You and your girlfriend have suddenly discovered she’s pregnant, and you have a big decision to make. How far along she is in the pregnancy determines the type of abortion procedure and cost. Insurance plans cover a person for an abortion, but there are limitations. Ask your human resources department to list the specific health procedures it covers or call your insurance provider.
Have You Verified Her Pregnancy?
A positive over-the-counter pregnancy test isn’t enough to verify a pregnancy. You need more information. We recommend you get a second test. At Boston Center for Pregnancy Choices, we provide free pregnancy tests and referrals for a free limited ultrasound. And we’ll inform you whether the test appears positive or negative.
An ultrasound verifies that the pregnancy is viable. A viable pregnancy is one that is developing with a detectable heartbeat. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. It is possible to get a positive pregnancy test result days or even weeks after a miscarriage.
There is no point in visiting the abortion clinic if your girlfriend has experienced a miscarriage. An ultrasound also reveals how far along she is and if the pregnancy is in the correct location. Having this information protects her health and safety.
What Are the Insurance Limitations?
In January of 2023, the Division of Insurance for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts issued the following statement, “Under the Statutes, insured health plans that are delivered, issued or renewed in Massachusetts on or after January 1, 2023, are required to cover all abortion and abortion-related care when provided to persons covered under the insured health plan, including subscribers, spouses, and any covered dependents.”
Most insurance plans only cover a spouse or dependents. Otherwise, you would need to prove you were in a domestic partnership. The following are the qualifications for establishing a domestic partnership:
- Maintain a common residence
- Share financial responsibilities
- Be at least 18 years of age and mentally competent to consent to a contract
- Not be married to each other or anyone else
- Not be related in any way that would prohibit legal marriage in the U.S.
What Can the Boston Center for Pregnancy Choices Provide Me?
In addition to verifying your girlfriend’s pregnancy via an ultrasound referral, we provide factual information about abortion procedures, side effects, and potential risks. We can also discuss your other options.
Our center’s team is here for you, too. We will be happy to talk with either you alone or with you and your girlfriend. Conveniently schedule a free and confidential appointment online or call us at 617-826-9072.
