In the state of Maryland, abortion is legal. The laws permit the termination of pregnancy until the stage known as “viability”. This is the point at which the fetus is developed enough to potentially survive outside the uterus with medical assistance, generally around 24 to 26 weeks of pregnancy.
Key Aspects of Maryland Abortion Laws
No Waiting Period
Unlike many states which require a waiting period after counseling before an abortion can be performed, Maryland has no such requirement. This means that once a person has made the decision to have an abortion, they do not need to wait for a set period of time before they can proceed.
Parental Notification
For individuals under the age of 18, Maryland law stipulates that a parent or guardian must be notified before an abortion is performed. However, this requirement can be waived by licensed medical doctors if they believe the individual is able to consent to the procedure on their own.
Viability
As mentioned before, abortion in Maryland is legal until the point of viability. This point can vary depending on individual pregnancies and the fetus’s development. Healthcare providers can determine whether a pregnancy has reached viability.
Exceptions
There are exceptions that may allow for an abortion in Maryland after viability. These exceptions include circumstances to save the pregnant person’s life, to preserve the pregnant person’s general health (which can include mental health), and if the fetus has or will suffer from serious health issues during the pregnancy.
Abortion Providers in Maryland
There are numerous providers offering abortion services in Maryland. These services can be in-person or virtual. For in-person providers, services are available in various cities throughout the state. Here are a few providers in Maryland:
| Provider Name | Service Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Planned Parenthood – Annapolis Health Center | Up to 16 weeks | Annapolis, MD |
| Bayview Center for Family Planning | Up to 22 weeks, 6 days | Baltimore, MD |
| CARE – Clinics for Abortion and Reproductive Excellence | Up to 26 weeks | Bethesda, MD |
In addition to in-person providers, there are also virtual providers serving Maryland residents. Here are some of them:
| Provider Name | Service Duration | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Abortion on Demand | Up to 10 weeks | Must be 18 and older |
| Aid Access | Up to 12 weeks | Must be 18 and older |
| MYA Network | Up to 10 weeks | Must be 18 and older |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is abortion legal in Maryland?
Yes, abortion is legal in Maryland.
2. Is there a waiting period for abortion in Maryland?
No, there is no waiting period for abortion in Maryland.
3. What is the viability stage in pregnancy?
Viability is the stage of pregnancy when a fetus has developed enough that it can potentially survive outside the uterus with medical help. This usually happens around 24 to 26 weeks of pregnancy.
4. Are there any exceptions to the viability rule in Maryland?
Yes, there are exceptions to the viability rule in Maryland. These exceptions include circumstances to save the pregnant person’s life, to preserve the pregnant person’s general health, and if the fetus has or will suffer from serious health issues during the pregnancy.
5. Where can I get an abortion in Maryland?
There are numerous in-person and virtual providers offering abortion services in Maryland. Please refer to the tables above for more information.