State Abortion Laws in New Hampshire

1. How accessible is abortion in New Hampshire?


Abortion is legal and accessible in New Hampshire. There are no state-mandated waiting periods or parental notification requirements for individuals seeking abortions, but some providers may require waiting periods or parental notification depending on the age of the patient. The state does not limit Medicaid coverage for abortion care, and private insurance plans are required to cover abortion.

2. What is the legal gestational limit for abortion in New Hampshire?


In New Hampshire, there is no legal gestational limit for abortion. Abortion is legal in the state up to the point of viability.

3. Does New Hampshire require parental involvement for minors seeking an abortion?


No, New Hampshire does not require parental involvement for minors seeking an abortion. Minors can consent to abortion services without parental involvement as long as they are able to demonstrate they are mature and well-informed enough to make their own decision.

4. Does New Hampshire mandate waiting periods before an abortion?


No, New Hampshire does not mandate waiting periods before an abortion.

5. Does New Hampshire require the disclosure of any information prior to an abortion?


Yes. New Hampshire requires an abortion provider to inform the patient of certain information prior to performing an abortion. The information that must be disclosed includes the age and gestational age of the fetus, the probable anatomical and physiological characteristics of the fetus, the medical risks associated with the abortion, and the medical risks associated with carrying a pregnancy to term. The abortion provider must also provide information about public and private agencies and services available to assist a woman through her pregnancy, upon childbirth, and while the child is dependent.

6. Does New Hampshire provide public funding for abortion services?


No, New Hampshire does not provide public funding for abortion services.

7. Are there any exceptions to the gestational limit in New Hampshire?


Yes, New Hampshire does have exceptions to the gestational limit on abortion. In cases where a woman’s life or physical health is at serious risk, an abortion can be performed after 20 weeks.

8. Can a physician or medical facility refuse to provide abortion services in New Hampshire?


Yes, a physician or medical facility can refuse to provide abortion services in New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law does not require physicians or medical facilities to provide abortion services. According to New Hampshire state law, physicians and other healthcare providers have the right to decline any medical service on moral or religious grounds.

9. Are there any laws related to medication or surgical abortions in New Hampshire?


Yes, there are several laws related to medication and surgical abortions in New Hampshire. All medication or surgical abortions must be performed by a licensed physician, with approval from at least two other licensed physicians, if the patient is pregnant for more than twenty weeks. Additionally, any woman seeking an abortion must receive counseling from a physician prior to the procedure. The state also has a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion can be performed, and minors must receive parental or guardian consent before the procedure. Lastly, any facility providing abortions must be licensed by the state, and may not be located within 300 feet of a public school.

10. Is informed consent required by providers before performing an abortion in New Hampshire?


Yes, informed consent is required by providers before performing an abortion in New Hampshire. The state requires that a woman seeking an abortion must sign an informed consent form at least 24 hours prior to the procedure. The form must include information on the risks of the procedure, including physical and psychological risks, as well as alternatives to the procedure.

11. Does New Hampshire allow for the provision of telemedicine abortion services?


Yes, New Hampshire allows for the provision of telemedicine abortion services.

12. Are specific medical facilities required to provide abortions in New Hampshire?


No, New Hampshire does not require specific medical facilities to provide abortions. However, all licensed healthcare providers are allowed to provide abortions.

13. Does New Hampshire have any regulations regarding the provision of post-abortion care?


Yes, New Hampshire has regulations regarding the provision of post-abortion care. These regulations include: requiring that a provider or facility offering abortion services provide or arrange for post-abortion care, and that the provider or facility providing post-abortion care inform the woman of the availability of follow-up care. The regulations also require that post-abortion care be made available to all women who have had an abortion in New Hampshire. Additionally, the regulations stipulate that a woman must be informed of all risks and complications associated with an abortion, including those related to post-abortion care.

14. Does New Hampshire have any restrictions on abortion protestors near clinics or medical facilities providing abortions?


Yes, New Hampshire has restrictions on abortion protestors near clinics or medical facilities providing abortions. According to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, it is illegal for any person to engage in “harassment, intimidation, or violence against any patient, person accompanying a patient, health care provider, or staff member at any facility providing reproductive health services.” Additionally, it is illegal to picket or demonstrate within 25 feet of such a facility.

15. Can health insurance plans cover abortion services in New Hampshire?


Yes, health insurance plans in New Hampshire can cover abortion services. However, certain state laws apply. For example, state law requires that plans that cover abortion services must also provide coverage for childbirth. Additionally, plans that cover abortions must also provide coverage when medically necessary and in cases of rape or incest.

16. Are there any requirements for the disposal of fetal tissue after an abortion in New Hampshire?


Yes. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services requires that fetal tissue be disposed of in accordance with the rules established by the New Hampshire Medical Waste Management Act. These rules require that all fetal tissue be incinerated and disposed of in an approved waste disposal facility.

17. How are fetal remains handled after an abortion in New Hampshire?


In New Hampshire, the treatment of fetal remains after an abortion depends on the gestational age of the fetus and the type of procedure. If a surgical procedure was performed, the remains are typically transported off-site for disposal. If the gestational age is less than 16 weeks, the remains may be disposed of in a sanitary landfill. If gestational age is greater than 16 weeks, the remains must be disposed of through cremation. For non-surgical procedures, fetal remains are typically incinerated on-site.

18. Does New Hampshire recognize gestational and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements?


Yes, New Hampshire recognizes gestational and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements.

19. Are there any laws related to informed consent for minors seeking an abortion in New Hampshire?


Yes, there are laws related to informed consent for minors seeking an abortion in New Hampshire. The minor must obtain the written consent of one parent or legal guardian. If the minor is not able to obtain such consent, the court may grant permission after considering the mental and physical health of the minor. In addition, a licensed medical provider must inform the minor of all the available alternatives to abortion and provide 24 hours of mandatory counseling prior to the procedure.

20. Is there a judicial bypass process to allow minors to obtain an abortion without parental consent in New Hampshire?


Yes. Minors in New Hampshire may apply for a judicial bypass in order to obtain an abortion without parental consent. The bypass process is outlined in New Hampshire RSA 132: 24-a (E).