The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists believes that “safe, legal abortion is a necessary component of women’s health.” However, access to abortion varies across the world, and within the United States.
Where to find an abortion clinic and what to look for
According to the Guttmacher Institute, many US states have different regulations that limit or alter access to abortion. These regulations include:
- Requiring the provider to be a licensed physician
- Prohibiting abortion after a certain gestational age
- Banning intact dilation and evacuation (sometimes called ‘late-term’ or “partial-birth’ abortion)
- Not allowing public funds, including Medicaid, to be used for abortion
- Regulating abortion coverage by private insurers
- Waiting periods (usually 24 hours) between counseling and procedure
As a result of these regulations, abortion services are often difficult to access in some parts of the United States. Many physicians and other healthcare providers offer abortion services, as do women’s health centers, such as Planned Parenthood. You can follow this link to learn more about abortion access, and to find a provider.
Sources
- “How do I get an in-clinic abortion?” Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood. N.d. Available at: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/in-clinic-abortion-procedures/how-do-i-get-an-in-clinic-abortion
- “Increasing access to abortion.” Committee Opinion No. 613. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obstet Gynecol 2014;124:1060–5. Available at: https://www.acog.org/Clinical-Guidance-and-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Health-Care-for-Underserved-Women/Increasing-Access-to-Abortion
- “An Overview of Abortion Laws.” Guttmacher Institute. Guttmacher Institute. May 1, 2019. Available at: https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/overview-abortion-laws?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI68GrmPSs4gIVx0sNCh3uDw6TEAAYASAAEgLoZfD_BwE
Ovia’s goal is to support the health and wellness of our members throughout their reproductive health journeys. Ovia cannot, however, encourage or discourage the very personal decision of whether to have an abortion or counsel on whether and how an abortion may be performed in a particular case. Abortion may or may not be legal in your state and in your particular personal situation. None of the information made available through Ovia is intended to provide you with legal advice regarding abortion. Ovia may refer you to third-party websites or publications for additional information on reproductive health issues, including abortion. Ovia is not affiliated with these third parties and is not responsible for any information that they make available to you.
