Abortion Clinic Regulations in Arkansas

1. What are the requirements for an abortion clinic to operate in Arkansas?


In Arkansas, abortion clinics must comply with the following regulations in order to operate:

1. Must be a licensed physician with admitting privileges at a hospital located within 30 miles of the clinic.

2. The clinic must be licensed, inspected and approved by the Arkansas Department of Health.

3. The clinic must provide pre-abortion counseling which must include information about the medical risks associated with abortion, alternatives to abortion, and any available medical assistance for prenatal care, childbirth and neonatal care.

4. The clinic must provide informed consent prior to any abortion procedure or medication abortion and must include accurate scientific information about fetal development, risks, and alternatives to the procedure.

5. The clinic must adhere to the state’s 24-hour informed consent waiting period prior to having an abortion.

6. The clinic must adhere to state guidelines for the disposal of fetal remains.

7. The clinic must have an ultrasound machine available on site for use when medically indicated.

8. The clinic must provide a number of services to clients such as post-abortion follow-up care, counseling, contraception, and referral for appropriate medical or social services if needed.

2. Are parental consent laws required for minors to receive abortions in Arkansas?


Yes, Arkansas requires parental consent for minors to receive an abortion. Minors must either have the written consent of one parent or legal guardian, or must obtain a judicial waiver of the requirement.

3. Does Arkansas require women to receive counseling prior to obtaining an abortion?


No, Arkansas does not require women to receive counseling prior to obtaining an abortion. In Arkansas, the law only requires women to receive counseling regarding the risks and alternatives to the abortion procedure 24 hours prior to having the procedure.

4. Are nurses allowed to perform abortions in Arkansas?


No, nurses are not allowed to perform abortions in Arkansas. Under Arkansas law, only a physician who is licensed to practice medicine in the state and is board certified in obstetrics & gynecology is permitted to perform an abortion.

5. Are there any restrictions on insurance coverage for abortions in Arkansas?


Yes, there are restrictions on insurance coverage for abortions in Arkansas. Arkansas law prohibits private health insurance plans from covering abortions unless the procedure is necessary to save the life of the mother or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. Additionally, public health insurance plans are not allowed to cover abortions, except in cases where the procedure is necessary to save the mother’s life.

6. Does Arkansas allow telemedicine abortions?


No, Arkansas does not allow telemedicine abortions. Arkansas law prohibits the use of telemedicine in the provision of abortion services.

7. What are the licensing and certification requirements for providers performing abortions in Arkansas?


In Arkansas, providers performing abortions must hold a valid medical license from the Arkansas State Medical Board and must comply with the applicable provisions of the Arkansas Abortion-Inducing Drugs Safety Act. Additionally, any abortion facility must possess a valid license from the Arkansas Department of Health.

8. Are there any mandatory waiting periods before a woman can receive an abortion in Arkansas?


Yes, there is a mandatory waiting period in Arkansas. A woman must receive counseling at least 24 hours before the procedure and then wait 48 hours after the counseling session to receive an abortion.

9. Is there a state law regulating the transportation of minors across state lines to obtain abortions in Arkansas?


No. There is no state law in Arkansas regulating the transportation of minors across state lines to obtain abortions.

10. Does Arkansas require doctors to provide information about abortion risks and alternatives to patients prior to performing an abortion?


Yes, Arkansas does require doctors to provide information about abortion risks and alternatives to patients prior to performing an abortion.

11. Is it legal for health care providers to refuse to provide abortions based on religious or moral objections in Arkansas?


Yes, it is legal for health care providers to refuse to provide abortions based on religious or moral objections in Arkansas.

12. Is it legal for hospitals or other institutions to refuse to perform abortions in Arkansas?


Yes, it is legal for hospitals or other institutions to refuse to perform abortions in Arkansas.

13. Are there any state-funded programs to cover the costs of abortions in Arkansas?


No, there are no state-funded programs to cover the costs of abortions in Arkansas. According to the Guttmacher Institute, Arkansas does not provide public funding for abortion services except in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest.

14. Are late-term abortions available in Arkansas?


No. Arkansas does not allow late-term abortions, except to save the life of a pregnant woman.

15. Are there any laws regulating the disposal of fetal tissue after a pregnancy termination in Arkansas?


Yes. Arkansas has laws governing the disposal of fetal tissue. The Arkansas Department of Health requires fetal remains from any pregnancy termination to be cremated or buried, regardless of gestational age. It is illegal to donate fetal tissue from an abortion procedure in Arkansas.

16. Does Arkansas allow for conscientious objection by medical professionals providing abortion services?


No, Arkansas does not allow for conscientious objection by medical professionals providing abortion services. However, conscientious objection is allowed in cases where there is a risk of death or serious physical impairment to the mother.

17. Do pharmacists have the right to refuse to provide contraceptives or medication needed for abortions if it conflicts with their religious beliefs in Arkansas?


Yes. In Arkansas, pharmacists are allowed to refuse to fill a prescription if it conflicts with their religious or moral beliefs. Birth control and abortion medication are included in this.

18. What are the age and residency requirements for minors seeking abortions without parental consent in Arkansas?


In Arkansas, minors seeking abortions without parental consent must be at least 16 years of age and must be a resident of Arkansas.

19. How many clinics are providing abortions in Arkansas, and how are they regulated by the state government?


There are currently three clinics in Arkansas that provide abortions: Little Rock Family Planning Services, a Planned Parenthood clinic in Little Rock, and Arkansas Women’s Health Center in Little Rock.

The state government of Arkansas has imposed a number of restrictions on abortion providers, including a requirement that the abortion be performed by a doctor licensed by the state, a ban on abortions after 20 weeks, and a requirement that no abortions are provided after 12 weeks unless the abortion is necessary to prevent the death or risk of substantial impairment of the mother. Additionally, all abortion providers must have a signed agreement with an obstetrician-gynecologist to ensure that in the event of an emergency during or after an abortion procedure, the patient will receive appropriate care.

20. Does Arkansas have any laws limiting access to comprehensive reproductive health care services, such as birth control, emergency contraception, or STD testing and treatment, at abortion clinics?


No, Arkansas does not have any laws limiting access to comprehensive reproductive health care services, such as birth control, emergency contraception, or STD testing and treatment, at abortion clinics. However, Arkansas does require that abortion clinics must be licensed and comply with numerous regulations related to the provision of abortion services.