You are supporting a client through a planned medication abortion at home. She experiences heavy bleeding and faints. You call 911, but the EMTs report to the police that you were “administering medical procedures” by handing her the pills and heating pads. In the current polarized legal climate of 2026, you are facing a civil suit for “unlicensed practice” and potential criminal scrutiny.
Key Takeaways
- Criminal Acts Exclusion: Insurance covers negligence, not crimes. If your state restricts abortion support and you are charged with a crime, your insurance vanishes.
- Scope of “Doula” Definition: Does your policy define a doula strictly as “Childbirth labor support”? If so, abortion or miscarriage support might technically fall outside the covered scope.
- The “Handing the Pill” Trap: Never handle medication. If you hand a client her own pills, that is “administration.” It voids coverage.
- Full-Spectrum Riders: Some progressive insurers now offer specific riders for “Reproductive Health Support” to clarify this coverage.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Scope of Services Definition
The trap here is the definition of “Professional Services.”
Many older policies define a Doula as: “A non-medical professional who assists during childbirth and postpartum.”
If you are supporting a termination or a loss without a live birth, an aggressive claims adjuster could argue you weren’t acting as a “Doula” per the policy definition, but rather as a general companion, which isn’t insured for professional liability.
The Investigation: Analyzing “Full Spectrum” Support
I reviewed the policy definitions to see who actually covers abortion and loss support.
1. The “Progressive” Carriers (e.g., specific risk groups)
- My Analysis: Some niche brokerages serving the reproductive justice space explicitly list “Abortion Support” as a covered activity.
- The Verdict: This is the only safe bet in 2026. You must see the words “Full Spectrum” or “Reproductive Health” in the covered services.
2. Mainstream Carriers (CM&F / HPSO)
- My Analysis: They generally cover “Doula Services.”
- The Gray Area: If the support is non-medical (emotional/physical), it is usually covered. However, if the state claims the act itself was illegal (aiding/abetting), the “Illegal Acts” exclusion kicks in immediately.
3. General Liability
- My Analysis: Irrelevant. They don’t cover professional errors, only slips and falls.
Comparison Table: Coverage by Activity
| Activity | Covered by Standard Policy? | Risk Level |
| Miscarriage Support | Yes (Usually) | Low |
| Abortion Support (Legal State) | Maybe (Check definition) | Medium |
| Abortion Support (Restricted State) | No (Illegal Acts Exclusion) | Extreme |
[IMAGE: Graphic showing a ‘Scope of Practice’ checklist for full-spectrum doulas]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Read the “Illegal Acts” Clause: Understand that no insurance policy on earth covers you for breaking a criminal law. Know your state’s specific statutes on “aiding and abetting.”
- Verify “Doula” Definition: If your policy says “Childbirth,” write to the underwriter and ask for a written confirmation that “Loss and Termination Support” is included in that definition. Save the email.
- Strict Non-Medical Protocol: Never touch the medication. Never insert the misoprostol. Never read the vitals. Your role must be purely emotional/physical comfort to stay insurable.
- Legal Defense Fund: Insurance won’t save you from criminal charges. Join a legal defense fund or network specifically for reproductive rights workers.
FAQ Section
Does insurance cover me if I drive the client to the clinic?
No. That is “Auto Liability.” Your professional policy excludes auto claims. You need commercial auto insurance for that.
What if the client sues me for emotional distress after the procedure?
If the procedure was legal and you stayed in scope, your malpractice insurance should defend you against the civil claim for distress.
Can I carry this insurance if I work anonymously?
No. Insurance requires a legal name and usually a business entity.