1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The recent changes to abortion laws and access across the country have created significant challenges for those seeking abortions later in pregnancy, which comprise around 1% of all abortions performed. While abortion at any stage raises important considerations, abortions after 21 weeks are typically sought due to serious medical reasons such as fetal anomalies that make the pregnancy nonviable or risks to the life or health of the pregnant person. Access to these services has always been limited due to few providers offering them and high costs. However, further restricting access could force pregnant people to carry nonviable pregnancies to term or face life-threatening medical risks. A balanced approach is needed that accounts for the complex realities individuals face while safeguarding access to essential reproductive healthcare services when warranted to protect their health and wellbeing.