At the time of writing this blog, the abortion pill can still be delivered through the United States Postal Service due to the Comstock Act.
However, this does not mean abortion is legal across the United States. Due to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, each state now has the power to set its own abortion laws.
Some states have laws that women must be in the presence of the prescribing clinician to receive the drugs. While this would restrict both telehealth and abortion pills by mail, there are conflicting messages between particular states and the federal government.
While legal debates continue and we monitor new developments, we can share the legal facts about Pennsylvania as of January 27, 2023.
Pennsylvania Abortion Laws
Pennsylvania’s abortion laws remain unchanged after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Abortion is legal until 24 weeks of gestation.
Since the abortion pill is FDA-approved for use within ten weeks of pregnancy, this means the abortion pill is legal in our state during its approved time.
Pennsylvania doesn’t have any restrictions on how women receive the medication, but other Pennsylvania laws must be observed and followed.
Informed Consent Law
Physicians performing abortions or another qualified person outlined in the law must inform women in Pennsylvania about abortion and related support topics at least 24 hours before an abortion procedure. The pregnant woman must certify in writing that she received the required information.
How We Can Help
We serve women facing unplanned pregnancy at our clinic location in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, by providing free services, resources, and information. While we do not perform or refer for abortions, we can be your next best step when determining if abortion is right for you.
If you think you might be pregnant or received a positive pregnancy test result, we can confirm with a pregnancy confirmation appointment.
If you are considering abortion, it’s up to you to safeguard your health. We can discuss any potential abortion risks and provide STD testing and treatment.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment at our clinic today!
Sources:
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Mifeprex (Mifepristone) Information.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information.
Center, Legislative Data Processing. “Title 18.” The Official Website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly., https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=18&div=0&chpt=32.
Person, and David Shepardson. “U.S. Postal Service Can Continue to Deliver Prescription Abortion Medication, DOJ Says.” Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 4 Jan. 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-postal-service-can-continue-deliver-prescription-abortion-medication-doj-2023-01-03/.
