Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) signed legislation on Tuesday requiring hospitals to provide emergency pregnancy-related care, including abortions when medically necessary.The measure requires hospital emergency departments to screen patients for emergency pregnancy-related conditions and provide stabilizing treatments, including terminating a pregnancy if deemed necessary to protect a patient’s life or health.Hospitals unable to provide treatment are required to arrange a transfer, provided it does not worsen the patient’s condition. The law takes effect Oct. 1.
The bill passed largely along party lines during the 2026 legislative session, clearing the Maryland Senate in a 32-11 vote in February and the House in a 96-37 vote in April.
Democratic state Sen. Clarence Lam, one of the bill’s lead sponsors, argued the measure is necessary to preserve emergency care standards, citing what he called federal uncertainty around the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act.
EMTALA, a 1986 federal law, requires hospitals that receive Medicare funds to screen and stabilize patients experiencing medical emergencies, regardless of their ability to pay.
Under guidance issued during the Biden administration, federal officials said the law could require emergency abortions when necessary to stabilize a pregnant patient, even in states with abortion restrictions.
