1. How accessible is abortion in Washington D.C.?

Abortion is legal and accessible in Washington D.C. District of Columbia residents are allowed to access abortion services without having to obtain parental or spousal consent. There are several clinics and providers in the district that provide abortion services, and women may also travel to other states to obtain services.

2. What is the legal gestational limit for abortion in Washington D.C.?

In Washington D.C., the legal gestational limit for abortion is 24 weeks.

3. Does Washington D.C. require parental involvement for minors seeking an abortion?

Yes, Washington D.C. requires parental involvement for minors seeking an abortion. Minors must provide written informed consent from a parent or legal guardian before having an abortion. If a minor cannot obtain the consent of a parent or legal guardian, they can seek court authorization to proceed with the abortion without parental involvement.

4. Does Washington D.C. mandate waiting periods before an abortion?

Yes, Washington D.C. does mandate a waiting period before an abortion. The mandatory waiting period is 24 hours.

5. Does Washington D.C. require the disclosure of any information prior to an abortion?

Yes. Washington D.C. requires that prior to an abortion, a patient must be provided with information about the “nature and risks of the procedure, medical alternatives and the probable gestational age of the fetus”. The patient must also give their written consent after reading the information provided. Additionally, patients under the age of 18 must obtain parental or guardian permission before obtaining an abortion.

6. Does Washington D.C. provide public funding for abortion services?

Yes, Washington D.C. has provided public funding for abortion services since 2009. The city offers a variety of reproductive health services, including abortion access, through the DC Department of Health and several other organizations including Planned Parenthood and the Women’s Medical Center.

7. Are there any exceptions to the gestational limit in Washington D.C.?

Yes. In Washington D.C., abortions can be performed up to 24 weeks of gestation in cases where the woman’s life or health is in danger or if the fetus is not viable.

8. Can a physician or medical facility refuse to provide abortion services in Washington D.C.?

Yes, a physician or medical facility may refuse to provide abortion services in Washington D.C. The District of Columbia has a law that allows health care providers to opt out of performing abortions, and the law also protects them from civil liability for refusing to provide abortion services.

9. Are there any laws related to medication or surgical abortions in Washington D.C.?

Yes, there are laws related to medication and surgical abortions in Washington, D.C. The District of Columbia requires that any medication abortions services be provided by a licensed physician. The District of Columbia also requires all providers of surgical abortions to be licensed physicians. Additionally, the District of Columbia requires that any abortions provided after 24 weeks gestation must be performed in a hospital. The District of Columbia also has regulations related to counseling, informed consent, and mandatory waiting periods for abortions.

10. Is informed consent required by providers before performing an abortion in Washington D.C.?

Yes, informed consent is required before performing an abortion in Washington D.C. Under District of Columbia law, a health care provider must obtain informed written consent from the patient prior to performing an abortion.

11. Does Washington D.C. allow for the provision of telemedicine abortion services?

Yes, Washington D.C. does allow for the provision of telemedicine abortion services.

12. Are specific medical facilities required to provide abortions in Washington D.C.?

Yes. Washington D.C. has a law that requires all public and private health care facilities that provide obstetrical or gynecological care to offer abortion services.

13. Does Washington D.C. have any regulations regarding the provision of post-abortion care?

Yes, Washington D.C. does have regulations regarding the provision of post-abortion care. In the District of Columbia, it is required that all facilities providing abortion services must have written policies and procedures to ensure that appropriate post-abortion care is available to all patients. This includes providing information about medical follow-up, emergency contraception, and other post-abortion services.

14. Does Washington D.C. have any restrictions on abortion protestors near clinics or medical facilities providing abortions?

Yes, Washington D.C. does have restrictions on abortion protestors near clinics or medical facilities providing abortions. Under the Metropolitan Police Department’s Restrictions on Demonstration Activities near Reproductive Health Care Facilities, it is prohibited for any person to demonstrate or engage in any activity within a 25-foot radius of the entrance of any reproductive health care facility, including clinics providing abortions. It is also prohibited to intimidate or interfere with a person seeking abortion services or seeking to enter a reproductive health care facility.

15. Can health insurance plans cover abortion services in Washington D.C.?

Yes, health insurance plans in Washington D.C. can cover abortion services. In fact, according to the Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act of 2014, any health insurance policy that covers maternity care is required to also cover abortion services.

16. Are there any requirements for the disposal of fetal tissue after an abortion in Washington D.C.?

Yes, there are requirements for the disposal of fetal tissue after an abortion in Washington D.C. All fetal tissue must be disposed of by incineration or other approved methods as outlined in the District of Columbia Department of Health regulations. The regulations also specify that all medical waste must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding the proper disposal of medical waste.

17. How are fetal remains handled after an abortion in Washington D.C.?

In Washington D.C., fetal remains must be disposed of by cremation, interment, or the incineration of the remains. They must not be disposed of with medical waste and they must not be sold or used in research.

18. Does Washington D.C. recognize gestational and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements?

Yes, Washington D.C. recognizes gestational and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements. Ultrasound is the primary tool used to determine due dates and fetal age in Washington D.C.

19. Are there any laws related to informed consent for minors seeking an abortion in Washington D.C.?

Yes, there are laws related to informed consent for minors seeking an abortion in Washington D.C. The District of Columbia requires that a minor either obtain the written consent of a parent or guardian before undergoing an abortion or receive a waiver of parental consent through the judicial bypass process. The judicial bypass process requires that a minor appear before a judge to demonstrate that they are mature enough to make the decision on their own or that an abortion is in their best interest. The minor must also provide proof of identity and residence.

20. Is there a judicial bypass process to allow minors to obtain an abortion without parental consent in Washington D.C.?

Yes. In Washington D.C., a pregnant minor seeking an abortion can obtain judicial bypass with a court order allowing them to have the procedure without parental consent. The minor must prove that they are mature enough to make the decision or that notification of a parent or guardian would not be in their best interests.