The overturning of Roe v. Wade does not affect PA because Pennsylvania already has laws in place legalizing abortion before 24 weeks of pregnancy.
However, other states with existing abortion restrictions that could not be enforced due to Roe v. Wade experienced significant legal changes after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The neighboring state of Ohio did have trigger laws go into effect.
What Does the End of Roe v. Wade Mean for Pennsylvania?
With Roe v. Wade now overturned, this means more power is in the hands of PA state legislators to decide any changes regarding abortion laws.
Pennsylvania’s current governor, Governor Wolf, will soon reach the end of his term. The upcoming gubernatorial election for a new governor will take place on November 8, 2022. This election will decide the next governor, which could impact abortion laws in Pennsylvania depending on the governor’s stance.
What Types of Abortion Are Legal in PA?
Both medical abortion and surgical abortion are legal in PA before 24 weeks of pregnancy. Medical abortion is only FDA-approved through the first ten weeks of pregnancy. After, an abortion provider may recommend surgical abortion.
Two Safety Precautions Before Abortion
If you are considering abortion in Pennsylvania, you should protect your reproductive health by first taking these safety precautions.
- Receive an Ultrasound Scan
An ultrasound scan will give you additional details about your pregnancy. It will tell you how far along you are and if your pregnancy is ectopic (located outside the uterus). An abortion will not treat an ectopic pregnancy, which can turn into a life-threatening condition if left untreated. It’s best to detect and treat this type of pregnancy as soon as possible.
- STI/STD Testing & Treatment
It’s critical to have STI testing and any necessary treatment prior to abortion. This is because abortion disturbs the normal barrier formed by the cervix and can lead to spreading the existing STI further into the reproductive system. This can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause lasting damage.
Free Services at Bright Hope Pregnancy Support Centers
In addition to caring pregnancy support, Bright Hope Pregnancy Support Centers provides both ultrasounds and STI testing at no cost to you! Contact us to schedule an appointment.
We’re here to serve you!
