People with disabilities
If you have a disability, you have the right to an abortion in California. You cannot be denied abortion care because of your disability.
California law entitles you to equal access to healthcare services and facilities.
Reasonable accommodations
You have the right to reasonable accommodations to make abortion care accessible to you. This includes changes to policies, practices, and procedures. You have this right under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
An example is extra time during your appointment for the doctor to explain things in a way you understand.
If you need a reasonable accommodation, contact your provider before your appointment. Let them know what accommodations you need to have a successful appointment.
Effective communication
You have the right to effective communication when you get abortion care. This includes aids and services like:
- Materials in plain language
- Materials in alternative formats
- Sign language interpreters at in-person or telehealth appointments
Your provider can’t charge you for these services.
You can bring a support person to help you at your appointment. If you do, your provider should still communicate with you directly.
Learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act’s requirements for effective communication.
Supported decision-making
You have the right to use supported decision-making in your abortion care. In supported decision-making, you talk with a team of people you trust when making decisions. You make the final decision.
Your team helps you understand, communicate, and implement your choices about your care. Your team can include:
- Friends
- Family members
- Professionals
You can have your team in your appointment with an abortion provider. This gives you support when deciding if having an abortion is the right choice for you.
Learn more about supported decision-making:
- The American Civil Liberties Union’s frequently asked questions on supported decision making
- Assembly Bill 1663
Accessible facilities and medical equipment
You have the right to full and equal access to healthcare facilities and services.
Architectural barriers must be removed from old buildings if possible. If removing barriers isn’t possible, you still have the right to get services, if it’s possible to get them in another way. This might mean having the services moved to an accessible location.
New buildings must be accessible.
Providers generally can’t deny you treatment because they don’t have accessible equipment.
Providers must help you with transfers and positioning during your appointment. You do not have to bring a support person to help with this.
Learn more about federal accessibility requirements for people with mobility disabilities.
Conservatorships
If you have a conservator who has the power to make medical decisions for you, they may have the final decision about if you can get an abortion.
However, your conservator must:
- Act in your best interest
- Accommodate and support what you want
- Take good faith medical advice into account
You may have the right to a court hearing if your conservator won't agree to your abortion decision. The hearing decides if you can give informed consent. It makes sure your rights to refuse medical treatment or have children are protected.
Learn more about conservatorships and abortion rights.