1. What is the law on Medicaid-funded abortion services in Maryland?

In Maryland, Medicaid-funded abortions are allowed in cases of life endangerment, rape, incest, or fetal abnormality. The state does not provide Medicaid funding for elective abortions.

2. Does Maryland allow private insurance coverage for abortion services?

Yes, Maryland allows private insurance coverage for abortion services.

3. Are there any restrictions on abortion funding in Maryland?

Yes, abortion funding is restricted in Maryland. Medicaid does not cover abortion services, except in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest. Abortions that are not medically necessary are not eligible for coverage.

4. Is there a waiting period for abortion services in Maryland?

Yes, there is a waiting period for abortion services in Maryland. A woman must wait 24 hours after her initial consultation with her doctor before she can receive an abortion.

5. Is parental consent required for minors seeking abortion services in Maryland?

Yes, parental consent is required for minors seeking abortion services in Maryland.

6. Does Maryland require ultrasounds before a woman can receive abortion services?

Yes, Maryland does require ultrasounds before a woman can receive abortion services. In Maryland, a woman must have an ultrasound prior to having an abortion. Depending on the gestational age of the fetus, the doctor performing the abortion may also be required to provide a trans-abdominal ultrasound or a trans-vaginal ultrasound.

7. Are there any exceptions to mandatory ultrasounds for obtaining abortions in Maryland?

Yes, there are exceptions to mandatory ultrasounds for obtaining abortions in Maryland. Individuals can waive the ultrasound requirement if their pregnancy is the result of sexual assault or incest, or if they are victims of human trafficking. Additionally, any woman who has a medical condition that would be worsened by an ultrasound can also waive the requirement.

8. Is there an insurance coverage requirement for abortion services in Maryland?

Yes. In Maryland, insurance companies are required to cover abortion services to the same extent as any other medical service. The only exception is when the services are being provided to a minor, in which case parental notification is required.

9. Does Maryland provide financial assistance for abortions?

Yes, Maryland does provide financial assistance for abortions. The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene offers a variety of programs that provide coverage for abortion services. These include the Family Planning Program, the Maryland Medicaid Program, and the Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program.

10. Are there any conscience clauses for health care providers in Maryland related to abortion services?

Yes. Maryland has a conscience clause for healthcare providers in regards to abortion services. The conscience clause is specified in the Maryland Code, section 20-103, and states that no person shall be required to participate in any abortion service or procedure that is contrary to their conscience. Additionally, no person shall be discriminated against or suffer any loss of employment for refusing to participate in such services or procedures.

11. What is the policy on public funding of abortions in Maryland?

Public funding for abortions in Maryland is generally limited to cases involving rape, incest, or endangerment to the life of the pregnant woman.

12. Are there any laws restricting access to abortions in Maryland?

Yes, there are. In January 2019, Maryland passed its own version of the “heartbeat bill,” which would ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected (which can happen as early as six weeks into a pregnancy). The law was set to go into effect in October 2019, but it was blocked by a federal judge in August 2019.

13. Does Maryland provide access to late-term abortion services?

Yes. Late-term abortions are available in Maryland, though they are restricted after the 24th week of pregnancy and require approval from two physicians.

14. Are there any restrictions on the use of telemedicine to provide abortion services in Maryland?

Yes. Telemedicine to provide abortion services is not allowed in Maryland, according to the Maryland Code. Additionally, abortions must be performed by a physician in a setting that meets the standards of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

15. Are there any bans on certain types of abortions in Maryland?

Yes, Maryland has several restrictions on abortion, including a 24-hour waiting period, a parental consent requirement for minors, and an ban on late-term abortions after 20 weeks gestation.

16. Are there any limits on the number of abortions a woman can have in Maryland?

No, there are no limits on the number of abortions a woman can have in Maryland.

17. Does Maryland allow medical professionals other than physicians to provide abortions?

Yes, Maryland allows physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners to provide abortions.

18. Is informed consent required for abortion services in Maryland?

Yes, informed consent is required for abortion services in Maryland. According to Maryland state law, a patient must give written informed consent for an abortion prior to the procedure. A licensed medical provider must provide the patient with information about the risks and benefits of the procedure, and give the patient the opportunity to ask questions about the procedure before providing written consent.

19. What is the policy on minors seeking abortions without parental consent in Maryland?

In Maryland, minors are allowed to obtain an abortion without parental consent, provided they obtain judicial consent or their parents have been notified. The judicial bypass option is available for minors who do not wish to involve their parents in the abortion decision. The minor will need to file a petition with the court and satisfy certain criteria.

20. Are there any restrictions on the use of taxpayer dollars for abortion services in Maryland?

Yes, there are restrictions on the use of taxpayer dollars for abortion services in Maryland. In accordance with Maryland state laws, no public funds can be used for abortions with the following exceptions: when the woman’s life is in danger; when the pregnancy was a result of rape or incest; or when two physicians certify in writing that the abortion is necessary for the woman’s physical or mental health. Additionally, no public funds may be used to cover any services related to abortion counseling, referral, or a procedure itself.