If you’re thinking about getting an abortion, you might be wondering “Will this go on my medical record? And who can see it?” You’re not alone—privacy is a big concern for many people seeking abortion care. The good news? There are strong laws to protect your health information, and steps you can take to keep your care as private as possible.
In this article, we’ll cover whether abortion may or may not show up in your health record, who can access it, and how to protect your privacy every step of the way.
Looking for discreet abortion care? Hey Jane offers virtual consultation, secure messaging, and abortion pills mailed in unmarked packaging. Your health care is your business. We’re here to support you and protect your privacy. See if you're eligible here.
How health records work
Every doctor, clinic, or hospital you visit keeps its own records about the care provided to you. Depending on your state, you may be asked to opt in or out of your records being shared between providers. If you get abortion care at one location (like an in-person or online clinic), it might not show up in your records elsewhere—but it could. To protect your privacy, ask your provider about their record sharing policies.
What’s included in my health record?
What is HIPAA?
HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a federal law that protects your medical privacy. It limits when and how your health information can be shared.
Under HIPAA, providers can only share your protected health information—including abortion care—for three reasons:
- To treat you
- To get paid for that treatment
- To manage their healthcare operations
In any other cases, they need your written permission to share anything.
Many states also have their own privacy laws and regulations (like health consumer privacy or “shield” laws) that offer even more protection. These laws may prevent your abortion care from being tracked, shared, or used in investigations targeting reproductive healthcare. So, depending on your location, your information may be even more secure.
Who can access my health record to see I had an abortion?
In most cases, your abortion care is not automatically visible to others. Here’s who generally can’t see your health information:
- Your employer (unless they directly pay for your health care instead of sponsoring a plan through an insurance carrier)
- Your partner, family, or friends (unless you choose to tell them)
If you use insurance, your insurance provider will let the primary account holder know that a claim was submitted. That means that if you’re on someone else’s plan (like a parent or spouse), that person–the primary account holder–will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB). This document usually shows:
- What type of care you received
- How much the insurance plan paid
- What amount, if any, is still owed to the provider
While you can request that this information be restricted under certain circumstances, requested restrictions are not guaranteed.
Who can find out I had an abortion with Hey Jane?
At Hey Jane, we don’t send any information to your primary care doctor, OB-GYN, or other providers unless you ask us to. Your records stay private and secure in your encrypted patient account.
What information may be shared?
Here’s what might be shared about your abortion care in some cases:
- Public health reporting: Some states and New York City collect general abortion data for public health purposes. This doesn’t include your name or personal details.
- Insurance billing: If you use insurance, the primary account holder (like a parent or spouse) will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB). This typically shows the type of care provided, the cost, and how much was covered.
If you’re worried about privacy, you can:
- Ask your provider or insurer about what will show up, and
- Ask your provider to not share your information with your health plan if you are willing to pay out-of-pocket.
More ways to protect your privacy when seeking an abortion
You have options to keep your care as private as you need:
The bottom line? Yes, abortion can be part of your health record—but that doesn’t mean it’s automatically visible to others. If you’re looking for private, supportive abortion care from home, see if you’re eligible for care with Hey Jane.
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