Abortion laws in Pennsylvania
Abortion is allowed in Pennsylvania up to 23 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy.
Data last updated .
How far into pregnancy
- Abortion is allowed up to 23 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy.
- Pregnancy is counted from the first day of your last period, not from conception.
- Exceptions after that point: to save your life; to protect your physical health (not mental health).
- Abortion is banned when the reason is the fetus's sex.
Waiting periods and clinic visits
- You must be given state-required information (counseling) before your abortion.
- There is a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion.
Abortion pills by telehealth
- You can get abortion pills through a telehealth (video or online) visit, with no in-person visit needed.
If you're under 18
- If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must give permission.
- If you can't involve a parent, you can ask a judge for permission instead. This is called a judicial bypass, and free legal help is available.
Insurance coverage
- Medicaid (public health insurance) pays for abortion.
- Plans bought on the ACA marketplace can cover abortion only when your life is in danger or the pregnancy is from rape or incest.
Penalties and legal risk
- Breaking the abortion ban is a felony, a serious crime that can mean prison time.
- Breaking the abortion ban is a misdemeanor, a crime that can mean fines or jail time.
- For advice about your own situation, the Repro Legal Helpline offers free, confidential legal help.
Legal protections
- Good to know: A Pennsylvania appellate court has ruled the state's constitution protects the right to abortion, but has not been considered by the state's supreme court. Case is ongoing.
Get help
- Find a provider near you: AbortionFinder
- Find verified clinics: I Need an A
- Free, confidential legal help: Repro Legal Helpline · 844-868-2812
- Help paying for care: National Abortion Federation Hotline · 1-800-772-9100
- Medical questions about abortion or miscarriage: M+A Hotline · 1-833-246-2632
This is a summary of state law, not legal advice. Laws change, and an update to this data can also be a correction.