1. What is the legal age of consent for minors to obtain an abortion in Maryland?

In Maryland, the legal age of consent for minors to obtain an abortion is 18 years old. Minors under 18 may still receive an abortion, but they must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian.

2. What parental notification laws exist for minors seeking an abortion in Maryland?

In Maryland, a minor must have written consent from a parent or legal guardian for an abortion. When the minor is unable to obtain the required consent, a judge may waive the consent requirement. The minor must demonstrate that she is mature and capable of giving informed consent, or that an abortion is in her best interests.

3. Does Maryland provide public funding for abortions for minors?

No, Maryland does not provide public funding for abortions for minors. However, minors in Maryland may be able to access abortion services funded through private insurance or other sources of funding.

4. What restrictions apply to minors seeking abortions in Maryland?

In Maryland, a minor must obtain permission from a parent or legal guardian in order to get an abortion. In cases where the minor is unable or unwilling to obtain consent, they may petition the court for a “judicial bypass.” The court must review the minor’s petition and must grant permission for the abortion unless it determines that the minor is not mature enough to make an informed decision about abortion. Additionally, minors must receive counseling and wait 24 hours before having an abortion.

5. Does Maryland require parental consent for minors to receive an abortion?

Yes, Maryland requires parental consent for minors to receive an abortion. The law states that a minor must obtain written consent from a parent, guardian, or custodian before being allowed to obtain an abortion.

6. Are there exceptions to Maryland’s parental consent or notification laws for minors seeking abortions?

Yes, there are exceptions to Maryland’s parental consent or notification laws for minors seeking abortions. Minors who cannot obtain the required parental consent can seek an alternative form of consent from a judge in Maryland, through a process known as “judicial bypass.” This process is confidential and involves the minor appearing before a judge, who will decide if the minor is mature enough to make her own decision about the abortion. In addition, a minor may be deemed “emancipated” by a court if she is married, living independently, or in active duty in the military. In these cases, parental consent is not required.

7. Does Maryland require minors to receive counseling before having an abortion?

No, Maryland does not require minors to receive counseling before having an abortion. However, minors may be required to receive parental or legal guardian consent prior to having an abortion.

8. How long must a minor wait in Maryland before an abortion can be performed?

In Maryland, a minor (under the age of 18) must receive written consent of a parent or legal guardian before an abortion can be performed. If the minor does not have parental or guardian consent, she may petition the court for permission. There is no set time a minor must wait before an abortion can be performed in Maryland.

9. Does Maryland have any laws that restrict abortion access for minors?

Yes, Maryland does have laws that restrict abortion access for minors. The state requires minors under the age of 18 to have either the consent of a parent or guardian or to obtain a judicial bypass. Additionally, the state requires minor patients to receive counseling before having an abortion and that the counseling include information about the risks of abortion.

10. Is there a mandatory waiting period for minors to receive an abortion in Maryland?

No. In Maryland, there is no mandatory waiting period for minors to receive an abortion.

11. Does Maryland allow minors to refuse to notify their parents prior to having an abortion?

Yes. According to Maryland’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, minors are not required to notify their parents or guardians before having an abortion. However, they must receive counseling from a qualified health care provider.

12. Do any local governments have regulations that limit access to abortion for minors in Maryland?

Yes, local governments in Maryland have regulations that limit access to abortion for minors. Minors must obtain parental or guardian consent before receiving an abortion.

13. Are there any requirements that must be met by a physician before performing an abortion on a minor in Maryland?

Yes, under Maryland law, a physician must obtain the informed written consent of a minor’s parent or legal guardian before performing an abortion on a minor. The law also requires that a physician make all reasonable efforts to provide for an informal meeting between the minor and the parent or guardian, unless it is not in the minor’s best interest. The physician must also provide the parent or guardian with information about the availability of community resources and counseling services.

14. What judicial bypass procedures exist in Maryland for minors seeking abortions without parental consent or notification?

In Maryland, minors seeking abortions without parental consent or notification can obtain a judicial bypass in accordance with the Maryland Code, Family Law Article (FL) § 1-302. The minor must file a petition in the circuit court in the county in which he or she resides or is found. The court must appoint an attorney to represent the minor, and an independent counsel to advise the court. The court must hold a hearing, and if it finds that the minor is mature and well-informed enough to make an informed decision, it may give the minor a waiver of parental notification.

15. Does Maryland allow any exceptions to its parental notification or consent laws for minors seeking abortions?

Yes. Maryland allows exceptions to its parental notification or consent laws for minors if they obtain a court order from a judge. Additionally, minors may be eligible for an exception if they are able to demonstrate that they are mature and well-informed enough to make their own decision regarding the abortion.

16. Does Maryland require public schools to provide students with information about accessing abortion services?

No, Maryland does not require public schools to provide students with information about accessing abortion services.

17. Is it possible for a minor to obtain an abortion without the knowledge or consent of a parent or guardian in Maryland?

Yes. Under the Maryland Code, minors age 15 and older can consent to an abortion without the knowledge or consent of a parent or guardian. Minors aged 14 and under will need to obtain a judicial bypass in order to proceed with the abortion without parental knowledge or consent.

18. Does Maryland provide any resources or support services for pregnant minors accessing abortion services?

Yes, the Maryland Department of Health provides resources and support services for pregnant minors accessing abortion services. These services include counseling, referrals for medical care and financial assistance, access to birth control and contraception, education, and referrals to other support services such as housing and food assistance.

19. Can healthcare providers be held liable in Maryland for providing abortions to minors without parental consent or notification?

Yes, healthcare providers can be held liable in Maryland for providing abortions to minors without parental consent or notification. The state of Maryland requires that abortions performed on minors be performed with the consent and notification of a parent or guardian. If a healthcare provider does not adhere to this requirement, they can be held liable for violating state law.

20. Are there any restrictions on insurance coverage of abortions for minors in Maryland?

No, there are no restrictions on insurance coverage of abortions for minors in Maryland. The Maryland Department of Health requires health insurers to provide coverage for abortion services, including for minors.