Abortion in Connecticut
Yes, Abortion is Legal
Yes, abortion is legal in Connecticut. However, abortion is restricted in Connecticut and other states.
Restrictions on Abortion Access
Viability Restriction
Right now, abortion is legal in Connecticut until “viability,” which is the stage of pregnancy when a fetus has developed enough that it is able to survive outside the uterus with medical help.
When viability happens depends on how the fetus is developing and can be different for every pregnancy. To figure out how far along you are in pregnancy, count from the first day of your last period.
No Mandatory Waiting Period
Many states require a pregnant person to attend a counseling session and then wait for a specified amount of time before returning to the health center for their abortion appointment.
Connecticut does not require you to attend a counseling session or go through a waiting period before getting an abortion.
No Parental Consent Required
Parental involvement is not required in Connecticut. If you’re younger than 18, you can consent to an abortion and do not have to notify your parents.
Getting an Abortion in Connecticut
Before Viability
No Restrictions
If your pregnancy has not reached “viability,” it is legal for you to get an abortion in Connecticut.
After Viability
Exceptions to Save the Mother’s Life/Health
Exceptions that may allow you to get an abortion in Connecticut after viability (the stage of pregnancy when a fetus has developed enough that it is able to survive outside the uterus with medical help)
Connecticut Abortion Laws Overview
No Waiting Period
Many states require a pregnant person to attend a counseling session and then wait for a specified amount of time before returning to the health center for their abortion appointment.
Connecticut does not require you to attend a counseling session or go through a waiting period before getting an abortion.
No Parental Involvement
Minors Can Consent
Parental involvement is not required in Connecticut. If you’re younger than 18, you can consent to an abortion and do not have to notify your parents.
Legal Until Viability
Determining Viability
Abortion in Connecticut is legal until “viability.” Viability is the stage of pregnancy when a fetus has developed enough that it is able to survive outside the uterus with medical help. When it happens depends on how the fetus is developing and can be different for every pregnancy. A health care provider can determine whether a pregnancy has reached viability.
Provider Gestational Limits
Abortion providers vary in how many weeks into pregnancy they provide services. Check pregnancy stage limits with each abortion provider.
Getting an Abortion Out-of-State
Leaving Connecticut
You can leave Connecticut and get an abortion out of state.
Finding an Abortion Provider
Search Tool for Abortion Providers
Use our abortion provider search to find a provider. If you’re having trouble getting an appointment or need other help related to getting an abortion, call the NAF (National Abortion Federation) Hotline at 1-800-772-9100.
Financial and Logistical Support
Assistance Organizations
National Abortion Federation Hotline
A variety of assistance resources are available depending on where you’re located. These organizations may offer one or all of the following: funding for your abortion, support for travel, childcare, lodging, and more. Please note that most require you to have scheduled an appointment before you can start applying for assistance.
If you schedule an appointment out of state, you can also try to search for assistance in the state where your appointment will be.
Abortion Funds
Find Funding & Support
Conclusion
Getting an abortion in Connecticut is relatively accessible compared to other states, with no mandatory waiting period or parental consent requirements. However, the main restriction is that abortions can only be performed up until fetal viability, which will vary depending on each individual pregnancy.
There are exceptions after viability mainly to protect the life and health of the mother. Minors also have the right to get an abortion without involving their parents.
If accessing care in Connecticut is difficult, you may consider traveling out of state with the help of national organizations that provide logistical and financial assistance.
Overall the legal landscape around abortion in CT aims to balance access while still allowing certain restrictions deemed permissible by the Supreme Court. The climate could rapidly change depending on federal and state level political shifts.
FAQs
What week does Connecticut restrict abortion?
- Connecticut restricts most abortions after fetal viability, which will vary for each pregnancy but is determined by a health provider. Many clinics stop providing abortions earlier than viability.
Do you have to be a certain age to get an abortion in Connecticut without parental consent?
- No, minors of any age can consent to an abortion in CT without involving parents or guardians.
Is a waiting period required before getting an abortion in CT?
- No, Connecticut does not impose a mandatory reflection period or waiting time between initial consult and abortion procedure.
Are later abortions allowed in CT if the mother’s life is at risk?
- Yes, after viability abortions are permitted in cases where carrying the pregnancy to term poses a risk to the life or health of the mother.
Can I travel from another state to get an abortion in Connecticut?
- Yes, there are no laws prohibiting people from out of state coming to CT to access abortion services.