1. What are the state-level laws governing abortion access in Maryland?

In Maryland, abortion is legal up to 22 weeks of gestation. There is a 24-hour waiting period between the initial consultation with the doctor and the actual procedure. The state requires either parental or judicial consent for minors seeking abortions. Insurance coverage for abortion is limited to cases of life endangerment or danger to physical health, rape, incest, or fetal anomalies. State funds cannot be used to pay for abortions, except in cases of life endangerment. Finally, the state requires an informed consent process for any patient seeking an abortion.

2. When did the state of Maryland legalize abortion?

The state of Maryland legalized abortion in 1970, when Governor Marvin Mandel signed the Maryland Therapeutic Abortion Act.

3. How does the state of Maryland regulate abortion procedures?

In Maryland, abortions are regulated in accordance with the Maryland Code, Health-General Article (Title 20), which is enforced by the Maryland Department of Health. Abortions are generally available to women who are at least 18 years old and have the consent of a parent or guardian if they are under 18. All abortions must be performed in a licensed hospital or ambulatory surgical facility. The procedure must take place no later than 24 weeks after the start of the woman’s last menstrual period. There are several specific rules and regulations that apply to abortion procedures in Maryland, such as a 24-hour waiting period prior to the procedure and informed consent requirements for women. The state also prohibits certain types of late-term abortion procedures.

4. What are the legal requirements for obtaining an abortion in Maryland?

In Maryland, a person seeking an abortion must be a resident of the state and they must be 18 or under 18 with parental consent. They must receive counseling from a health care provider, and the counseling must be received at least 24 hours before the abortion. The counseling must include information about the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as information about alternatives to abortion. In addition, the person must receive information about the potential medical complications that may arise from the procedure. Finally, the person must receive information about government aid for medical costs associated with childbirth and neonatal care.

5. Does the state of Maryland offer comprehensive reproductive health services?

Yes, the state of Maryland offers comprehensive reproductive health services, including prenatal care, contraception, and STI testing and treatment.

6. Does Maryland have any restrictions on late-term abortions?

Yes, Maryland does have restrictions on late-term abortions. A late-term abortion is defined as a procedure that takes place after the fetus has reached a gestational age of 20 weeks. Under Maryland law, late-term abortions are only permitted when the pregnant woman’s life or health is at risk or if the fetus has a severe and irreversible physical impairment. Additionally, two physicians must certify the medical necessity of the procedure in writing.

7. What is the parental consent law for minors seeking an abortion in Maryland?

In Maryland, minors must obtain the written consent of both parents (or a legal guardian) before obtaining an abortion. If a minor is unable to obtain parental consent, they may petition the circuit court for a “judicial bypass” to allow them to obtain an abortion without parental consent.

8. Does Maryland fund abortion services through Medicaid?

Yes. Maryland has expanded Medicaid to cover abortion services.

9. Does Maryland require that women receive counseling prior to obtaining an abortion?

Yes, Maryland requires that women receive counseling prior to obtaining an abortion. This counseling must include information about the risks and alternatives to abortion. Additionally, women must receive this counseling in-person at least 24-hours prior to the abortion being performed.

10. Does Maryland impose waiting periods before a woman can obtain an abortion?

Yes, in Maryland there is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before a woman can obtain an abortion.

11. Are there any restrictions on telemedicine abortion services in Maryland?

Yes, there are restrictions on telemedicine abortion services in Maryland. Maryland has strict guidelines that must be followed for the provision of telemedicine abortion services. Services must be provided by a qualified medical provider in accordance with the Maryland Medical Practice Act, and the patient must be physically present in the same room as the qualifying medical provider during the consultation. Telemedicine abortions are only available to patients who are up to nine weeks pregnant and meet certain eligibility criteria.

12. Is insurance coverage for abortion services available in Maryland?

Yes, some insurance plans in Maryland provide coverage for abortion services. Health insurance plans offered on the Maryland Health Connection (Maryland’s health insurance marketplace) include abortion coverage options. Additionally, Medicaid will cover abortion services in cases of rape, incest, or to protect the life of the mother.

13. Does the state of Maryland require providers to offer medically accurate information about abortion services?

Yes, Maryland law states that abortion services must be offered in a manner that is medically accurate.

14. Are there any laws regarding the disposal of fetal remains in Maryland?

Yes, in Maryland, a fetal remains must be cremated or interred following an abortion or a miscarriage. The abortion provider or hospital must make all the arrangements for the disposal. If a woman wants to take the fetal remains home, they must inform the provider and receive written permission.

15. Are there any restrictions on the use of public funds for abortion services in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland restricts the use of public funds for abortion services. Public funds are only available to Medicaid recipients in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest. In addition, the state requires a 48-hour waiting period before a woman can receive an abortion.

16. Is there a ban on abortion based on sex selection in Maryland?

No, there is not a ban on abortion based on sex selection in Maryland.

17. Does Maryland allow pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions for contraception or abortion medication?

Yes, Maryland allows pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions for contraception or abortion medication if they have a moral or religious objection. However, pharmacists must refer the patient to another pharmacy that will fill the prescription.

18. Does the state of Maryland require parental notification if a minor seeks an abortion?

Yes, the state of Maryland requires parental consent if a minor seeks an abortion.

19. Is there an informed consent requirement for women seeking an abortion in Maryland?

Yes. In Maryland, all women seeking an abortion must provide informed consent prior to the procedure. This includes receiving counseling and information about the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the procedure. The informed consent requirement also includes a 24-hour waiting period, during which the woman must reflect upon the information provided before making her final decision.

20. What are the requirements for a safe and legal abortion in Maryland?

In Maryland, it is legal for a woman to have an abortion up to 24 weeks after the start of her last menstrual period. A minor under the age of 18 must have written consent from a parent or guardian before obtaining an abortion.

The abortion must be provided by a licensed physician in an accredited hospital or outpatient facility. The abortion must be performed following the physician’s professional judgment and based on accepted standards of medical practice.

In Maryland, it is illegal to perform an abortion after the 24th week, unless it is necessary to protect the life or health of the woman. It is also illegal to provide an abortion when it is sought solely because of the sex of the fetus.