4 Weeks |
R599 |
R2300 |
|
5 – 6 Weeks |
R800 |
R2500 |
|
7 – 9 Weeks |
R1400 |
R2700 |
|
10 – 12 Weeks |
R1600 |
R3000 |
|
13 – 16 Weeks |
R1900 |
R4500 |
|
17 – 20 Weeks |
R2500 |
R5000 |
Why Do Abortion Costs Vary So Much?
In South Africa, abortion costs vary depending on the gestation period and the abortion provider you visit. For instance, an early abortion is free at public hospitals whereas at private clinics like Carlton Women’s Clinic Johannesburg it can range from under R1000.
According to Lince-Deroche et al. (2015), the median abortion cost was about US $21 (≈ R 271 in 2015) — roughly R500 in 2025 — showing that even modest expenses can still limit access to safe abortion services in South Africa.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Medical Abortions?
- Gestation Period:- The less weeks the pregnancy is, the cheaper the abortion pills cost.
- Consultation Fees:- Some abortion pill providers charge for consultation whereas others do not charge.
- Accessibility:- Opting for Telemedicine may lower costs compared to in-clinic visits.
Gestational Age
This is the major factor that determines how much you pay. Abortions performed earlier in the pregnancy are less expensive than those later in the pregnancy.
Type of Abortion
Medical abortions are cheaper because they can be performed at the doctor’s office or even self managed at home. To learn more visit our Ultimate Guide to Medical abortion in Johannesburg ↗
- Surgical procedures are expensive because they require general anesthesia, specialized surgical staff and equipment during the process.
Abortion provider
Abortion prices vary by clinic and service you choose. For instance according to Carlton abortion clinic pricing schedule, an in-person consultation starts from R1000, while telehealth services range from R800.
Access and travel:
Geographic location also plays a role in in price variation. Clinics within the city centers are less cheaper compared to those in the rural areas.
Stigma and misinformation
According to the International Journal for Equity in Health, in some areas, stigma around abortion can lead vulnerable individuals to pay higher prices to unofficial abortion providers out of fear or lack of reliable information.
📌 To Learn More Visit Our Guide :- Medical Abortions in Johannesburg ↗
Where Can You Safely Get a Medical Abortion Procedure?
Affordable and free abortion services are available at public hospitals and many private clinics across South Africa. However, the choice depends on whether you prefer in-person care or a telehealth consultation.
Public clinics
Publics clinics offer the most affordable options. Abortion is free of charge for South African citizens and is legally available upon request during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Non-profit organizations
Non profit organizations like Abortion Support South Africa offer safe and confidential services at a lower cost than many private abortion clinics near you.
Private clinics
Many private abortion clinics provide high-quality services and flexible payment options. Although their fees are higher, they often offer greater privacy and shorter waiting times compared to public facilities.
Getting abortion pills safely starts with choosing a trusted provider. In South Africa, there are several options, including:-
- Public Clinics: You can access a free abortion at most public clinics across the country. These clinics are government-funded and provide services for early pregnancies at no cost.
- Private Clinics: Most licensed private abortion clinics offer abortion pills with professional guidance, often providing faster access and more privacy.
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Medical Abortions FAQ's
Does Medical Aid cover for Abortion?
Most medical aid plans in South Africa do not cover abortion pills. Some may cover surgical procedures if medically necessary, so it’s best to check directly with your provider.
Why do abortion prices vary?
Abortion prices vary on factors like the stage of pregnancy, type of abortion (medical or surgical), clinic location, and additional consultation or follow-up fees.
Can i order abortion pills online?
Yes, but only from licensed telemedicine providers or registered abortion clinics. Avoid unverified online sellers to ensure safety and legality.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery usually takes 1–3 business days if you order through a reputable telemedicine service. Some clinics may offer same-day collection in person.
What if i have no money for abortion?
If you have n money for abortion you can apply for assistance directly through abortion funds eg:- National Network of Abortion Funds.
How much do abortion pills cost?
The cost of abortion pills in South-Africa ranges from R800 – R1200 depending on the abortion provider and gestation period.
