Have you ever wondered how much it really costs to have a miscarriage in America? It’s something that most people never think about, and the issue rarely gets talked about openly.
Miscarriages are often handled privately and processed quietly. The emotional aftermath is overwhelming, and in some cases, the financial burden can feel just as awful as the loss itself.
TikToker India Batson (@india_batson) has had three miscarriages, and she’s breaking down the staggering medical bills that come with pregnancy loss in the United States.
Her first pregnancy loss was a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, and that cost her $59,409. 98. She is still dealing with not only the grief, but also the bills from that first loss.
Her health insurance company is putting up a fight, claiming that she could have gone to a different hospital to receive care because it would have been cheaper.
Months later, she got pregnant again and ended up having a miscarriage. The surgery for that was $23,411.07. Finally, for her third pregnancy loss, she somehow managed to get a discounted rate of $18,241.
Overall, the grand total for all these medical bills is $101,560.98.
Her story exposes a reality that many don’t see until they’re living it. In the U.S., urgent and unavoidable medical situations will leave you penniless.
Even with insurance, coverage isn’t straightforward. The insurance claims get complicated and are often viewed through the lens of cost, not necessity.
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Many TikTok users shared similar experiences in the comments section, highlighting the inaccessibility of healthcare in the U.S. The healthcare system is confusing, inconsistent, and unforgiving at times.
For many, the cost of care becomes an added layer of stress on top of an already difficult and painful experience.
Others contrasted their experiences in different countries. On the whole, those in other countries couldn’t believe that Americans are forced to carry the weight of financial strain in moments of such profound loss. They were furious on the American people’s behalf.
“I got a bill for $27,000. My insurance wouldn’t cover it because I never provided proof of pregnancy. Ummm, I think my miscarriage is proof that I was pregnant,” pointed out one user.
“Having a baby in the U.K. cost my husband £22 ($27) for the three-day stay in the hospital and the delivery. For parking,” commented another.
“That’s terrible! I’m so, so sorry for your losses. I had two and paid zero dollars here in Ontario, Canada. We also have three grown children. Again, cost me nothing to have them,” wrote a third.
“I’m in Australia, and similar pregnancy losses cost me $0 from the hospital (and that includes an emergency surgery at 2 a.m. and a two-day stay in the hospital). I have no medical insurance at all,” added someone else.
By Emily Chan
Emily Chan is a writer who covers lifestyle and news content. She graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in... More about Emily Chan
