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After half an hour, I get three receipts: $250 for the first visit, $550 for the pill, $250 for the post-op, but none for the surgical abortion. We argue for another 15 minutes before I realize I'm wasting my breath; they have their repertoire down. I leave with the receipts clenched in a fist.

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I gather that after receiving payment from me ($1,300 for the pill, surgical abortion and post-op), they are submitting claims to my insurance company. They will not give me the itemized receipt for the surgical abortion because if they do, then the payment would be made to me.

This clinic is one of many that provides services that give women more choices and more freedom with their body. Their "Commitment to Women's Health" motto on their website sounds lovely and supportive, except when the pile of hidden bills come crashing down afterward.

When it's piggybacking on the taboo and guilt already present in the horrific situation, women are less likely to protest unfair treatment or question medical costs; their hearts are in their throats and all they want is to have a choice. That being said, what quality of choice is it if before you are allowed to see the doctor, you have to pay a $250 flat fee? Or in the middle of a visit, while you're standing in a medical gown, you have to pull out your wallet again?

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