Eligibility and Services

How do I know if I'm eligible?

Our services are free and available to everyone living in and most people traveling to Maryland for abortion care. We do not have income, age, or gestational limits.

Do I need an appointment before calling?

You don’t need an appointment to call us, but you must set one up for BAF to confirm how much funding or practical support we can provide. If you’re unsure which clinic to contact or how to make an appointment, we can help you with a referral. If you already know which clinic you want to visit, we recommend scheduling an appointment before you call.

How far in advance should I call?

For practical support, like a ride or hotel accommodation, we recommend contacting us as soon as you schedule your appointment. We need at least two days' notice to set up these arrangements. If you need financial support, please reach out within seven days of your appointment. If your appointment is over a week away, we may ask you to call us back closer to the date.

Can you accommodate same-day appointments?

We are unable to accommodate same-day requests.

Financial Support and Payment

How does BAF pay for my care?

We send financial pledges directly to the clinic on behalf of clients; we do not offer direct payment to clients.

I already had my appointment but I just learned about BAF; can you reimburse me?

Unfortunately, we cannot retroactively pay for care.

I had to reschedule; what happened to BAF’s pledge?

BAF can honor our original pledge if your new appointment is still within our service area. Please call us with the new appointment date so we can send an updated pledge to the clinic.

Communication and Process

Why does the phone go to voicemail when I call?

Our intake line is a "warmline," meaning we don't have people available to answer the phone, but we will get back to you within 48 hours of your appointment date.

I left a message; what happens now?

We will call you back within 48 hours of your appointment date (holidays and weekends permitting) and have a 5-20 minute phone conversation. We will ask you questions to better understand your funding and practical support needs, confirm how much support we can offer, explain the next steps, and make referrals if needed.

Confidentiality and Accessibility

How will you maintain confidentiality? I don’t want anyone to know I’m having an abortion.

All of your information is kept confidential. We will only share your information with someone outside our organization if you've consented to a referral.

English isn't my first language; do you offer translation services?

Yes. We offer translation services through a confidential third-party language service.

What kind of training do your volunteers receive?

Volunteers complete a phone interview, background check, and a 4-hour training.