Maryland General Assembly Passes Bill for Greater Access to Abortion Care

Washington, DC – On Tuesday, March 29, the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) voted to protect the right to abortion across the state, passing the Abortion Care Access Act (SB 890/HB 937). This vote marks the first time in 30 years that the MGA has passed legislation specifically intended to protect the right to abortion access statewide.

This bold legislation, sponsored Senator Delores Kelley and Delegate Ariana Kelly will make abortion care more accessible for Marylanders by:

lifting outdated physician-only restrictions so qualified abortion providers can perform the procedure in Maryland
creating a fund for qualified health care practitioners who want to train in abortion care
ensuring that private insurance covers abortion for Marylanders without cost-sharing
and providing equity in abortion care coverage for Marylanders covered by Medicaid

As the oldest and largest provider of reproductive health services in the greater Metropolitan Washington region, including serving Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties, we know that health care should never depend on your zip code or your income. Yet, many Marylanders still lack access to essential abortion care for just these reasons. With the passage of the Abortion Care Access Act of 2022, Marylanders will be better able to access care when in need,” said PPMW President and CEO Dr. Laura Meyers. “As attacks on abortion access in the U.S. have reached an unprecedented level, we know that there is much work to be done, especially to ensure access for those who face systemic barriers to care. Today Maryland is a leader in sending the message that abortion is health care and health care is a human right.

The MGA has proven that this state cannot be complacent and in anticipation of the Supreme Court striking down Roe v. Wade this summer, Maryland must be prepared for people traveling to this state seeking abortion care.

Planned Parenthood and partner organizations remain vigilant in their efforts to protect women’s rights to equitable healthcare. SB 890/ HB 937 is on its way to the governor’s desk in hopes of receiving the administration’s support so that all who seek abortion care in Maryland can have access.