You’ve likely seen a lot of headlines in the last year about Roe V. Wade being overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court and the impact it has on access to abortion. If you’ve recently discovered you are pregnant with an unexpected pregnancy then you might be wondering whether abortion is still legal and an option for you.
Did the Supreme Court Make Abortion Illegal?
The short answer is no, abortion is still legal in the U.S., but restrictions and limitations on getting an abortion now vary from state to state. This is because the court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade actually ruled that it is now up to each state to decide how they will handle abortion laws. As a result some states now have tougher laws and more restrictions on abortion, while other states’ abortion laws were not impacted by the court’s ruling.
What Does This Mean for Me?
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and trying to find out what options are available you will need to know what your state’s laws are regarding abortion.
In the state of Pennsylvania, there were already restrictions in place on abortion that were not affected by the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Those restrictions are:
- Abortions after 24 weeks are not permitted
- Those seeking an abortion must wait 24 hours and receive counseling to obtain informed consent
- Minors seeking an abortion must have a legal guardian or judge’s approval
- Terminating a pregnancy based on gender preference is not allowed
Get the Answers You Need
In addition to understanding the laws in your state regarding abortion, you should also be aware of medical limitations on abortion that can impact your health. For example, a medical abortion (also called “the abortion pill”) is only recommended in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, if attempted later than 10 weeks you might be at higher risk for severe complications.
Finding out all the information you can about your pregnancy, as well as what options are available to you in your state, can empower you to make the best decision for your health and future.
We’re Here to Help
The staff at Chester County Connect Care can answer all your questions, listen to your concerns, and provide valuable information about your pregnancy. Our free services include free pregnancy testing and ultrasound. This ultrasound scan will be able to give you detailed facts about your pregnancy like age, location, and viability—all information that will help you as you consider your options.
We’re here for you, contact us today to schedule your free and confidential appointment. Get the answers you deserve.