Abortion – Under Maryland law, the state may not interfere with a woman's decision to terminate her pregnancy before the fetus is viable, or at any time if the life or health of the woman is at risk, or the fetus is affected by a genetic defect, abnormality, or deformity.¹

 

Minors' Access to Birth Control – Currently, there are no laws in Maryland prohibiting access to contraception for people under 18.

 

Minors' Access to Abortion – For unmarried minors, a physician needs to notify a parent or guardian that the young woman will be having an abortion. However, the physician does not have to notify a parent if he or she believes that:

State Funding for Family Planning – The Maryland Children's Health Insurance Program (MCHIP) provides health insurance for uninsured children. MCHIP also provides access to reproductive health care for low-income women. Women who become ineligible for public assistance after giving birth are covered by MCHIP for family planning services and other health care. Please note that MCHIP only covers family planning, not abortion. For additional information, call (800) 456-8900.

 

Insurance Coverage for Birth Control – In 1998, Maryland became the first state to enact comprehensive legislation requiring equitable coverage for contraception. This legislation requires health care plans to include U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved birth control drugs and devices in their coverage if they cover other prescription drugs. An exception to this law exists for religious organizations that oppose the use of contraceptives, such as an insurance plan for a Catholic organization.

 

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