How To Access Reproductive Healthcare Services in Arizona: A Beginners Guide

Accessing reproductive health care can feel like a maze, and that's why it's important to have a map. Whether it's figuring out what's covered by your insurance, looking for clinics, or navigating Arizona's unique laws, this guide will help break it down.

Currently in Arizona, abortion is legal up to 15 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. However, this is set to change. In November 2024, Arizona voters passed Proposition 139, also known as the Arizona Abortion Access Act, which protects abortion access up to the point of fetal viability, typically around 24 weeks. This law, which took effect on November 25, 2024, amended the state constitution to safeguard abortion rights, preventing future legislative rollbacks that could restrict access.

Arizona State Bill 1457, passed in 2021, significantly impacts the accessibility of reproductive health services in the state. This law bans abortions based on genetic abnormalities and recognizes fertilized eggs as having legal "personhood." The bill also limits funding for organizations that provide abortion services and restricts providers. Although Prop 139 has expanded abortion protections, laws like SB 1457 still impose barriers to access. Essentially, accessing abortion care in Arizona is more complicated and expensive than in many states. With this in mind, it is ever more important to know your options. There are still clinics that offer counseling services to help you navigate these convoluted laws.

When it comes to finding a clinic, there are several different options in Arizona, depending on location. Planned Parenthood has multiple locations across the state, including in Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff. These Planned Parenthoods provide services like contraception, STI testing, and abortion care (within legal limits). Aside from Planned Parenthood, some community health clinics, such as Camelback Family Planning Center, Circle the City, and Adelante Healthcare, offer certain reproductive healthcare services, though availability and affordability may vary based on insurance status and clinic policies. Private providers, like OB-GYNs, also provide services, including contraception, annual exams, and screenings. With OB-GYN clinics, it is always important to call ahead to confirm the services and costs they provide, as private clinics may charge higher fees than community health centers, particularly for uninsured patients.

Insurance plays a significant role in determining the accessibility—or often inaccessibility—of reproductive healthcare in Arizona. Most insurance plans, including those under the Affordable Care Act, cover basic reproductive services like contraception, annual checkups, and STI testing. However, abortion coverage is extremely limited in Arizona. For people insured under AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid program), abortion is only covered in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest. For people without insurance, clinics like Planned Parenthood and community health centers offer income-based sliding scale fees, though payment may still be required in full or through structured plans. Programs like Title X can also help reduce costs for low-income individuals.

Unlike abortion, thankfully, contraception is widely available in Arizona. However, costs and options depend on specific needs. Birth control pills, the patch, and the shot are available at most clinics and pharmacies without a prescription. Extended-use options, including intrauterine devices (IUDs), are usually offered by OB-GYNs and specialized clinics. Emergency contraception is available over the counter at pharmacies without prescriptions. Costs for these contraception options vary depending on insurance status. For example, Plan B typically costs 50 dollars without insurance, and IUDs can range from 500 dollars to 1,300 dollars upfront.

Along with in-person clinics, there are also several online options for accessing reproductive healthcare. Online platforms, including Nurx, Pill Club, and Planned Parenthood Direct, allow people to order birth control or emergency contraception online with quick health questionnaires. With these platforms, there are often consultation fees, but they do offer convenience and discretion with options to have medication delivered directly.

Sources:

ACLU of Arizona condemns passage of SB 1457. ACLU of Arizona. (2021, May 5). https://www.acluaz.org/en/press-releases/aclu-arizona-condemns-passage-sb-1457 

Senate Bill 1457. (2025). https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/55leg/1R/bills/SB1457C.htm 

U.S. Abortion Clinic Locator. Where Can I Get an Abortion? (n.d.). https://www.abortionfinder.org/abortion-guides-by-state/abortion-in-arizona/providers