Maryland and Abortion

Jeanette E. Sherbondy • September 13, 2022


National and State Laws

When the Supreme Court handed down its recent decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, it handed back decision-making on abortion to individual states, saying that “the authority to regulate abortion is returned to the people and their elected representatives.” Fortunately, the Maryland legislature has chosen to keep abortion legal in this state.

 

The Supreme Court decision does not acknowledge the strong public opinion in favor of abortion. A large majority of Americans support abortion and have supported it since at least 1989. A Gallup poll in May found that 35% of American adults believe abortion should be legal under any circumstances, 50% believe abortion should be legal under certain circumstances, and only 13% believe abortion should be illegal in all circumstances. The Pew Research Center found in their polling of adults in Maryland that 64% thought abortion should be legal and 33% thought it should be illegal.

 

Even before the Dobbs decision, between 2011 and 2019 there was a national increase in abortion restrictions by various states, including, according to the Guttmacher Institute, parental notification or consent requirements for minors, limitations on public funding, mandated counseling and waiting periods, and “unnecessary and overly burdensome regulations on abortion facilities.” Maryland has opted to expand abortion access rather than restrict it.

 

Maryland Laws on Abortion

Maryland ranks high among the states that deferred to medical guidance for formulating its abortion legislation. Maryland law has protected the right to have an abortion ever since 1992.

 

As of July 14, 2022, the state prohibits abortions after the fetus is viable, defined as “when, in a doctor’s best medical judgment, there is a reasonable likelihood of the fetus’ sustained survival outside the womb.” Legal abortions in Maryland are those performed “before the fetus is viable, or at anytime where termination procedure is necessary to protect the life or health of the woman, or if the fetus is affected by serious genetic defect/abnormality.”

 

The penalty for an unlawful abortion does not apply to a qualified provider “if the decision to abort was made in good faith and in best medical judgment.”

 

Furthermore, the state legislature passed the Maryland Care Access Act in April this year, to allow a broad range of healthcare workers — nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and physician assistants — to perform abortions, and allocate $3.5 million dollars to a new program, the Abortion Care Clinical Training Program, within the Maryland Department of Health, to train healthcare workers.

 

This bill requires the majority of health insurance plans, including private health insurance plans, to cover abortions cost free. This measure covers the costs of abortions because the federal government restructured Title X funds so that they could not be used for abortion services.

 

The Maryland legislation was enacted with a gubernatorial veto override; Gov. Larry Hogan has refused to release the allocated funds, opting to wait until the legislation requires their release in the next fiscal year.

 

Some Abortion Facts

The Guttmacher Institute lists some facts and trends surrounding abortion on the national as well as state level:

  • Many legal abortions are performed across a broad cross-section of people in the United States, but abortion decreased by 8% between 2014 and 2017.
  • In Maryland there was a 7% increase in the abortion rate, though not all abortions that occurred in Maryland were provided to state residents. On the other hand, some Maryland residents may have traveled to another state for an abortion.
  • In 2017 there were 1,587 facilities providing abortion in the U.S. That represents a decrease in facilities since 2014. Most abortions nationally were provided at clinics and only 3% at hospitals and 1% in physicians’ offices.
  • In Maryland there were 44 facilities providing abortions in 2017, but 71% of Maryland counties had no clinics that provided abortions and 29% of Maryland women lived in those counties.
  • Nationally, 89% of U.S. counties had no clinics providing abortions. About 38% of reproductive age women lived in those counties. Of patients who had an abortion in 2014, one-third had to travel more than 25 miles one-way to reach a facility.
  • Medication abortion now accounts for more than half of all U.S. abortions.

 

In summary, Maryland is moderately well-equipped with abortion facilities, in comparison to the nation. Although there is no clinic in most of the counties, abortion by telephone consult and mailing a pill is available statewide. There is no clinic for surgical abortions on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

 

Maryland offers legal abortions to women from out-of-state, and abortion providers in the state are foreseeing an increase in demand due to abortion restrictions enacted in many other states. In response, many abortion providers in the state are implementing plans to expand services. Depending on what some other state legislatures do, Maryland could end up being the southernmost state where abortion is legal, and thus become the closest haven for abortion access for many people from southern states where abortion is restricted. The Maryland Care Access Act, originally passed to make it easier for Marylanders to access abortions, will eventually help Maryland abortion providers offer services to people from out-of-state as well.

 

 

Sources:

“Where Do Americans Stand on Abortion?” Lydia Saad, Gallup News.

https://news.gallup.com/poll/321143/americans-stand-abortion.aspx

 

“Views about abortion among adults in Maryland,” Pew Research Center.

https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/religious-landscape-study/state/maryland/views-about-abortion/

 

“State Facts about Abortion: Maryland,” June 2022, Guttmacher Institute.

https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/2015/state-facts-about-abortion-maryland

 

“Maryland House passes abortion rights constitution amendment,” Brian White, March 11, 2022, AP News.

https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-us-supreme-court-maryland-constitutions-constitutional-amendments-e8028780a828a84b4768dac4061c7c6a

 

Maryland Abortion Law, FindLaw.

https://www.findlaw.com/state/maryland-law/maryland-abortion-laws.html

 

 

Jeanette E. Sherbondy is a retired anthropology professor from Washington College and has lived here since 1986. In retirement she has been active with the Kent County Historical Society and Sumner Hall, one of the organizers of Legacy Day, and helped get highway /historical markers recognizing Henry Highland Garnet. She published an article on her ethnohistorical research of the free Black village, Morgnec.


Common Sense for the Eastern Shore

Health of His Constituents is Apparently Not a Priority for Rep. Dr. Andy Harris

By Jan Plotczyk • October 8, 2025
The Republican Congress and President Trump are causing a health care crisis and Democrats are trying to fix it. Passed in July, the GOP budget reconciliation bill is drastically cutting health insurance programs to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Rep. Andrew P. Harris (R-MD01) voted for the budget reconciliation bill. He voted, knowing that his vote would mean that health care costs would rise for 25,000 of his constituents in Maryland’s First Congressional District:

Judge Denies Trump Administration’s Attempt to Stall Maryland Offshore Wind Case Amid Federal Shutdown

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
 Efforts by the Trump administration to delay a critical court case over Maryland’s offshore wind project have failed, marking another setback in the president’s campaign to block renewable energy development along the East Coast. On Oct. 2, U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie Gallagher denied a motion filed by the Department of Justice to pause an ongoing lawsuit involving US Wind’s proposed 114-turbine wind farm off Ocean City. The administration had argued that the federal government’s shutdown prevents its attorneys from continuing the case. The judge’s swift rejection ensures that the litigation and progress on one of Maryland’s most significant clean energy projects will continue. Initially filed by Ocean City officials and a small group of residents nearly a year ago, the suit challenges the federal approval of US Wind’s project, which would deliver enough clean electricity to power more than 700,000 homes. Under the Biden administration, the federal government had defended the project in partnership with US Wind. That stance was reversed after Trump took office earlier this year and installed officials hostile to offshore wind. In September, the Trump administration filed a separate motion seeking to vacate federal approval for the Maryland project altogether, a move widely condemned by environmental advocates, labor groups, and business leaders who see offshore wind as a cornerstone of Maryland’s energy and economic future. US Wind responded forcefully to the shutdown motion, warning the court that the administration’s attempts to delay proceedings could allow it to undermine the project’s approval behind the scenes quietly. The company argued that halting the case would create “existential risks” for the future of Maryland’s offshore wind industry. Judge Gallagher agreed that the case should move forward, setting the next status hearing for Oct. 7. The Trump administration’s repeated efforts to obstruct offshore wind development come as Maryland and other states have invested heavily in building the infrastructure, workforce, and port facilities needed to anchor the growing clean energy industry. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has championed the sector as a key driver for well-paying jobs and long-term economic resilience for the Eastern Shore. Supporters of US Wind point out that the project will bring over $1 billion in investment to Maryland, generate thousands of construction and maintenance jobs, and help deliver cleaner, more affordable energy to homes and businesses across the region. “Offshore wind isn’t just about turbines, it’s about jobs, innovation, and independence,” one clean energy advocate said after the ruling. “Every delay costs working Marylanders opportunity, and this decision ensures progress continues.” While the broader lawsuit over the project’s approval is ongoing, the latest ruling represents a clear win for those fighting to keep Maryland’s offshore wind future on track — and a blow to Trump’s attempt to turn back the clock on clean energy.

Should We Pin Our Hopes on Mid-Cycle Redistricting in MD-01?

By Jan Plotczyk • October 8, 2025
Maryland has eight congressional districts, and the seats for all but District 01 are filled by Democrats. As we well know, the First District representative is a Republican — Andrew P. Harris. Here’s what Maryland’s congressional district map is now.

Megan Outten Kicks Off Wicomico County Council District 7 Campaign with Packed Crowd and Strong Early Momentum

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
With standing room only at Salisbury’s Historic Poplar Hill Mansion, and blending policy, community service, and grassroots energy, Megan Outten launched her campaign for Wicomico County Council District 7 before almost 100 supporters on Oct. 4. The event drew community residents, labor leaders, and local officials, many of whom also helped to pack nearly 300 care kits for Wicomico residents in need. The community service effort doubled as a campaign statement about what Outten calls “choosing connection over convenience.” District 7 is one of Wicomico’s newly drawn single-member districts, with a Democratic advantage of 7.7%. Outten recalled her family’s history of service in Fruitland and Salisbury. “Service isn’t just politics in my family,” she said. “It’s how you belong to a place. It’s how you prove you care.” She pointed to the county’s landfill crisis, water and septic system failures, and school underfunding as examples of leadership that reacts rather than plans. “This is what happens when leaders only react after things break,” she said. “It costs us more. It hurts families. It robs our kids of the future they deserve.” Outten was joined by several local leaders who offered strong endorsements and reflections on her record. AFSCME Local 3 Eastern Shore representative Jack Hughes praised her leadership on the Salisbury City Council, crediting her with helping pass the Eastern Shore’s first municipal labor code, a significant win for city workers and first responders. Councilman Josh Hastings, who represents the district and is running for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 38B, said Outten would be “crucial in carrying forward the progress we’ve made” on clean water, schools, and infrastructure planning. Whitney Snowden-Olanrewaju from Blending Cultures, a non-profit organization that promotes diversity and equality, spoke about Outten’s record of community inclusion and bridge-building across diverse groups. Outten’s campaign is expected to roll out additional endorsements in the coming weeks. In her speech, she outlined a platform focused on fully funding schools, investing in infrastructure before it fails, and ensuring that county government works for everyone. “This campaign is not mine,” she told the crowd. “It’s ours. I am not standing above you. I am standing with you. And together, we will put Wicomico families first.” With enthusiasm, endorsements, and her message that’s focused on service and accountability, Outten’s kickoff reinforced that District 7 is already shaping up to have a strong favorite in 2026.

Community Rallies After Theft of Car Containing Hundreds of Care Kits for Wicomico Residents in Need

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
An act of inhumanity in Salisbury has sparked an outpouring of compassion. Early on Oct. 5, community organizer Jared Schablein’s car was stolen from his backyard. Inside the vehicle were hundreds of care kits assembled just days earlier during Megan Outten’s Wicomico County Council District 7 campaign kickoff event. Packed by volunteers at Salisbury’s Poplar Hill Mansion, the kits contained feminine hygiene products, socks, and toiletries meant for Wicomico County residents facing housing insecurity. “Those kits were meant for neighbors in need,” said Schablein. “If nothing else, I hope whoever took them returns them. Getting those care kits to the folks who need them matters more to me than anything else.” Schablein and Outten have turned the theft into action, launching a new effort called the “Care Kits Comeback Drive.” The event, scheduled for Oct. 12 at 2pm at Poplar Hill Mansion, aims to replace every lost kit, and more. Volunteers are asked to bring or donate items such as sanitary wipes, socks, toothpaste, period products, and underwear. Donations will support the Wicomico County Library, Help and Outreach Point of Entry, and other local service organizations. In announcing the new drive, Schablein emphasized the deeper meaning behind the effort: “When acts of inhumanity happen, the best response is acts of humanity. We’re showing that Salisbury’s compassion can’t be stolen.” Despite the setback, organizers say community support has been overwhelming. Donations began arriving within hours of the announcement, and several local groups have offered to distribute supplies once the new kits are complete. The theft is still under investigation by the Salisbury Police Department. As one volunteer put it at the last event, “Community isn’t guaranteed, it’s built.” This Sunday, Salisbury will build it again.

Momentum Builds to Save Connelly Mill Park: Community Leaders and State Officials Unite Around Vision for Wicomico’s “Central Park”

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
What began as a grassroots campaign to preserve a parcel of local land has become one of the most inspiring community movements on the Eastern Shore. Led by residents James and Mikele Dahlen and Holly Campbell, alongside dozens of volunteers, the Save Connelly Mill Park effort reached a significant milestone last week as Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Josh Kurtz toured the site with local and state officials to explore opportunities for partnership and permanent protection. On Sept. 23, citizens gathered at Connelly Mill Park with a delegation of state and county leaders, including Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, Del. Barry Beauchamp, County Council President John Cannon, Vice President Jeff Merritt, Councilman James Winn, and local municipal representatives from Delmar and Salisbury. The tour marked the strongest signal to date that the state may play an active role in turning the park’s long-promised vision into reality. Advocates for Save Connelly Mill Park presented Kurtz with a booklet outlining the site’s environmental, historical, and economic importance. The presentation highlighted Connelly Mill’s potential to become a keystone of Wicomico’s park system — protecting the Paleochannel aquifer, preserving wildlife habitats, and providing much-needed green space for recreation and community gathering. Located just five miles from Salisbury, the 234-acre property has rolling forest, wetlands, and unique topography that advocates say could one day make it the “Central Park of Wicomico County.” “The natural beauty of Connelly Mill spoke for itself,” said one organizer after the event. “What we have here is not just land, it’s a promise to future generations.” Adding to the momentum, the community’s advocacy materials were presented directly to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore the next day at the Tawes Crab and Clam Bake in Crisfield, where he was briefed on the citizens’ efforts and growing local support. The proposed park would provide walking trails, open space for families, and educational opportunities while safeguarding vital water resources and promoting mental, physical, and social well-being for county residents. For many, the movement to save Connelly Mill has come to represent more than just one park. It’s about accountability, long-term planning, and ensuring public commitments to community spaces are kept. “We’re not out of the woods yet,” the group shared in a recent update. “But the spotlight is on Connelly Mill, and the momentum is growing.” As the state evaluates whether to designate Connelly Mill as a Partnership Park, supporters say they will continue to meet with officials and rally community engagement to ensure this once-forgotten project finally fulfills its promise. If realized, Connelly Mill would not only protect vital natural resources — it would stand as testament to what determined citizens can build when they refuse to give up.
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