The tabs below will provide you with some additional information about access to abortion care in Pennsylvania.

Yes, but there are restrictions

  • It is legal to 24 weeks gestational age (from last menstrual period).
  • Use of state and federal Medical Assistance (MA) Funds are prohibited for abortion services, with exceptions for rape, incest or to avert the death of the pregnant person.
  • A patient is required to undergo mandated counseling from an abortion provider.
  • There is a 24 hour wait before getting an abortion. This waiting period can be waived if health is at risk because of the pregnancy.
  • If under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must give permission to get an abortion or request a judicial bypass to waive the requirement for parental involvement.

There is no Federal constitutional right to an abortion, and the authority over abortion law is now determined by individual states.

Yes, multiple bills have been introduced that would ban or restrict abortion access.

  1. S.B. 378 (Mastriano) H.B. 904 (Borowicz) – 6 week abortion ban.
  2. S.B. 956 (J.Ward) H.B. 2252 (Oberlander) – Would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to remove any statewide judicial protections for abortion.
  3. S.B. 152 (J.Ward) – Would limit funding for family planning services that provide abortion.
  4. H.B. 1500 (Klunk) – Prohibits abortion based on a patient's reason.
  5. S.B. 1872 (Bonner) – Requires patients to receive excess pain relief medication or anesthesia prior to an abortion, in order to direct anesthetic to the fetus.
  • Yes, abortion is safe and common.
  • 1 in 4 women will have had an abortion by the time they turn 45 years old.
  • Abortion is a safe procedure with less health risks than common surgeries, like removing wisdom teeth.
  • 95% of women who had abortions continued to feel confident about their decision.
  • Individuals should consult with a medical professional for further information.
  • Medication abortion is a non-surgical abortion where the patient ends their pregnancy by taking a pill or series of pills.
  • Mifepristone, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2000, is used with another medication called misoprostol to end early pregnancy. Mifepristone is well established in medical literature as a safe alternative to surgical abortion.
  • In 2019, 45% of all abortions provided in Pennsylvania were medical abortions.
  • The regimen of pills can be taken safely at home, a method increasingly used around the world.
  • The protocol approved for use in the United States includes two medications. The first one, mifepristone, blocks a hormone called progesterone that is necessary for a pregnancy to continue. The second, misoprostol, brings on uterine contractions.
  • The combination of these pills causes a complete abortion in more than 99 percent of patients.

Although abortion is safe and effective, many women have difficulties accessing care. Barriers to safe legal abortion include

  • Money
  • Travel logistics
  • Limited clinics
  • State restrictions

These factors all result in delayed care, negative mental health consequences, and the consideration of unsafe methods to end a pregnancy. Black and Brown communities and low-income earners are disproportionately impacted.

 

Latest News

Fiedler, Kinkead introduce package of reproductive rights legislation

(Sep 19, 2022) Women’s Health Caucus

“The attacks we’re seeing on reproductive rights from our Republican colleagues is a monumental infringement on the rights of women and birthing people across the commonwealth. We are here today to propose these important bills to protect these crucial rights for the women and birthing people of Pennsylvania.” Read more

Roundtable Focuses on Deceptive Practices of So-Called “Crisis Pregnancy Centers”

(Sep 07, 2022) Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski

“The most personal medical decision a woman makes should be between herself and her doctor, not between a male-dominated legislature or the Supreme Court. A woman’s right to choose should be just that – a woman’s right to choose.” Read more

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Department of Human Services, Legislators, Community Partners Affirm Importance of Reproductive Health Care for Pennsylvanians

(Aug 17, 2022) PA Department of Human Services

Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary Meg Snead, members of the Women’s Health Caucus, and representatives from community organizations today affirmed that Pennsylvanians should feel safe in accessing the full scope of reproductive, perinatal, and maternal health care available to them and that supports are in place to help mothers and birthing people access necessary reproductive and perinatal care. Read more

Women’s Health Caucus Holds Third Post-Roe PA Policy Hearing in Pittsburgh

(Aug 11, 2022) Women’s Health Caucus

The Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus, in conjunction with the House and Senate Democratic Policy Committees, held its third hearing on post-Roe Pennsylvania at Chatham University. Read more

Cephas applauds $500,000 funding provided by City of Philadelphia to the Abortion Liberation Fund of Pennsylvania

(Aug 08, 2022) Women’s Health Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 8 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas today commended the announcement made by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney of a 500,000 investment by the city to the Abortion Liberation Fund of Pennsylvania. Cephas, who is co-chair of the legislative Women’s Health Caucus, indicated that she is appreciative of the city’s effort because the funds heading to ALF-PA will help to remove barriers for people in need of abortion that cannot afford insurance or pay out-of-pocket for services. “These funds will expand the current capacity of the Abortion Liberation Fund of PA to address critical needs. As co-chair of the Women’s Health Caucus, this is a proud moment. It’s uplifting to know that our voices are being heard and that this issue is being prioritized in Philadelphia”, Cephas said. Cephas also reaffirmed her commitment to strengthen reproductive health care and maintain access to abortion and other reproductive services in the state of Pennsylvania. “Philly has taken a step forward, but much more is needed; we have to keep in mind not only residents of the commonwealth, but also people traveling from other states to Pennsylvania in search of care. I will continue championing for safety and sustained access to the procedure. I hope this investment could also serve as a call to action Read more

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