1. What are the late-term abortion laws in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, late-term abortions are prohibited unless there is a medical emergency that threatens the life or health of the mother. The law further stipulates that the abortion must be performed by a licensed physician in a hospital or other medical facility. In addition, the procedure must be performed in such a manner as to provide the greatest likelihood of survival for the unborn child.
2. Is there a gestational limit on abortions in Oklahoma?
Yes, in Oklahoma abortions are prohibited after 20 weeks of pregnancy, unless the life of the mother is in danger.
3. Is there a ban on late-term abortions in Oklahoma?
Yes, there is a ban on late-term abortions in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Legislature passed a law in 2015 that bans abortion at 20 weeks of gestation or later, except in cases of medical emergency where the mother’s life is at risk.
4. Who can authorize a late-term abortion procedure in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, a late-term abortion procedure can be authorized by a physician and one additional licensed physician who shall also be present during the abortion procedure. The physician authorizing the abortion shall certify in writing that the abortion is necessary because of medical emergency, life endangerment, or serious risk to physical health.
5. How does Oklahoma define a “late-term abortion”?
In Oklahoma, a late-term abortion is defined as any abortion procedure performed after the twentieth week of pregnancy.
6. Are there any exceptions to late-term abortion bans in Oklahoma?
Yes, there are three exceptions to late-term abortion bans in Oklahoma. These exceptions are: if the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest; if the life of the pregnant woman is in danger; or if the fetus has a medical condition that would likely cause it to die shortly after birth.
7. Are there any parental notification laws for minors seeking abortions in Oklahoma?
Yes. In Oklahoma, parental consent is required for minors under the age of 18 to obtain an abortion. The law requires that at least one parent or legal guardian be notified 48 hours before the procedure can be performed. Minors may seek an exemption to this requirement through a judicial bypass process.
8. What are the informed consent requirements for abortions in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma requires written, informed consent from a woman before she can receive an abortion. The woman must be provided with either an oral or written explanation of the procedure, its risks and benefits, and the medical risks associated with carrying the pregnancy to term. The woman must also be provided with information about public and private services available to assist her with her decision. The woman is also required to receive a patient education booklet that includes information about the abortion procedure, risks, and alternatives to abortion. Finally, the woman must sign a form acknowledging that she has received this information and has been provided with 24 hours to consider her decision before proceeding with the abortion.
9. Does Oklahoma require waiting periods for abortions?
Yes. Oklahoma requires a 72-hour waiting period for abortions.
10. Are there any laws requiring ultrasounds before abortions in Oklahoma?
Yes, in Oklahoma, there are laws requiring ultrasounds before abortions. All women seeking an abortion must be given the opportunity to view an ultrasound of the fetus and hear the fetal heartbeat. If the woman chooses to do so, a medical professional must describe what is seen in the ultrasound. The medical professional must also provide a printed copy of the ultrasound image to the woman.
11. Does Oklahoma have any bans on sex-selective abortions?
Yes. In 2012, Oklahoma passed legislation that prohibits abortions on the basis of gender.
12. Are there restrictions on public funding of abortions in Oklahoma?
Yes. Public funding of abortions in Oklahoma is very limited. The state only permits public funding of abortion in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest.
13. Does Oklahoma have any laws regulating the sale of abortifacients (drugs that induce abortion)?
Yes, in Oklahoma it is illegal to sell any drugs or devices that are intended to induce an abortion. It is also illegal to administer an abortifacient to another individual without a valid medical license.
14. Does Oklahoma require counselling before an abortion procedure?
No, Oklahoma does not require counseling before an abortion procedure.
15. Are there any regulations on the disposal of fetal remains after an abortion procedure in Oklahoma?
Yes, there are regulations on the disposal of fetal remains after an abortion procedure in Oklahoma. Oklahoma requires that a healthcare facility performing an abortion procedure must arrange for the final disposition of the fetal remains and that final disposition must include burial, cremation, or incineration. The healthcare facility is prohibited from disposing of fetal remains in a landfill or in a sewage system. The healthcare facility must also provide the patient with information about the final disposition of the fetal remains at the time of the procedure.
16. Does Oklahoma recognize any conscientious objection rights for health care providers who object to performing abortions?
Yes, Oklahoma recognizes conscientious objection rights. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, health care providers in the state can refuse to perform abortions if they have a moral or religious objection. The Department of Health also requires health care providers to provide information about alternatives to abortion to their patients.
17. Does Oklahoma have any laws protecting healthcare providers from being discriminated against for participating in abortion procedures?
Yes, Oklahoma does have laws protecting healthcare providers from being discriminated against for participating in abortion procedures. The Oklahoma Abortion Provider Non-Discrimination Act of 2019 prohibits any employer or educational institution from discriminating against a healthcare provider for their participation or refusal to participate in abortion services. This law also requires that healthcare providers be allowed to provide abortion services without the fear of punishment or retribution.
18. Are there any laws concerning the transportation of minors across state lines to obtain abortions in Oklahoma?
Yes, there are laws concerning the transportation of minors across state lines to obtain abortions in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services requires that any adult accompanying a minor aged 16 or younger to an out-of-state abortion provider must have written permission from the minor’s parent or legal guardian and must provide proof of the adult’s identity and relationship to the minor. The adult must also provide documentation that the minor is a resident of Oklahoma and must sign an affidavit stating they will not provide any financial assistance for the abortion. Additionally, any health care provider found guilty of providing medical assistance to a minor without proof of written permission and proof of residency may face a fine up to $1,000.
19. Are there restrictions on the use of telemedicine for abortion services in Oklahoma?
Yes, there are restrictions on the use of telemedicine for abortion services in Oklahoma. Telemedicine abortion services are not available in Oklahoma except in limited circumstances. In addition, physicians must meet certain requirements in order to provide telemedicine abortion services, including obtaining informed consent from the patient and providing counseling about the risks and alternatives to abortion.
20. Does Oklahoma have any laws criminalizing the performance of self-induced abortions or assisting others with self-induced abortions?
No, Oklahoma does not have any laws criminalizing the performance of self-induced abortions or assisting others with self-induced abortions. In fact, Oklahoma does not have any laws that restrict access to abortion.