How late you can choose abortion is determined by a combination of your state’s specific legal “cutoffs.” In many states, these limits range from six weeks to 24 weeks, while others have total bans in place.

Even if an abortion deadline passes, you can still select a loving, prepared family to raise your child through adoption at any point in your pregnancy, or even at the hospital.

Call 1-800-ADOPTION to discuss your options for free with a counselor or view our waiting families now.

What’s the Latest You Can Get an Abortion?

It depends on your state. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, there is no longer a single national “deadline” for abortion.

Instead, each state sets its own rules, and those rules can change quickly based on new court rulings.

As of early 2026, abortion limits across the U.S. generally fall into these groups:

  • Total bans: About 14 states where abortion is not legal at any stage.
  • Early bans: Access is cut off at 6 weeks, often before a missed period is noticed.
  • Mid-range limits: Access is restricted at 12, 15, or 18 weeks.
  • Viability limits: Usually around 24 weeks in about half the country.
  • No specific gestational limit: Available in a handful of states, though third-trimester care is rare and typically for medical emergencies.

Medical vs. Surgical Abortion: How Timing Affects Your Options

The method of abortion changes as your pregnancy progresses. Even in states where abortion is legal, you have different medical windows to keep in mind:

  • The Abortion Pill (Medical Abortion): If you are early in your pregnancy, usually 10 weeks or less, you might be eligible for this two-step medication process.
  • Surgical Procedure: If you’ve passed the 10- or 11-week mark, you’ll need a surgical procedure. In the first trimester, this is typically an aspiration procedure.

How Late Can I Choose Adoption Instead of Abortion?

Unlike abortion, there is no deadline for choosing adoption. You can choose adoption at any point in your pregnancy, at the hospital in labor or even after you’ve taken your baby home.

If you find you have passed the legal or medical limit for an abortion in your state, you are not “locked in” to parenting. Adoption is a legal, safe, and supportive choice that stays open to you even after the baby is born.

Adoption After the Abortion Deadline: Taking Back Control

When you choose adoption, you maintain the right to plan your child’s future and select their environment.

When you choose adoption, you decide:

  • Which adoptive family will raise your child. You can view profiles of families who are ready to provide a stable home.
  • The type of relationship you want. Most adoptions today are “open,” meaning you can stay in touch through photos, updates, or visits.
  • How your hospital stay goes, including who holds the baby first.

The Financial Reality: Abortion Costs vs. Adoption Support

When facing an unplanned pregnancy, financial pressure is often a primary concern. As pregnancy progresses, the out-of-pocket costs for a medical procedure can become a significant barrier, especially for those in restricted areas.

For those living in states with total bans, traveling out of state leads to high costs for gas, lodging and missed work.

The Adoption Alternative: A Choice Without a Price Tag

Unlike abortion, choosing adoption is always 100% free to the birth mother. Licensed adoption agencies ensure you do not pay for medical, legal, or counseling services during the process.

This support is designed to remove financial barriers, giving you the freedom to focus on your future.

Financial and Emotional Support

Choosing adoption is often about recognizing you may not have the resources to parent right now. Licensed adoption agencies like American Adoptions provide:

  • Financial assistance with rent, groceries, and medical bills during pregnancy (where legal).
  • 24/7 counseling with specialists to help you manage stress without judgment.
  • Access to pre-screened video profiles so you can see the environment your child would grow up in.
  • A dedicated specialist to help you build a detailed plan that outlines all your preferences.

Finding out you are past the legal limit for an abortion is not a dead end.

Get the personalized support you deserve right now. Call or text 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our simple form.