Maryland is leading the way in innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by patients seeking abortion care in states where restrictions have made access difficult. With abortion now restricted or illegal in 22 states, Maryland has become a destination for patients from all over the country, including neighboring states like West Virginia and as far as Texas.
The Baltimore Abortion Fund, with a staff of six, plays a crucial role in helping patients cover the expenses of traveling for abortion care. The fund assists patients with bus or plane tickets, lodging in Maryland, and sometimes meals, spending about a million dollars annually on this support. However, the demand for assistance has been overwhelming, with the fund often depleting its weekly allotment within just a few days.
To address this challenge, the Maryland Legislature has tapped into a fund established under the Affordable Care Act. This fund, which collects a minimum fee of $1 per month from insurance plans sold on the ACA marketplaces, has accumulated millions of dollars over the years. Maryland has passed a new law that allows the state health department to allocate up to $2.5 million annually in grants to organizations offering abortion assistance, using the funds to support traveling patients, low-income individuals in Maryland, or those without insurance.
Clinics like Partners in Abortion Care in College Park, Maryland, provide essential services to patients in need of abortion care, including those coming from out of state. With financial assistance from abortion funds, many patients can access the care they need, especially for more complex and expensive procedures.
The increase in patients seeking abortion care in Maryland underscores the importance of ensuring access to affordable and safe reproductive health services. Maryland’s initiative to utilize the ACA fund sets a precedent for other states facing similar challenges, offering a model that can be replicated to support patients in need across the country.
While the new law has faced opposition from anti-abortion groups, supporters emphasize the importance of ensuring that all individuals have access to necessary healthcare services, regardless of their financial situation or where they reside. By leveraging existing resources and partnerships, Maryland is paving the way for improved access to abortion care and reproductive health services for all individuals.
This article is a collaboration with WYPR and NPR, highlighting the efforts of Maryland to address the growing demand for abortion care and support patients in need.
