Abortion remains legal in Pennsylvania. Here’s how to access care, find financial help
Roe v. Wade isn’t the only abortion case the Supreme Court may overturn this summer — Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey is on the chopping block, too.
Pennsylvania’s spousal notification requirement was repealed as part of the 1992 ruling. But according to a draft opinion released by Politico, the majority of the court is ready to reverse Casey along with Roe v. Wade.
If Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey are overturned this summer, abortion will remain legal in Pennsylvania at least as long as Gov. Tom Wolf is in power, he said. But the office is up for grabs this November, so abortion access could still change.
For now, abortion remains legal in the state of Pennsylvania. Here’s how you can access such medical care and other reproductive health services, including clinic locations and how to receive financial assistance.
State College does not currently have an abortion clinic, but options are available for reproductive health care in the state.
What is required to receive an abortion in Pennsylvania?
Abortion is legal until week 24 of pregnancy in Pennsylvania, but it is restricted.
The Pennsylvania Abortion Control Act is the primary statue limiting abortion in the state at this time. The legislation was passed in 1982, but had a spousal notification provision struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in the 1992 Planned Parenthood case.
Patients seeking abortions in Pennsylvania must obtain “informed consent.” At least 24 hours before the scheduled procedure, a physician or other qualified health provider must inform the patient of:
The nature of the abortion and the risks and alternatives a “reasonable patient” would consider integral to the decision of whether to have the procedure.
The probable gestational age of the fetus at the time the abortion is to be performed.
The medical risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth.
The fact that the health department publishes materials which describe the “unborn child” and abortion alternatives, and the patient is entitled to the free review of such materials, should the patient choose to do so.
Medical assistance benefits that may be available for prenatal care, childbirth and neonatal care and that more information about the benefits is available.
The father of the fetus is liable to provide child support should the patient choose to carry the pregnancy to term, even if he offered to pay for the abortion. This information may be omitted in cases of rape.
In cases of medical emergency, the 24-hour timeline for consent may not apply.
A patient who is under the age of 18 and has not been emancipated must obtain consent from a parent or guardian to receive an abortion, except in cases of medical emergency. In cases where pregnancy results from incest to which the patient’s father is involved, consent must only be obtained by the mother.
Judicial bypasses can be granted in exception of the parental notification requirement.
Where can you get an abortion in Pennsylvania?
The nearest abortion clinic to State College is about 60 miles away, at the Harrisburg Medical Center. Appointments can be booked online or you can call 717-234-2468 for more information.
Planned Parenthood in Pittsburg provides in-clinic abortions up to 18 weeks from the start of your last period. The abortion pill is available up to the 10-week mark.
Abortion appointments can also be made at the following locations:
- Locust Street Surgical Center Philadelphia
- Wilkes-Barre Medical Center
- Susie and John Stanley Health Center in Reading
- York Medical Center
- Allentown Medical Center
- West Chester Surgical Center
How can you get financial assistance for abortion care in PA?
Pennsylvania Medicaid will only cover abortion costs in the case of rape, incest or threat to a patient’s life, but other funding options are available.
The Abortion Liberation Fund of PA provides support through financial assistance, lodging, travel and ultrasound help. To receive help from this organization, first, schedule your abortion. Even if you don’t yet have money to cover it, organizers recommend getting it scheduled.
The ALF helpline is available at 215-564-6622, and assistance is available for those who speak Spanish or English.
You’ll be asked to state and spell your name and provide your phone number, which clinic you are going to and the date of your appointment. Include in your message whether it is safe for ALF to leave an identifying voicemail. If you say it is not safe to receive messages with the fund’s name, the call will be returned by an operator claiming they are a friend.
Planned Parenthood Western Pennsylvania offers financial assistance for abortions, including a sliding scale pay model.
The National Abortion Federation provides financial help for abortion care and can be reached at 1-800-772-9100. The line operates from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
