Abortion Waiting Periods in Maryland

1. What is the Abortion Waiting Period in Maryland?


The Abortion Waiting Period in Maryland is 24 hours. During this time, a woman must receive in-person counseling and be provided with certain materials developed by the State Department of Health. After the 24-hour waiting period, the woman may obtain an abortion.

2. How Long is the Abortion Waiting Period in Maryland?


In Maryland, there is a 24-hour waiting period from the time a woman consents to an abortion until the procedure can be performed.

3. Are There Mandatory Counseling Requirements for Abortion Waiting Periods in Maryland?


There are no mandatory counseling requirements for abortion waiting periods in the state of Maryland. However, Maryland state law requires that patients receive state-directed counseling prior to any abortion procedure. This counseling must include information regarding the medical risks associated with abortion and the alternatives to abortion. Additionally, the patient must be informed of the gestational age of the fetus and any medical assistance available if the patient chooses to carry the pregnancy to term.

4. Does Maryland have a Parental Consent Requirement for Minors Seeking Abortions?


Yes, Maryland does require parental consent for minors seeking abortions.

5. Does Maryland Require an Ultrasound Prior to Obtaining an Abortion?


Yes, Maryland requires an ultrasound for any patient who is considering an abortion. The ultrasound is required in order to confirm the gestational age of the pregnancy.

6. Does Maryland Allow Minors to Waive the Waiting Period for Abortions?


No, Maryland does not allow minors to waive the waiting period for abortions. The state requires at least a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion is performed. This waiting period may be waived in cases of medical emergency, but minors are not permitted to waive it.

7. Does Maryland Allow the Use of Telemedicine for Abortions?


No, Maryland does not allow the use of telemedicine for abortions. Telemedicine is only allowed in Maryland for the dispensing of medication or supplies related to contraception.

8. Does Maryland Prohibit Health Insurance Coverage for Abortions?


Yes. Maryland prohibits health insurance coverage for abortions, except in cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is in danger.

9. Is There a Mandatory Delay for Abortions in Maryland?


No, there is no mandatory delay for abortions in Maryland. However, abortion providers must give patients general information about abortion and adoption at least 24 hours before the procedure.

10. Does Maryland Place Restrictions on Late Term Abortions?


Yes, Maryland does place restrictions on late term abortions. Maryland law states that no late-term abortions may be performed unless the mother’s life is endangered unless two physicians certify that the abortion is necessary to preserve the mother’s life or health, or the fetus is not viable.

11. Is There a Ban on Certain Types of Abortions in Maryland?


Yes, there is a ban on certain types of abortions in Maryland. The state bans abortions after 24 weeks of gestation unless the woman’s life is in danger or if the fetus is not viable. Maryland also has a ban on “partial-birth” abortions, which involve inducing labor and delivering most of the fetus before killing it.

12. What are the Contraceptive Access Requirements in Maryland?


In Maryland, contraceptive access is supported through private health insurance plans, the Maryland Family Planning Program, and Title X funded clinics.

Private health insurance plans are required to cover all FDA approved contraceptives and related services. These plans must also cover emergency contraception when dispensed by an in-network provider.

The Maryland Family Planning Program provides family planning services at no or low cost to individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements. This program covers services such as physical exams, counseling, testing, and contraception.

Title X funded clinics are federally funded clinics providing family planning services to low-income individuals. Services offered include physical exams, testing, counseling, and contraception.

13. Is There a Refusal Clause in Place in Maryland for Providers Who Object to Performing Abortions?


No, there is no refusal clause in place in Maryland for providers who object to performing abortions. However, providers cannot be discriminated against based on their refusal to perform abortions.

14. Does Maryland Require Domestic Violence Counseling Before an Abortion?


No, Maryland does not require domestic violence counseling before an abortion.

15. Is Sex Education Required Prior to Obtaining an Abortion in Maryland?


No, sex education is not required prior to obtaining an abortion in Maryland.

16. Does Maryland Provide Public Funding for Abortions?


No, Maryland does not provide public funding for abortions. The state does cover abortions for Medicaid recipients in some cases, including when the mother’s life is in danger or the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest.

17. Are There Any Exceptions to the Abortion Waiting Period in Maryland?


Yes. The law provides an exception for medical emergency. In cases of medical emergency, a physician must certify in writing that the abortion is necessary to avert the woman’s death or to avert substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function. In addition, a woman under 18 years of age may obtain an abortion without waiting the required 24 hours if a court approves the abortion.

18. Is There a 24 Hour Waiting Period Before an Abortion inMaryland?


No, there is not a 24 hour waiting period before an abortion in Maryland. The state does not have any laws in place that require a woman to wait a certain amount of time before getting an abortion.

19. What Happens if the Physician Waives the Waiting Period in Maryland?


If a physician waives the waiting period in Maryland, the patient can begin the abortion procedure without having to wait for a specified period of time before being able to receive the procedure. This is intended to reduce delays in accessing abortion services and provide more timely care.

20. Is Informed Consent Required Before an Abortion in Maryland?


Yes. Maryland state law requires that a woman receive counseling from a doctor before having an abortion. The doctor must provide information about the risks and benefits of the procedure, alternatives to abortion, and the probable gestational age of the fetus. The woman must sign a form indicating that she has received this counseling and that she voluntarily gives her informed consent to the procedure.