1. How accessible is abortion in Pennsylvania?

Abortion is legal in Pennsylvania, and there are a number of clinics providing abortion services in the state. However, due to a number of restrictions and regulations imposed by the state, access to abortion services can be limited for some individuals, particularly those living in rural areas or those who lack financial resources.

2. What is the legal gestational limit for abortion in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the legal gestational limit for abortion is 24 weeks.

3. Does Pennsylvania require parental involvement for minors seeking an abortion?

Yes, Pennsylvania requires parental involvement for minors seeking an abortion. Minors under the age of 18 must obtain the written consent of one parent or guardian prior to obtaining an abortion.

4. Does Pennsylvania mandate waiting periods before an abortion?

Yes, Pennsylvania does mandate a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion.

5. Does Pennsylvania require the disclosure of any information prior to an abortion?

Yes. Pennsylvania requires that a woman receive certain information prior to an abortion. This includes information about the risks and alternatives to the procedure, a description of the fetus, the medical risks associated with carrying the pregnancy to term, and a waiting period of at least 24 hours.

6. Does Pennsylvania provide public funding for abortion services?

Yes, Pennsylvania provides public funding for abortion services. State law requires that Medicaid cover abortion services in cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is at risk. Additionally, the state provides funding for low-income women to access abortion services through the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Alternatives to Abortion Program.

7. Are there any exceptions to the gestational limit in Pennsylvania?

Yes, Pennsylvania does allow for exceptions to the gestational limit for medical reasons determined to be necessary by a physician. A physician may be able to perform an abortion after 24 weeks in order to protect a patient’s life or health.

8. Can a physician or medical facility refuse to provide abortion services in Pennsylvania?

Yes, a physician or medical facility can refuse to provide abortion services in Pennsylvania. Physicians and other healthcare providers may refuse to participate in or assist with abortion procedures on the basis of religious or moral convictions. However, this refusal may not be used to interfere with a patient’s access to legal abortion services. Physicians must refer the patient to another provider who will provide abortion services upon request.

9. Are there any laws related to medication or surgical abortions in Pennsylvania?

Yes, there are laws related to medication and surgical abortions in Pennsylvania. Medication abortions are required to be provided by a licensed physician and the abortion must take place in a licensed facility. The state also requires a 24-hour waiting period between the time of informed consent and the time of the procedure, as well as counseling from a licensed medical professional. For surgical abortions, the state requires that the procedure be performed by a licensed physician in a facility that meets certain safety standards. The state also requires a 24-hour waiting period between the time of informed consent and the time of the procedure.

10. Is informed consent required by providers before performing an abortion in Pennsylvania?

Yes, informed consent is required by providers before performing an abortion in Pennsylvania. The state requires that the woman be given the opportunity to review information about the health risks associated with abortion 24 hours before the procedure is performed.

11. Does Pennsylvania allow for the provision of telemedicine abortion services?

Yes, Pennsylvania does allow for the provision of telemedicine abortion services. In 2020, Pennsylvania implemented a new law allowing for the provision of telemedicine abortion services in certain circumstances.

12. Are specific medical facilities required to provide abortions in Pennsylvania?

No. Pennsylvania does not require specific medical facilities to provide abortions. However, state law does require that all medical facilities provide emergency contraception in the event of rape or incest.

13. Does Pennsylvania have any regulations regarding the provision of post-abortion care?

Yes, Pennsylvania has regulations that require providers of abortions to provide information about post-abortion care, including details of possible physical and psychological risks and complications associated with post-abortion care. Providers must also provide information about post-abortion follow-up services, if available in the area. Additionally, a provider must provide the woman with a list of community resources for post-abortion care and counseling, if available.

14. Does Pennsylvania have any restrictions on abortion protestors near clinics or medical facilities providing abortions?

Yes. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has enacted a 25-foot buffer zone prohibiting protests, picketing, and other forms of demonstration within 25 feet of the entrance to any facility providing abortion services. This rule applies to all medical facilities providing abortions in the state.

15. Can health insurance plans cover abortion services in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Health insurance plans in Pennsylvania are required to cover medically necessary abortion services and emergency contraception for plans that are purchased after August 2012. Plans purchased before August 2012 may still cover medically necessary abortion services, but are not required to do so.

16. Are there any requirements for the disposal of fetal tissue after an abortion in Pennsylvania?

Yes, fetal tissue must be disposed of in a respectful manner. In Pennsylvania, this typically means that it is sent to a licensed pathology laboratory for review and then to a funeral home or crematorium for disposition. The Pennsylvania Department of Health provides additional information on their website.

17. How are fetal remains handled after an abortion in Pennsylvania?

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, fetal remains resulting from an abortion must be disposed of by interment or cremation. Burial or cremation of fetal remains must be done through a licensed funeral director and must be in accordance with the laws governing burial and cremation of dead bodies. The person or entity performing the abortion may not be involved in the disposition of the fetal remains.

18. Does Pennsylvania recognize gestational and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements?

Yes, Pennsylvania recognizes gestational and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements. This information can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s website.

19. Are there any laws related to informed consent for minors seeking an abortion in Pennsylvania?

Yes. In Pennsylvania, minors seeking an abortion must obtain written consent from a parent or guardian before they can proceed. A minor may also seek judicial bypass of the parental consent requirement if they are judged to be mature enough to give consent, or if parental notification is not in the minor’s best interest. A judicial bypass hearing must include a full explanation of the abortion procedure and its medical risks.

20. Is there a judicial bypass process to allow minors to obtain an abortion without parental consent in Pennsylvania?

Yes, there is a judicial bypass process in Pennsylvania that allows minors to obtain an abortion without parental consent. The process requires minors to have a hearing in the courthouse, where they must prove to a judge that they are mature enough to make their own decision or that an abortion is in their best interest. The minor must also demonstrate to the judge that they understand the consequences of the procedure.