How Late Can You Have An Abortion In California?

Is it legal to get a medical abortion in California or Is it a crime? All the appreciation goes to the Supreme Court’s landmark decision. They provide the legal right to women to make decisions about their own reproductive lives.

Besides, some states, including abortion clinics in California do place some restrictions on women to terminate a pregnancy. Collecting more details on abortion in California shows that it is legal only in some limited cases that we read about in the following paragraphs. But, there is no objection when it comes to protecting a woman’s life during a complicated pregnancy.

Medical Abortion in California

Abortion is defined as a medical treatment that induces termination of pregnancy or to get rid of serious complications while producing a live birth. The abortion process has been legalized in the state since the second half of the 20th century. California is the very first state in the country that legalized abortion under Therapeutic Abortion Act. Yet, abortion would be allowed only if it seems harmful to a woman’s mental or physical health, otherwise the hospital committee would refuse the request.

As time flies, in the early 1970s, the only restriction on women was to get an abortion done under a doctor’s assistance in a hospital. Not only this but also the state continues to expand safety for abortion-seeking women.  At present, there are very few limitations on the woman’s abortion protection procedure.

Medical and Surgical Abortion

Concisely, abortion pills are consumed in the earliest weeks of pregnancy in medical abortion cases, whereas, surgical abortion is considered the most in California for safe and protective termination of pregnancy. Surgical abortion gives less pain and bleeding during the procedure as compared to medical abortion.

How late you can get an abortion entirely depends on your state’s law. However, in general:

• You can use abortion pills up to 11 weeks after you miss your period.

• In surgical or in-clinic abortion, you have a time of 24 weeks (or later in a few cases).

Do I Have An Abortion Right In California?

There is no doubt that pregnant women in California have the fundamental right to choose to have an abortion at the present time. You have no need to give a reason or medical justification. Also, this right of yours is protected under California’s constitution and state law.

After the point of viability, California limits abortions. In this situation, the physician determines on a medical faith judgment that there is no need for extraordinary medical measures. Further, abortions can only be performed if a physician determines that continuing pregnancy can risk the health and life of a pregnant woman.

However, the determinations are different person-to-person, their individuality and situation.

When Can Women Get An Abortion Treatment In An Abortion Clinic in California?

In California, women have the right to get an abortion in some cases that are mentioned below:

• Firstly, she can get an abortion up until the fetus becomes viable.

• Secondly, the fetus is viable between the 22nd and 24th weeks of gestation.

• Thirdly, In the case of the threat of pregnancy, post-viability is also performed to save the mother’s life or health.

Is Abortion Legal For Minors In California?

Of course, it is legal for those under 18. Even minors don’t require any permission from their parents or guardian to terminate the pregnancy. However, the restrictions apply to minors who are not emancipated. In this situation, she must have to submit written consent from one of her parents or a court order in her favor.

What If I Am Not A California Resident…

There is no need to worry if you are not a native of California, you can come here to have an abortion. This state allows you to travel and receive an abortion here even if you live elsewhere. On the other hand, there are some states who may impose civil or criminal penalties against people for supporting this. California is always open for people who are seeking abortions even if they belong to a state or country that bans abortions.

Who Performs An Abortion In California?

If we see a decade back, women can get an abortion done only in a hospital by a licensed doctor. But, nowadays, things are changed, and abortions are handled legally by any medical professional in an abortion clinic in Los Angeles with specialized training and approval, including:

• Physicians

• Surgeons

• Nurse-midwives

• Physician Assistants

• Nurse Practitioners

Can I use telehealth to get a medication abortion?

Yes, you can, but there may be some restrictions that you may have to follow to access the telehealth medication.

California health centers offer medication abortion for abortion and miscarriage care. You can get through telehealth or in-person.

What Kind of support can I request during an abortion in a disability situation?

People with disabilities have the right to get the support of another person to request reasonable accommodation during an abortion. In addition, individuals with hearing disabilities also have the right to request sign language interpreting or aids and services from abortion providers in California.

Connect With Her Smart Choice If You Need Any Legal Advice

In the above paragraphs, you may already get to know much about the abortion procedure in California. Still, if you have any questions about abortion law in California? Feel free to reach Her Smart Choice for an appropriate and clear consultation with our legal team. We know the sensitivity of this topic and will guide you accordingly about the rights you have and how you can proceed with them. Connect with us for more detailed information on a particular abortion case.