Know the Facts: Abortion in Arizona

Is Abortion Legal in Arizona?

• Abortions are legal in Arizona until the 15th week of pregnancy. All abortions must be administered in person by medical doctors.
• The abortion pill can be used until the 10th week of pregnancy (LMP).

This page addresses abortion questions such as:

• Can You Get an Abortion in Arizona?
• How Late Can You Get an Abortion in Arizona?
• Is Abortion Illegal in Arizona?

⚖️ Wondering whether to get an abortion? Take the Abortion Test.

Can You Get an Abortion in Arizona?

Arizona state legislation has set  parameters  under which abortion is permitted:

Time Limit

• Abortion is legal in Arizona until the 15th week of pregnancy LMP (counting from the first day of the last menstrual period).
  
• Extensions beyond 15 weeks are made on a case-by-case basis:
  •  When the continuation of the pregnancy puts the mother's health at serious risk of irreversible physical impairment.
  • Abortions are always permitted to save the mother's life. 

Medical Requirements

• Only medical doctors may perform abortions in Arizona.
• A pre-abortion ultrasound is required with the option to see the images.

Location

• Two trips must be made to the abortion clinic: During the first visit, a mandatory counseling session takes place, followed by a 24-hour waiting period. The abortion can only be performed or the abortion pill dispensed after this stipulation is met.
• Telehealth Abortions are not available in Arizona.

Parental Consent
Parental consent is needed for minors pursuing an abortion in Arizona.

Informed Consent

• A pre-abortion consultation appointment is required in Arizona to ensure informed consent. Advice during this mandated informational meeting may include details about the abortion procedure, pain management, fetal development, abortion alternatives, and abortion pill reversal.
• The informed consent regulation has been implemented to protect women from forced abortions and to help her make a decision that corresponds to her values and intuitions.

ℹ️ For more information, go to Is Abortion Legal? 

How Late Can You Get an Abortion in Arizona?

Abortion is available in Arizona until 15 weeks LMP. The first day of the last menstrual period, aka LMP, is considered the first day of pregnancy. 

• The abortion pill can be used until the 10th week of pregnancy (LMP). This time-window is federally mandated for all US states because the risk of complications increases exponentially if used beyond this point.
• Vacuum aspiration is the primary surgical abortion method used until the 16th week of pregnancy.
• 98% of abortions after 16 weeks gestation are performed by dilation and evacuation (D&E). At this point, the fetus has become too large to be suctioned out and would have to be extracted by forceps.

📅 Unsure how far along you are? Use our Pregnancy Tracker to find out! 

ℹ️ For more information, go to:

• How Late Can You Get an Abortion?
• The Abortion Pill
• Late-Term Abortion

Is Abortion Illegal in Arizona?

Abortion is illegal in Arizona outside of the legal parameters.

• Anyone who performs an illegal abortion or persuades someone to have an abortion can expect a prison sentence of two to five years.
• Self-inducing an abortion without the aid of a medical provider is illegal in Arizona. This law was established with the health of women in mind. Most homemade abortion methods carry higher risks, making them unsafe. The concern for the safety of the mother is of the highest priority.

• Could I Force a Miscarriage? — Test
• 🚪 At-Home Abortion — Is it for me?
• 🛤 Could an abortion affect me long term? Quiz

ℹ️ For more information, go to:

• Can I Get Punished for an Abortion?
• Coerced Abortion
• Secret Abortion

I Need an Abortion in Arizona — Now What?

Hopefully, our page addressed some of your practical questions about abortion in Arizona. Perhaps your concerns go beyond the need for information. You may have recently found out you are pregnant, bringing your heart to a standstill while your mind races on.

We are here for you as you navigate your next steps! If you are deliberating whether to have an abortion, you are invited to participate in our weeklong Decision Coaching sessions. This includes a free daily email for seven days, with thought-provoking ideas and stories of how other pregnant women have dealt with this challenging situation.

👉 Click here for more information and prompts for signing up!

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