Is Reproductive Access Legal in Pennsylvania? (2026)

Key facts

Status

Restricted

Permit required

No

Jurisdiction

Pennsylvania

Last reviewed

2026-04-09

Reproductive Access laws in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Title18 section3210 requires a physician’s determination of probable gestational age, including prudent inquiries, examinations or tests and reporting of the diagnostic basis, unless a medical emergency prevents compliance. Section3211 prohibits abortion at24 or more weeks except for its stated exceptions: a physician reasonably believes it necessary to prevent the pregnant patient’s death or substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function; or the physician reasonably believes, following a section3210 determination, that gestational age is less than24 weeks. The life-or-bodily-function exception does not authorize abortion based on a claim or diagnosis that the patient will engage in conduct causing their death or that impairment. For care under that exception, subsection(c) requires written certification by the performing physician and written concurrence by another licensed physician based on their separate personal examination, performance in a hospital, and attendance in the same room of a second physician to take control and provide immediate care for the child after complete extraction. The pregnancy must be terminated using the method providing the best opportunity for fetal survival unless the physician’s good-faith medical judgment finds that method poses a significantly greater risk of patient death or substantial and irreversible major-bodily-function impairment than other available methods. A medical emergency excuses a particular subsection(c) requirement only when the performing physician’s reasonable medical judgment finds the emergency prevents compliance with that requirement. This is the served statutory account of these two sections, not a complete review of other consent, minor-patient, facility or court-order requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Is reproductive access legal in Pennsylvania for travelers?

For travelers visiting Pennsylvania, reproductive access is currently restricted. Pennsylvania Title18 section3210 requires a physician’s determination of probable gestational age, including prudent inquiries, examinations or tests and reporting of the diagnostic basis, unless a medical emergency prevents compliance. Section3211 prohibits abortion at24 or more weeks except for its stated exceptions: a physician reasonably believes it necessary to prevent the pregnant patient’s death or substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function; or the physician reasonably believes, following a section3210 determination, that gestational age is less than24 weeks. The life-or-bodily-function exception does not authorize abortion based on a claim or diagnosis that the patient will engage in conduct causing their death or that impairment. For care under that exception, subsection(c) requires written certification by the performing physician and written concurrence by another licensed physician based on their separate personal examination, performance in a hospital, and attendance in the same room of a second physician to take control and provide immediate care for the child after complete extraction. The pregnancy must be terminated using the method providing the best opportunity for fetal survival unless the physician’s good-faith medical judgment finds that method poses a significantly greater risk of patient death or substantial and irreversible major-bodily-function impairment than other available methods. A medical emergency excuses a particular subsection(c) requirement only when the performing physician’s reasonable medical judgment finds the emergency prevents compliance with that requirement. This is the served statutory account of these two sections, not a complete review of other consent, minor-patient, facility or court-order requirements.

Do I need a permit for reproductive access in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania does not specifically require a permit for reproductive access, though general regulations apply.

Can I transport reproductive access through Pennsylvania?

Transport laws for reproductive access in Pennsylvania depend on the specific item and your route. Generally, transport is allowed if you comply with state regulations. Always check states you pass through.

What are the penalties for reproductive access violations in Pennsylvania?

Penalties for reproductive access violations in Pennsylvania vary based on the specific offense. Always verify current laws before traveling.