www.nilc.org
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Abortion Access for Immigrants
Updated Sep 22, 2022
Everyone deserves control over their bodies and their futures, regardless of their immigration status.
In many states, abortion remains legal for all, but barriers remain and figuring out how to get care can
be confusing and concerning, especially for people who are undocumented and other non–U.S. citizens.
This resource addresses immigrant-specific concerns and provides information on how to access
abortions. If you are applying for an immigration benefit or have questions about your status, you
should talk with a qualified immigration lawyer.
● If abortion is legal in my state, can I get one even if I'm undocumented? In states where
abortion is legal, undocumented immigrants can receive abortions, and are not disqualified
based on immigration status. Although health care providers may ask about your immigration
status if you want to apply for certain programs like Medicaid, they cannot require you to share
your status to receive an abortion.
● If I get an abortion, will it affect my immigration status or my ability to get my citizenship?
Getting an abortion in a place where it is legal will not affect your immigration status. Neither
you nor your family members will be required to share any information about abortion services
you have received on an immigration or citizenship application. Receiving an abortion in a state
where it is not legal will generally not affect your immigration status, but you should always talk
to an immigration attorney about your individual circumstances.
● Can I travel to another state for an abortion if I am undocumented? Yes, you can travel from
one state to another state to get health care services, including abortions. If you live in a state
where abortion is not legal, you can go to a state where legal abortions are available to get
health care. However, Border Patrol interior checkpoints and agents posted at airports alongside
TSA screeners require lawful status to pass through. Anyone without documents who is at or
near a U.S. international border and needs to travel for health care by land or air should first
consult an immigration attorney and then, if needed, an advocacy organization. Read this guide
for more information. Self-managed medication abortion can be an alternative to traveling, and
more information is included below.
● What do I do if I can’t afford an abortion? You can call your clinic or health center to find out
about the cost of an abortion. Your abortion may be free or low-cost if you have health
insurance, but some insurance plans don’t cover abortions. You can call your insurance provider
directly to ask about your coverage. There may be resources available if you need help paying
for an abortion. Abortion funds are currently available in all 50 states for anyone who needs
help. Abortion funds do not check for immigration status or proof of citizenship. Many funds
also provide support for services like travel and transportation, translation and interpretation
services, lodging, child care payment, and more. Find an abortion fund in your state here.
www.nilc.org
Month XX, XXXX
● Can I get health care, including abortions, in my language? Yes, you have a right to talk to your
doctor and receive abortions or other medical care in a language you can understand (including
through an interpreter).
● What happens if I am undocumented and pregnant, and have a medical emergency? You can
go to a hospital emergency room and get help for a medical emergency, even if you do not have
immigration papers or cannot afford to pay for it. Regardless of state laws, if you are
experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, a hospital emergency room must provide
the basic services necessary to protect your health and safety – even if you are undocumented.
According to the federal government, emergency medical services include necessary miscarriage
management and abortion care in some circumstances. However, this policy is currently being
challenged in federal court. Hospitals can often help you apply for programs to help you pay for
emergency care, whether you have immigration papers or not.
● Is it safe to seek health care if I am undocumented? Usually, yes. Immigration enforcement
agencies are not allowed to engage in enforcement activity at hospitals, medical offices, and
other "protected areas” except in very rare circumstances. If you live in or near a border area,
checkpoints and other enforcement can create barriers to traveling for health care. If you live in
these areas, you should contact an advocacy organization or immigration attorney for help.
● Do I need to show an identification card to get health care? You may need to bring a photo ID
with your date of birth to your appointment. While abortion providers will not deny you care
based on your immigration status, they can ask you for a photo ID for safety reasons and to
make sure they match the right medical records to the right person. Be sure to call your provider
ahead of your appointment to confirm what you will need to bring with you.
● Can I use medication for an abortion? Depending on where you live and how long you have
been pregnant you may be able to obtain medication abortion care from a health care provider
either at home or in person. If your health center pharmacy can't dispense the medication you
need, you can go to other pharmacies. Find out if at-home abortion pills are available to you in
your state, and how you can access them: Plan C Pills.
● Can I self-manage my abortion without a health care provider? Some people end their own
pregnancies with abortion pills. Abortion pills are generally safe, but there may be legal risks in
some states. More information about self-managed abortion can be found here. You can also
talk confidentially with a provider about self-managing your abortion here. If you have questions
about legal risk or need additional legal support, If/When/How’s Repro Legal Helpline can be
found here.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Things are changing quickly, and laws vary from state to state. Please use these additional resources
below to stay up-to-date on the laws in your state and resources available to you:
www.nilc.org
Month XX, XXXX
● Map of US Abortion Policies (Guttmacher Institute): Interactive map with details about abortion
policies in place, including driving distance to the nearest abortion clinic.
● Abortion Finder: Find out what abortion options are available to you in your state. (en Español)
● Ineedana.com: Find out what abortion options are available to you in your state. (en Español)
● National Network of Abortion Funds: Find an place that can help you find and pay for the cost of
an abortion, including helping with travel.
● Immigration Advocates Network's Legal Services Directory: Use this tool to find free or low-cost
immigration legal services in your state or county. (Available in Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi,
French, Haitian Creole, Hmong, Khymer, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese)
● Plan C Pills: Find out if at-home abortion pills are available to you in your state, and how you can
access them. (en Español)
● ReproLegal Helpline (If/When/How): A free, confidential source for legal advice and information
on self-managed abortion. Visit ReproLegalHelpline.org or call 844-868-2812. (en Español, 简体
中文).
● Abortion Glossary (NAPAWF): This resource contains words that are useful in conversations
about abortion and reproductive freedom - such as abortion, bodily autonomy, and gender
equality - translated to eight Asian languages. (
ُ, বালা, មែរ, 简化字, 正體字, हिदी,
한국어, Tagalog, Tiếng Việt).
● Guide for Undocumented Immigrants Traveling in the United States (Immigrants Rising): Read
this guide if you’re thinking of traveling as an undocumented person (with or without DACA) and
are curious about how to travel safely.
NILC would like to acknowledge and thank the Protecting Immigrant Families Community Education
Working Group, If/When/How, ASISTA, and Chris Rickerd for their valuable contributions to this
resource.
