Abortion State Constitutional Amendments in Maryland

1. Does Maryland protect the right to abortion in its state constitution?


No, Maryland does not protect the right to abortion in its state constitution. However, the state does ensure that Medicaid covers abortion services and prohibits discrimination based on reproductive health decisions.

2. Does Maryland have an amendment in its state constitution that recognizes the right to an abortion?


No, Maryland does not have an amendment in its state constitution that recognizes the right to an abortion.

3. Does Maryland have any restrictions on abortion in its state constitution?


Yes. Maryland has restrictions on abortion set out in its state constitution. The state constitution prohibits the use of public funds to pay for an abortion, unless the procedure is necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman or her unborn child. The constitution also restricts the regulation of abortion providers and prohibits the use of state funds to fund abortions, except when necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman or her unborn child.

4. Does Maryland have a state constitutional amendment that specifically prohibits abortion?


No, Maryland does not have a state constitutional amendment that specifically prohibits abortion.

5. Is there an amendment to the Maryland state constitution that allows or prohibits abortions?


There is not an amendment to the Maryland state constitution that explicitly allows or prohibits abortions. However, the Maryland state constitution does contain a “right to privacy” clause that has been interpreted by the state court system to provide a right to abortion.

6. Is there any language in the Maryland state constitution that deals with the issue of abortion?


No, there is no language in the Maryland state constitution that deals with the issue of abortion.

7. Does the Maryland state constitution provide for the right to access an abortion?


No, the Maryland State Constitution does not provide for the right to access an abortion. However, abortion is legal in Maryland and is protected by the U.S. Constitution.

8. Does the Maryland state constitution allow for restrictions on abortion access?


Yes, the Maryland state constitution does allow for restrictions on abortion access. In the state of Maryland, it is legal to have an abortion up to viability of the fetus, except in cases where the life of the mother is in danger. However, restrictions may be imposed on abortions after the first trimester. These restrictions can include requiring a waiting period before an abortion can be performed, parental consent for minors, and/or a ban on certain types of abortions.

9. Is there language in the Maryland state constitution that specifically addresses the right to choose or reject an abortion?


No, there is no language in the Maryland state constitution that specifically addresses the right to choose or reject an abortion.

10. Is there language in the Maryland state constitution that specifically addresses the regulation of abortion services?


No, there is no language in the Maryland state constitution that specifically addresses the regulation of abortion services. However, the state has a series of laws and regulations that govern abortion services in the state.

11. Does the Maryland state constitution include provisions for exceptions to laws regulating or restricting access to abortions?


No, the Maryland state constitution does not include provisions for exceptions to laws regulating or restricting access to abortions. However, the state legislature has passed laws allowing for certain exceptions in certain cases. For example, Maryland law permits abortions in cases where the mother’s life or health is at risk, or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.

12. Are there any constitutional amendments in Maryland that address restrictions or prohibitions on abortion access?


Yes. The Maryland Constitution, Article 24, Section 11, prohibits the State from spending funds for abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the pregnant woman. It also states that no laws may be passed that would restrict a woman’s right to obtain an abortion prior to viability or when necessary to preserve her life or health.

13. Does Maryland have a constitutional amendment recognizing fetal personhood rights?


No, Maryland does not have a constitutional amendment recognizing fetal personhood rights.

14. Does Maryland have a constitutional amendment protecting the health and safety of those seeking abortions?


Yes, Maryland’s Constitution does include a provision that protects the health and safety of those seeking abortions. The amendment, which was added in 1992, states that no law may be passed which would deny or interfere with any person’s right to abortion services.

15. Is there any language in the Maryland state constitution that deals with parental consent requirements for obtaining abortions?


Yes. According to the Maryland Constitution, “No abortion may be performed in this State unless, prior to the abortion, the woman upon whom the abortion is to be performed has given her voluntary and informed written consent.” The Constitution also states that “a pregnant minor shall obtain the informed written consent of her parent or guardian prior to the performance of an abortion.”

16. What legal rights do women have in Maryland with regard to abortion-related decisions?


In Maryland, women have the legal right to make decisions related to abortion without interference from their family, partner, or the government. They have the right to access safe and legal abortion services, and a woman’s decision to terminate a pregnancy is respected and protected by law. The law also requires that any facility providing abortion services must offer counseling and information about other options, such as adoption. The abortion must be performed by a licensed physician or, in some cases, a qualified health-care provider.

17. Does the Maryland state constitution provide any protection from discrimination based on reproductive health decisions, including abortion?


Yes. The Maryland Constitution guarantees the right to privacy, which includes the right to make decisions regarding reproductive health care, including abortion. Additionally, several state laws prohibit discrimination based on reproductive health decisions, including abortion.

18. Is there any language in the Maryland state constitution that addresses public funding for abortions or related healthcare services?


Yes. The Maryland Constitution states that: “The State shall not deny or interfere with a woman’s right to choose whether or not to terminate a pregnancy before viability of the fetus, and shall authorize and fund medical assistance for that purpose to the same extent as for any other medical procedure.”

19. Are there any laws or constitutional amendments in Maryland that address late-term abortions or fetal viability standards?


Yes, Maryland has laws that address late-term abortions and fetal viability standards. Under Maryland’s Code, Health-General, Title 20, Subtitle 8, a physician may terminate a pregnancy after the fetus is viable if the abortion is necessary to protect the life or health of the woman. The law also states that the physician must make a “good faith judgment” that the abortion is “medically necessary” and must make reasonable medical efforts to preserve the life of the fetus. Additionally, the Constitution of Maryland guarantees every individual’s right to reproductive privacy. This includes a woman’s right to choose whether or not she will terminate a pregnancy.

20. Is there any language or amendments in the Maryland state constitution regarding informed consent requirements for abortions?


No, there is no language or amendment in the Maryland state constitution regarding informed consent requirements for abortions. However, the state does require that a doctor provide a woman with certain information before performing an abortion, including the name and address of the provider and the risks and alternatives associated with the procedure.