Abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. The legality of abortion has been litigated in the U.S. Supreme Court and other courts since the 1973 case of Roe v. Wade.
In 2022, in the case titled Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health, the Supreme Court reversed its decision in Roe v. Wade. The legality of abortion—including access to the procedure and any restrictions on it—is now determined on a state by state basis, with each state's abortion laws applying only within its borders.
In Pennsylvania, abortion is legal, but there are several restrictions in place. As of the knowledge cutoff in 2023, Pennsylvania law permits abortions up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. After this point, abortions are only allowed if the life or health of the pregnant person is at risk. Patients seeking an abortion must receive state-directed counseling and then wait 24 hours before the procedure is provided. Parental consent is required for minors seeking an abortion, with the alternative option of a judicial bypass. Health insurance coverage for abortion is restricted to cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest, unless individuals purchase an optional rider at an additional cost. These regulations are subject to change, especially in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed states to set their own abortion laws. It is important for individuals to consult with an attorney or stay informed on current state laws, as legislative changes could further alter the legal landscape of abortion rights in Pennsylvania.