About 33% of women in the US has had or will have an abortion during their child-bearing years. Less than 1% of pregnancy terminations happen after 21 weeks of gestation, so there are even fewer in the third trimester. This guide to third-trimester abortions in New Jersey is designed to help you understand the reasons a patient may need the procedure after 24 weeks, as well as provides important information for anyone considering an abortion at a later term.

Why Do Women Terminate Pregnancies in the Last Trimester?

Based on a study by professor at the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, Katrina Kimport, PhD, who interviewed via phone 28 cisgender women that had an abortion during weeks 24 and 35 of pregnancy, there are two main reasons.

The participants who had a late-term abortion either received new information that affected their decision, or there were barriers to the procedure before they were able to have one.

• New information: For some participants, the new info was simply that they were pregnant. They didn’t know earlier and chose to terminate the pregnancy after finding out.

Those who already knew were provided with details about fetal health they didn’t previously know. For example, one participant was told in her third trimester that her fetus had a major health issue, information that couldn’t have been determined any earlier.

• Barriers: Unfortunately, money is often a barrier for women when it comes to getting the healthcare they need, though not just for abortion. One participant experiencing homelessness at the time they found out they were pregnant didn’t have the money right then to terminate the pregnancy.

In many cases, state laws and other obstacles such as the stigma associated with abortion keep women from getting the care they need. Also, some women are denied abortion services for various reasons.

Thankfully, in New Jersey, women currently have access to abortion throughout gestation, even past 24 weeks. Regardless of the reason for terminating a pregnancy, this is a decision you should be able to make for yourself in collaboration with your women’s health specialist. When it comes to women’s rights, it is absolutely essential that you’re able to have an abortion if you decide that’s what is best for you.

Here’s Your Comprehensive Guide to Third-Trimester Abortions in New Jersey

Funding Your Abortion: Here’s What to Do if You Don’t Have the Money to Pay for Your Procedure

There are multiple resources available to those who require financial assistance. New Jersey Medicaid covers abortions, so your first step is to apply for coverage if you’re eligible.

If you do not qualify, you still have options. AbortionFinder.org has a database of funding and support services, and AbortionFunds.org is another excellent source when it comes to finding financial support.

Limits on Abortion: Know Your Rights in New Jersey Regarding Abortion Laws

New Jersey has its own set of laws and regulations regarding reproductive autonomy, and abortion laws are much less restrictive than most other states. Abortions are legally permissible in New Jersey with no limit on the pregnancy stage.

Minors seeking an abortion in New Jersey do not need parental consent or judicial bypass, a legal process where a judge grants permission for the minor to have the procedure without parental involvement. 

There is no mandatory waiting period or counseling requirement before the abortion procedure.

Currently, New Jersey state law protects patients who come from out of state for abortion services, and recent legislation prohibits state officials from cooperating with other officials in states where abortion laws aim to prosecute patients seeking these services.

The ultimate decision regarding an abortion lies with the individual, and no one can force you into a decision against your will. Staying informed about your rights, the relevant laws, and the support available empowers you to make the best choices for your unique circumstances when it comes to your reproductive rights.

Understand Your Abortion: This is What Happens During a Later Stage Abortion

A late-term abortion, which includes the termination of a pregnancy during the last trimester, is a complex medical procedure. It is rare and usually performed in exceptional circumstances when the life or health of the pregnant person is at serious risk or when the fetus has severe abnormalities incompatible with life.

The specific procedure for a third-trimester abortions varies based on gestational age, the individual’s health, the laws and medical practices of the location where the procedure is performed, and other variables.

One common method used for third-trimester abortions is called dilation and evacuation (D&E). This involves dilating the cervix and removing the fetus and placenta from the uterus using suction and medical instruments.

Another method is induction abortion. In this procedure which often takes place over multiple days, labor is induced to deliver the stillborn fetus after a medication is given to terminate the pregnancy.

Every case is unique, and the decision to proceed with which type of third-trimester abortion is made carefully after a thorough medical evaluation.

Comprehensive Women’s Healthcare is Just a Phone Call Away

If you need more information than provided here in our guide to third-trimester abortion services in New Jersey, or you’d like to learn more about our other abortion services, please call us today at 201.429.9478.

Alternatively, you may request an appointment online for safe, confidential on-site care. We offer abortions up to 24 weeks and provide resources for third-trimester services when needed.