Abortion Options by How Far Along You Are: State Laws & Gestational Age Limits

Why does gestational age matter for abortion options?

Gestational age means how far along someone is in their pregnancy. Abortion is medically safe no matter when it happens during pregnancy. However, many state governments have passed laws that restrict abortion care after different gestational ages.

Today, over 40 states limit some abortions after a certain point in pregnancy. They generally need a doctor to measure how far along the pregnancy is before offering an abortion. Depending on the state, some laws stop providers from doing abortions after 6, 12, 22 or 24 weeks of pregnancy, for example. Other states allow abortion without any limit based on gestational age.

This means knowing how far along someone is has become more important, because there's a shorter window of time to get an abortion in about half of the states in the US.

It's important to find out the laws in your state before searching for care. Abortion providers are often booked up, so you may need to act quickly if you're near your state's gestational age limit. However, you may still have options in another state or through telehealth.

I'm less than 13 weeks pregnant — can I get abortion pills?

Abortion pills work best for people less than 13 weeks pregnant. Under 13 weeks pregnant, abortion pills may be an option. At more than 13 weeks pregnant, an abortion procedure might be easier to get. Talk to a provider if you're not sure how to find out how far along your pregnancy is.

I'm more than 13 weeks pregnant — what are my options?

If you are more than 13 weeks pregnant, abortion pills may be difficult to get in the United States, but you may be able to get an abortion procedure from a clinic in your state or by traveling to another state.

Many providers in the US only offer abortion pills up to 10 or 12 weeks of pregnancy. Using pills later in pregnancy can be more painful and requires more doses of the medication. To learn more about how abortion pills are used after 12 weeks of pregnancy visit: https://www.ineedana.com/pills-after-12-weeks.

What are my options if I'm close to my state's abortion limit?

If you're within a week or two of your state's legal limit on gestational age, it may be difficult to find in-state abortion care in time. However, you may still have options in another state or through telehealth. Your state may allow some exceptions for abortions after the gestational age limit in situations like medical emergencies, but these cases are very rare and hard to get approved.

If you are less than 13 weeks pregnant, you may be able to get abortion pills mailed to you from a telehealth provider no matter what state you live in. At any stage of pregnancy, you are allowed to travel to another state for an abortion procedure. There are organizations called abortion funds who may be able to help book and pay for travel, and they may even be able to help with things like childcare if you need it.

What are my options if I'm past my state's gestational age limit?

If you're past your state's legal limit on gestational age, you most likely won't be able to get an abortion from a provider in your state. However, you may still have options in another state or through telehealth. Your state may allow some exceptions for abortions after the gestational age limit in situations like medical emergencies, but these cases are very rare and hard to get approved.

If you are less than 13 weeks pregnant, you may be able to get abortion pills mailed to you from a telehealth provider no matter what state you live in. At any stage of pregnancy, you are allowed to travel to another state for an abortion procedure. There are organizations called abortion funds who may be able to help book and pay for travel, and they may even be able to help with things like childcare if you need it.

What are my options if abortion is fully legal with no gestational limit in my state?

If you live in a state with no gestational limit on abortion care, you can look for a provider nearby using sites like AbortionFinder or INeedAnA. If you live in a rural area or near a state border, it's possible that your closest abortion provider will be in a neighboring state. If you need to travel for abortion care, there are organizations called abortion funds who may be able to help book and pay for travel, and they may even be able to help with things like childcare if you need it.

What are my options if abortion is legal but has gestational age limits in my state? What are my options if abortion is restricted in my state?

If you're within a week or two of your state's legal limit on gestational age, it may be difficult to find in-state abortion care in time. If you're past your state's legal limit on gestational age, you most likely won't be able to get an abortion from a provider in your state. Your state may allow some exceptions for abortions after the gestational age limit in situations like medical emergencies, but these cases are very rare and hard to get approved.

If you are less than 13 weeks pregnant, you may be able to get abortion pills mailed to you from a telehealth provider no matter what state you live in. At any stage of pregnancy, you are allowed to travel to another state for an abortion procedure. There are organizations called abortion funds who may be able to help book and pay for travel, and they may even be able to help with things like childcare if you need it.

What are my options if abortion is banned in my state?

If providers are not allowed to do abortions in your state, you still have options. If you are less than 13 weeks pregnant, you may be able to get abortion pills mailed to you from a telehealth provider no matter what state you live in. At any stage of pregnancy, you are allowed to travel to another state for an abortion procedure. Some states make exceptions to abortion restrictions based on medical necessity, emergencies, or some legal situations. These cases are very rare, but if you think this sounds like you, there is emotional, medical, and legal help available from people who care about you.

Getting abortion pills by mail is usually faster (1-5 days) than getting them at a clinic because it can take a while to get an appointment and travel to a clinic in another state. Getting pills by mail is also usually cheaper ($0-$150) than picking them up at a clinic ($500-$600). The cost of an abortion procedure depends on how far along you are. In the first trimester it can range from $500-$600. In the second trimester it can range from $600-$2,000. Beyond that, it can become much more expensive. But help paying for an abortion may be available.

Since providers aren’t legally allowed to do abortions in your state, your insurance likely won't cover it. There are organizations called abortion funds who may be able to help pay for the abortion, book and pay for travel, and they may even be able to help with things like childcare if you need it.

Are there exceptions to abortion restrictions based on medical necessity or other special situations?

Some states make exceptions to abortion restrictions based on medical necessity, emergencies, or some legal situations. These cases are very rare, but if you think this sounds like you, you are not alone. Emotional, medical, and legal help are available from people who care about you. You may still be able to get abortion care in your state, or you may also have out-of-state options. You should dial 911 for any life-threatening emergency. However, if you think that your pregnancy may be a danger to your health, that you need an abortion for medical reasons, or if your pregnancy happened because of rape or incest, calling the National Abortion Hotline is a good place to start.