1. What are the late-term abortion laws in Puerto Rico?

In Puerto Rico, abortion is illegal except when the mother’s life or health is in serious danger, or in cases of rape or incest. Late-term abortions are not allowed. There are no exceptions for fetal health or fetal anomalies. The penalty for performing an abortion may be up to 10 years in prison, while the penalty for attempting an abortion may be up to 3 years in prison.

2. Is there a gestational limit on abortions in Puerto Rico?

Yes, abortions in Puerto Rico are restricted to the first 14 weeks of pregnancy.

3. Is there a ban on late-term abortions in Puerto Rico?

Yes. There is a ban on late-term abortions in Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rican government has imposed a ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, except in cases when the mother’s life is in danger.

4. Who can authorize a late-term abortion procedure in Puerto Rico?

In Puerto Rico, late-term abortions are only allowed if the pregnancy poses a risk to the life or health of the mother. The decision to authorize a late-term abortion must be made by a physician or panel of three physicians.

5. How does Puerto Rico define a “late-term abortion”?

In Puerto Rico, a “late-term abortion” is defined as an abortion performed after the 21st week of pregnancy. After this period, abortion is only allowed in cases where the mother’s health is at risk or if the fetus has an anomaly that is incompatible with life outside the uterus.

6. Are there any exceptions to late-term abortion bans in Puerto Rico?

Yes, late-term abortion bans in Puerto Rico generally permit exceptions for the health and life of the pregnant woman. The Puerto Rico Constitution provides that no law shall be passed to limit the right of a woman to privacy, including the right to terminate a pregnancy should it be necessary in order to preserve her physical and mental health.

7. Are there any parental notification laws for minors seeking abortions in Puerto Rico?

Yes, parental notification laws for minors seeking abortions do exist in Puerto Rico. According to the Guttmacher Institute, Puerto Rico requires parental consent before a minor can receive an abortion.

8. What are the informed consent requirements for abortions in Puerto Rico?

Informed consent requirements for abortion in Puerto Rico are established in Law Number 120-1998. According to this law, a patient’s informed consent is required before any abortion can take place. This consent must be documented in writing and signed by the patient. The document must contain information about the procedure, the health risks associated with the procedure, the medical and psychological consequences of abortion, and the availability of other medical procedures. Additionally, the patient must receive counseling from a qualified health professional on the risks and alternatives to abortion before providing informed consent.

Informed consent requirements for minors vary depending on the age of the minor. Minors under 16 must have parental or guardian consent for an abortion. Minors between 16 and 18 must receive counseling from a qualified health professional before providing informed consent.

Overall, informed consent for abortion in Puerto Rico is very similar to informed consent laws in many other areas of the United States.

9. Does Puerto Rico require waiting periods for abortions?

Yes. In Puerto Rico, a 24-hour waiting period is required before a woman can have an abortion.

10. Are there any laws requiring ultrasounds before abortions in Puerto Rico?

Yes, Puerto Rico does have laws that require ultrasounds prior to abortions. Under the laws of Puerto Rico, women must receive an ultrasound 24 hours before the abortion procedure is scheduled to take place. The ultrasound must be performed by a doctor who is authorized to perform abortions and must provide detailed information about the fetus. The doctor must then explain the procedure to the woman, including how long it will take and what risks are associated with it. The woman must then sign a form confirming that she has received the information and that she understands the risks associated with abortion.

11. Does Puerto Rico have any bans on sex-selective abortions?

Yes, Puerto Rico has a ban on sex-selective abortions. The ban was enacted in 2013 and prohibits all abortions that are sought for the sole purpose of determining the sex of the fetus.

12. Are there restrictions on public funding of abortions in Puerto Rico?

Yes, public funding of abortions in Puerto Rico is restricted. According to the Guttmacher Institute, “Public funding for abortion in Puerto Rico is limited: Medicaid covers abortion only in cases of life endangerment, rape or incest.”

13. Does Puerto Rico have any laws regulating the sale of abortifacients (drugs that induce abortion)?

Yes, Puerto Rico does have laws regulating the sale of abortifacients. According to the Puerto Rico Health Department, the sale of abortifacients is prohibited, except in cases where the drug is prescribed by a health care professional for therapeutic purposes.

14. Does Puerto Rico require counselling before an abortion procedure?

Yes. Under Puerto Rican law, all women seeking abortion services must first receive in-person counselling with a licensed medical professional, which must take place 72 hours prior to the procedure.

15. Are there any regulations on the disposal of fetal remains after an abortion procedure in Puerto Rico?

Yes. In Puerto Rico, fetal remains must be disposed of in accordance with local regulations, which are established by the Puerto Rico Department of Health. According to the Puerto Rico Department of Health, fetal remains must be disposed of according to the laws and regulations regarding funerals and burials, and must be done in a respectful manner. The Puerto Rico Department of Health also requires that all fetal remains be cremated and buried or entombed in a cemetery or columbarium. Additionally, the Puerto Rico Department of Health requires that all fetal remains be disposed of within 72 hours of the abortion procedure.

16. Does Puerto Rico recognize any conscientious objection rights for health care providers who object to performing abortions?

Yes, Puerto Rico does recognize conscientious objection rights for health care providers who object to performing abortions. The Puerto Rico Department of Health’s Regulation No. 2006–06 allows health care providers to decline to perform abortions if they have a religious or moral objection to the procedure.

17. Does Puerto Rico have any laws protecting healthcare providers from being discriminated against for participating in abortion procedures?

Yes, Puerto Rico has laws protecting healthcare providers from being discriminated against for participating in abortion procedures. The Puerto Rico Civil Code prohibits employers from discriminating against healthcare providers for participating in abortion procedures. Additionally, the Puerto Rico Civil Rights Act of 1976 includes a provision that protects healthcare providers from discrimination based on their participation in abortion procedures.

18. Are there any laws concerning the transportation of minors across state lines to obtain abortions in Puerto Rico?

Yes, there are laws concerning the transportation of minors across state lines to obtain abortions in Puerto Rico. According to Puerto Rico’s law, minors under the age of 18 require parental consent before receiving an abortion. Additionally, parental consent must be obtained in person and signed before a notary or other authorized authority. If the minor is not able to obtain parental consent in person, then they are allowed to travel across state lines to obtain an abortion.

19. Are there restrictions on the use of telemedicine for abortion services in Puerto Rico?

Yes, there are restrictions on the use of telemedicine for abortion services in Puerto Rico. The restrictions include that only physicians who are physically present in the state of Puerto Rico can provide abortions and that only physicians certified by the Puerto Rico Department of Health may provide abortion services. In addition, the abortion must be performed in a medical facility and all relevant Puerto Rico laws must be followed. Furthermore, telemedicine for abortion must follow the guidelines established by the Puerto Rico Department of Health.

20. Does Puerto Rico have any laws criminalizing the performance of self-induced abortions or assisting others with self-induced abortions?

Yes, Puerto Rico has laws criminalizing the performance of self-induced abortions or assisting others with self-induced abortions. According to Article 131 of the Puerto Rico Penal Code, anyone who performs an abortion on themselves or assists anyone else in performing an abortion on themselves is subject to penalties for a felony.