{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-health-general-20-209","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Health - General § 20–209","heading":"","body":"(a) In this section, “viable” means that stage when, in the best clinical judgment of the qualified provider based on the particular facts of the case before the qualified provider, there is a reasonable likelihood of the fetus’s sustained survival outside the womb.\n(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, the State may not interfere with the decision of a woman to terminate a pregnancy:\n(1) Before the fetus is viable; or\n(2) At any time during the woman’s pregnancy, if:\n(i) The termination procedure is necessary to protect the life or health of the woman; or\n(ii) The fetus is affected by genetic defect or serious deformity or abnormality.\n(c) The Department may adopt regulations that:\n(1) Are both necessary and the least intrusive method to protect the life or health of the woman; and\n(2) Are not inconsistent with established clinical practice.\n(d) The qualified provider is not liable for civil damages or subject to a criminal penalty for a decision to perform an abortion under this section made in good faith and in the qualified provider’s best clinical judgment in accordance with accepted standards of clinical practice.","path":["Article - Health - General"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=ghg\u0026section=20-209","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T19:58:48Z","sha256":"f91747affcf0b919d44522da580116887f6a250a84fc083fb44d1250963e4238","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-health-general-20-208","next":"us-md/md.-code-health-general-20-214"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}