Abortion Laws in Maryland
In Maryland, abortion is legal, subject to certain restrictions.
Current laws permit abortion up until the point of “viability”, which is the stage in pregnancy when a fetus has developed sufficiently to potentially survive outside the uterus with medical assistance. Viability typically occurs around 24 to 26 weeks of pregnancy. However, it’s important to note that each pregnancy is unique, and a healthcare provider is best equipped to determine when viability has been reached.
Understanding the Law
Understanding the restrictions and requirements around abortion can be challenging. Here are some of the key elements of Maryland’s abortion laws:
No Waiting Period
Unlike many states, Maryland does not mandate a waiting period between a counseling session and the actual abortion procedure. There is also no requirement for a counseling session before getting an abortion.
Parental Notification
For those under the age of 18 seeking an abortion, Maryland law requires that a parent or guardian is notified beforehand. However, this requirement can be waived by licensed medical doctors if they believe that the individual is capable of giving consent to the procedure independently.
Abortion Availability
In Maryland, abortions are legal until the fetus reaches viability. However, each healthcare provider may have different policies regarding how far into the pregnancy they offer abortion services. It’s essential to check with individual providers to understand their specific policies.
Exceptions
Exceptions to the viability rule in Maryland include situations where the pregnant individual’s life is at risk, where their general health (including mental health) could be compromised, or where the fetus has or will suffer from serious health issues.
Virtual and In-Person Abortion Providers in Maryland
Several virtual and in-person providers offer abortion services in Maryland. Here are some of them:
Virtual Providers
| Provider | Services | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Abortion on Demand | Telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery | abortionondemand.org |
| Aid Access | Telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery, abortion pills for future use | aidaccess.org |
| Hey Jane | Telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery | heyjane.co |
In-Person Providers
| City | Provider | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annapolis | Planned Parenthood – Annapolis Health Center | 929 West Street, Suite 200, Annapolis, MD | (410) 576-1414 |
| Baltimore | Bayview Center for Family Planning | 4940 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD | (410) 550-9840 |
| Baltimore | Whole Woman’s Health of Baltimore | 7648 Belair Road, Baltimore, MD | (410) 661-2900 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is abortion legal in Maryland?
Yes, abortion is legal in Maryland.
Until when can I get an abortion in Maryland?
In Maryland, abortions are allowed until the fetus reaches viability, typically around 24 to 26 weeks of pregnancy. However, each provider may have different policies regarding how far into a pregnancy they offer services.
Do I need parental consent if I’m under 18?
In Maryland, if you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must be notified before you can get an abortion. However, this requirement can be waived by licensed medical doctors if they believe you are capable of consenting to the procedure on your own.
Is there a waiting period for getting an abortion in Maryland?
No, Maryland does not require a waiting period or a counseling session before an abortion.
Where can I get an abortion in Maryland?
There are several in-person and virtual providers that offer abortion services in Maryland. You can refer to the provider lists above to find a suitable provider.