Walking into an Abortion Clinic, Part I

Since 1996, Center for Arizona Policy has successfully supported over 27 pro-life measures that have become Arizona law. In a two-part 5 Minutes for Families we will highlight some of the laws regulating abortion, and outline how they apply when a woman walks into an abortion clinic.

Before walking into an abortion clinic

It is illegal for anyone to coerce a woman into getting an abortion. This would include for example, her parents, boyfriend, husband, employer, or intended parents of her surrogate baby.
If a minor losses financial support from her parents because she refuses to have an abortion, she is eligible for public assistance.

While in the abortion clinic waiting room

There must be a sign indicating that she has the right not to be coerced.
The clinic’s license must be posted.
The clinic must meet basic standards for keeping clinic sterile and clean.
She cannot be required to pay for abortion-related services at the first visit.
She cannot be given a prescription for abortion-inducing drugs.
She shouldn’t be given informed consent paperwork until she meets with the doctor.
She cannot contractually be required to have an abortion.

Informed consent at least 24 hours before the abortion

She must individually consult with clinic medical staff orally, in person, and in a private room.
A doctor must inform her of:
- Name of the physician who will perform the abortion.
- Nature of the proposed procedure or treatment.
- Immediate and long-term medical risks.
- Alternatives to abortion.
- Probable gestational age of the unborn child at the time the abortion is to be performed.
- The probable anatomical and physiological characteristics of the unborn child at the time the abortion is to be performed.
- The medical risks associated with carrying the child to term.
- A physician, nurse, or licensed counselor must inform her that:
  - Medical assistance benefits may be available for prenatal care, childbirth and neonatal care.
  - Father of the unborn child is liable to assist in the support of the child, even if he has offered to pay for the abortion.
  - Public and private agencies and services are available to assist her during her pregnancy and after the birth.
  - It is unlawful for any person to coerce a woman to undergo an abortion.
  - She is free to withhold or withdraw her consent to the abortion at any time.
  - She must certify in writing that she was given this information.

Ultrasound at least 24 hours before the abortion

Ultrasound must be performed by either a physician or an ultrasound technician.
Same procedure and protocol must be followed as with any other ultrasound.
If an ultrasound is not performed at the clinic, she must have a referral signifying that she had the ultrasound performed.
She must be given the opportunity to view the active ultrasound.
She must be given the opportunity to hear the heartbeat, if audible.
If the woman wants to see the active ultrasound, the clinic staff must offer to explain what’s on the screen.
She may have a printed picture of the ultrasound image if requested.
She certifies in writing that she had the ultrasound and the opportunity to hear the heart, and have a printed photo.

To be continued . . . In Part II, we will address laws related the abortion procedure, judicial bypass for minors, and what happens after the abortion.

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