Fast facts about abortion

Abortion is a choice that can have a significant impact on many areas of your life. Here at AVA Care of Harrisonburg, we believe that information empowers. Understanding the types of procedures, the cost, possible risks, and potential long-term effects is important as you weigh your decision.

Procedure type

Generally speaking, there are two types of procedures: medical and surgical. Medication abortion is commonly referred to as “the abortion pill,” and involves the use of medication to end the pregnancy, usually at home. Surgical abortion refers to several different in-clinic procedures that involve the use of surgical tools to end the pregnancy by removing the embryo or fetus and clearing out the uterus.

Costs

Abortion costs vary widely based on the type of abortion, how far along the pregnancy is, and where you live. Medication abortions can cost up to $800, and surgical abortion procedures can range into the thousands.

Risks

As with any medical procedure, each type of abortion has certain associated risks. Be sure you understand all the risks prior to making a decision - this is an important part of informed consent.

Long-term impact

Immediately after an abortion, it is very common to feel relief; the crisis presented by an unwanted or badly-timed pregnancy is over. However, some women may also experience emotional distress due to feelings of loss, grief, shame, regret, resentment, or guilt. Factors such as social or relational pressure, moral or religious background, and personal goals or beliefs can influence these feelings. Each woman’s experience will vary. It is important that you take care of yourself, and make an informed decision that is right for you. Making decisions quickly, without thought, or based on pressure from others can often cause pain and regret, so make sure that you have taken all the relevant factors into consideration and feel confident in your choice.

If you’re considering abortion, you are not alone in your decision-making process. At AVA Care, we have patient advocates and licensed nurses who would love to answer your questions and support you through this tough time. We are the experts on unintended pregnancy and here for you no matter what you decide. Schedule an appointment today.

If you’ve recently had an abortion, schedule an After Abortion Assessment at AVA Care to receive the follow-up care and support you deserve.

AVA Care is here to Advocate for you, Validate your concerns and provide Answers to your questions. We are here for you – no matter what you decide. Schedule an appointment online or call 540.434.7528 today.

Dr. Teresa Klansek

Medical Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director Dr. Teresa Klansek.

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What are the abortion laws in Virginia?

June 11, 2025

Understanding abortion laws in Virginia Navigating reproductive health care can feel overwhelming, especially as laws and regulations vary from state to state. In Virginia, abortion remains legal with certain restrictions in place. Whether you're seeking information for yourself or someone you care about, understanding the current legal landscape can support informed and confident decision-making. If you’re considering abortion , AVA Care of Harrisonburg provides ultrasound services and information on abortion at no cost to you. Current abortion laws in Virginia Abortion is legal in Virginia, but it is subject to some restrictions. The following policies are currently in effect: Abortion is prohibited in the third trimester, except when continuation of the pregnancy is likely to result in the death of the pregnant individual or substantially impair their physical or mental health, as certified by physicians. Parental consent and parental notice are required for minors seeking an abortion. State Medicaid coverage of abortion is limited and only available in specific circumstances, such as when the pregnancy endangers the life of the individual or results from rape or incest. Qualified health care professionals, including certain advanced practice clinicians, are permitted by state law to provide abortion care—not just physicians. Virginia law includes patient privacy protections for individuals seeking reproductive health services. Miscarriage care is not the same as abortion care It’s important to clarify that abortion laws or policies do not restrict access to medical care for miscarriage. A miscarriage, also known as spontaneous pregnancy loss, is medically and legally distinct from abortion. Miscarriage care remains fully legal and available across the state. Unfortunately, misinformation has led some to believe that access to emergency care for miscarriage may be affected by abortion laws. This is not the case. Miscarriage can involve serious health risks, and hospitals and medical providers are both equipped and permitted to offer the necessary care. If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of a miscarriage, it’s essential to seek medical attention without delay. Parental consent and provider guidelines Minors seeking an abortion in Virginia must have both parental consent and parental notice. However, if you are under 18 and unsure of your next steps, know that you can still receive confidential support from AVA Care in Harrisonburg, Virginia. We provide services such as pregnancy testing , confirmation ultrasound, and STI testing at no cost to you. Parental consent is not required for our services. We are here to advocate for you, validate your concerns, and provide answers to your questions. Informed consent Understanding your rights and responsibilities under state law is a crucial part of informed consent. Whether someone chooses to carry a pregnancy to term, explore adoption, or seek an abortion, access to clear, accurate information is essential. We offer compassionate and confidential services before abortion in Harrisonburg, Virginia. If you're considering your options, we are here to support you—no matter what you decide. Schedule an appointment today If you think you may be pregnant and want to understand your options, AVA Care of Harrisonburg is here to help. Our compassionate medical and patient services team is here to support you with holistic care so you can make an informed decision for your pregnancy. Schedule your appointment today and explore your options in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.

Do I need an ultrasound before an abortion?

November 19, 2024

Abortion is a big decision to make. Whether you are considering an abortion for your pregnancy or simply want to learn more, information empowers. One key aspect often overlooked in this decision-making process is the importance of an ultrasound before having an abortion. At AVA Care, we provide pre-abortion ultrasounds at no cost to you, so you can be empowered in your pregnancy decision.