Can I travel outside of West Virginia for an abortion?
First off, it’s important to know that traveling outside of your state for abortion care is a completely legal option. Just like when you go to Las Vegas to gamble legally in Nevada, you are free to travel and obtain abortion care in states with less restrictions.
If you live in West Virginia and are considering traveling to Virginia, Maryland or Washington DC for abortion care, carafem is here to welcome you with compassionate, convenient, and non-judgemental care on the other side of the border. Check out this blog for more information about traveling for online abortion care.
Abortion Laws in West Virginia
West Virginia began enforcing a total ban on abortion in 2022. There are limited exceptions to its complete ban on abortion, but the reality is that very few people are actually able to access abortion care through these supposed exceptions. The state prohibits abortion at all stages of pregnancy unless it is a case of a “nonmedically viable fetus, ectopic pregnancy, or medical emergency.” Survivors of rape and incest can elect for an abortion up to eight weeks, but only if they have first reported the incident to law enforcement.
The large majority of pregnant people in West Virginia are unfortunately left with traveling to a nearby state as their only choice for legal abortion care. Luckily, there are options in nearby states like Virginia and Maryland, but make sure to check abortion laws and requirements in your destination state so you can be prepared. You can also watch for any updates or changes to these laws using Abortion Finder’s guide to abortion laws in West Virginia.
Traveling to Maryland for Abortion Care
In Maryland, abortion is legal up until a fetus has reached “viability,” which often happens when you’re around 24 weeks pregnant. That means you are typically covered in the early stages of pregnancy. At carafem, you can receive abortion pill care up to 10 weeks and in-office care up to 11 weeks from your last missed period. If you travel to Maryland for abortion care you will not need to endure a waiting period, view an ultrasound, or listen to a state-sponsored lecture filled with misinformation.
carafem’s Washington D.C. metro location and online care welcomes any and all out-of-state visitors regardless of their state of residency, sexual orientation, background, immigration status, or race.
Traveling to Virginia for Abortion Care
In Virginia, abortion is legal up to 26 weeks, and in 2020 the state even repealed requirements for a waiting period and biased counseling session, making access to abortion easier and more convenient. Virginia is much more open to abortion, making it an ideal place to travel for care from West Virginia.
In Virginia, carafem offers immediate evaluation care with 24/7 medical support from our virtual abortion care assistant. There is no appointment required, but you will need to be present in the state to complete our online evaluation, mail your medication, and to take your abortion medication.
Abortion Care Options for West Virginians
Immediate Evaluations
carafem’s Immediate Evaluation service does not require an appointment. When in Virginia or Maryland, complete our online form and provide us with a mailing address in those states where we can ship your medications. The medications arrive in 1-4 business days, and you receive 24/7 medical support from our virtual abortion care assistant. This option costs $0-225 depending on your eligibility for financial aid. You will be able to apply for financial aid on our online form.
carafem can mail your medications to an address in the state you select for your online care — including a friend’s house or a delivery service pickup location. Rest assured, our package is very discreet — no one will know where your package is coming from or what it’s for.
Need an interpreter or want to see if you qualify for additional funding? It’s easy — just call us at 1-855-SAY-CARA to get started.
In-office Appointments
No matter what state you reside in, you can rely on carafem to provide compassionate, convenient, and affordable abortion care in our health center located in Chevy Chase, MD near the metro area of Washington D.C.
Feel free to make an appointment for an in-office procedure or abortion pill appointment at our office. At this office, you may also be able to use your health insurance, and if you have active Medicaid in West Virginia, you can receive a $50 discount on your care.
Get Help with Travel Costs for An Abortion Out of State
carafem offers financial assistance for low-income travelers in Maryland and Virginia. If you’re traveling from out of state to receive abortion care you may be eligible for a low-income discount.
