Abortion Laws in Pennsylvania
Last Updated: February 3, 2025
Mandatory Counseling (24-Hour Waiting Period)
In Pennsylvania, individuals seeking an abortion must receive state-mandated counseling from their provider at least 24 hours before the procedure.
- If you are 18 or older, most clinics fulfill this requirement by providing the information over the phone at least 24 hours before your appointment.
- If you are 17 or younger, you must receive the counseling in person at the clinic with a parent or legal guardian and then wait 24 hours before the procedure.
- This requirement can be waived if the pregnancy poses a serious health risk.
Parental Consent Requirement for Minors
If you are under 18, you need permission from a parent or guardian to obtain an abortion. If parental consent is not an option, you can apply for a judicial bypass, which allows a judge to waive the requirement.
For assistance with the judicial bypass process, contact the If/When/How Repro Legal Helpline at 844-868-2812 or submit a request online.
Gestational Limits
Abortion is banned in Pennsylvania after 23 weeks, 6 days of pregnancy, except in cases where:
- The abortion is necessary to save the pregnant person’s life.
- The pregnancy poses a serious risk to the person’s physical health.
Out-of-State Options
If you are beyond 23 weeks, 6 days and do not qualify for an exception, you may need to travel to another state for an abortion. Be aware that:
- Some states have mandatory waiting periods, requiring multiple appointments.
- If you are under 18, some states also require parental consent or offer judicial bypass options.
To find an out-of-state provider, use an abortion provider search and call as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. If you need assistance with scheduling or other abortion-related support, contact the National Abortion Federation (NAF) Hotline at 1-800-772-9100.