Abortion access in Pennsylvania

What the law says, what the options are, and where to find help paying for care.

Pennsylvania is a big state with its clinics clustered at the two ends of it, and state law adds steps before an abortion that other states don't. Here's where access stands, what it can cost, and who helps Pennsylvanians pay for it.

Is it private in Pennsylvania?

A medication abortion is clinically indistinguishable from a miscarriage on any standard workup - there is no test that detects it, and it does not appear on a routine tox screen. (Current Pennsylvania law, from Guttmacher; Free, confidential legal questions - Repro Legal Helpline)

What a provider can and can't detect

Major cities include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, and every small town in between.

Money tight? Abortion Liberation Fund of PA funding, counseling and a helpline for people seeking abortion care in PA. Because cost shouldn't be the thing that stops you.

Pennsylvania questions, answered

Is abortion legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania law does add required steps before an abortion that many states don't have, so the process takes longer here - Guttmacher tracks the current rules, and the free Repro Legal Helpline answers personal legal questions. Repro Legal Helpline

How do people in Pennsylvania get abortion pills?

Some go to a clinic; others use telehealth, where a licensed provider reviews an online consult and medication is mailed. What's available and how long it takes depends on the state's requirements. AbortionFinder and ineedana.com both list what is currently available in Pennsylvania.

What if I can't afford care?

The Abortion Liberation Fund of PA offers funding, counseling and a helpline for people seeking care in Pennsylvania.

Can a doctor tell I took abortion pills?

No. There is no test that detects it, and a medication abortion looks identical to a miscarriage on a standard workup. What a provider can and can't detect

Where to look next

Independent directories and a free legal helpline for finding and paying for care near you.