Abortion Access in Georgia

1. What are the state-level laws governing abortion access in Georgia?


In Georgia, abortion is legal up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. The state requires that a woman receive counseling from a licensed health care provider 24 hours prior to the procedure, and that the physician performing the abortion be a licensed physician. Parental consent is required for minors, and the state’s insurance plan does not cover abortion procedures. There are also additional restrictions that require physicians to test for fetal heartbeat and provide this information to the patient before performing an abortion, as well as restrictions on insurance providers who are able to offer coverage for abortion procedures.

2. When did the state of Georgia legalize abortion?


The state of Georgia legalized abortion in April 1972 as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Roe v. Wade.

3. How does the state of Georgia regulate abortion procedures?


The state of Georgia regulates abortion procedures by requiring that a physician provide informed consent prior to an abortion procedure, mandating that an ultrasound be performed prior to the abortion, and prohibiting the use of public funds for abortion services with certain exceptions. The state also imposes gestational limits for abortions, requiring a waiting period before a woman can obtain an abortion after consultation with a physician, and restricts the location of where abortions can be performed.

4. What are the legal requirements for obtaining an abortion in Georgia?


In Georgia, individuals seeking an abortion must meet the following legal requirements:

– A woman must be at least 18 years old to obtain an abortion without parental consent. If a woman is under 18 years old, she must obtain written consent from one parent or legal guardian.

– A woman must receive in-person counseling at least 24 hours prior to the procedure. This counseling must include information about the nature of the procedure, its risks and benefits, and alternatives to abortion.

– The abortion must be performed by a licensed physician in a medical facility accredited by the state department of health.

– The woman must sign a form stating that she has been informed of the risks and benefits of the procedure.

– State law requires that women seeking an abortion be provided with information about fetal development and the availability of ultrasound imaging. Women must also be informed about the availability of public and private assistance to help them carry their pregnancies to term.

5. Does the state of Georgia offer comprehensive reproductive health services?


Yes, the state of Georgia offers comprehensive reproductive health services, including family planning, prenatal care, STD testing and treatment, and a variety of other services.

6. Does Georgia have any restrictions on late-term abortions?


Yes, Georgia does have restrictions on late-term abortions. The state has instituted a ban on abortions after 20 weeks. There is an exception for medical emergencies or if the life of the mother is in danger.

7. What is the parental consent law for minors seeking an abortion in Georgia?


In Georgia, minors seeking an abortion must have the written consent of a parent or legal guardian. If the minor cannot obtain the required parental consent, they may petition the Juvenile Court for a judicial bypass.

8. Does Georgia fund abortion services through Medicaid?


No, Georgia does not fund abortion services through Medicaid.

9. Does Georgia require that women receive counseling prior to obtaining an abortion?


Yes. Georgia law requires abortion providers to provide state-directed counseling that includes information on both the “emotional implications” of abortion and the availability of adoption services. The state also requires a woman to wait 24 hours after receiving the counseling before she can obtain an abortion.

10. Does Georgia impose waiting periods before a woman can obtain an abortion?


Yes, Georgia imposes a waiting period of 24 hours before a woman can obtain an abortion.

11. Are there any restrictions on telemedicine abortion services in Georgia?


Yes, there are restrictions on telemedicine abortion services in Georgia. Telemedicine abortions are only allowed in certain circumstances, such as when a patient is located more than 100 miles away from the nearest abortion provider, or if the patient has a medical condition that could be adversely affected by having to travel to an abortion provider. Additionally, the provider must meet certain qualifications in order to provide telemedicine services.

12. Is insurance coverage for abortion services available in Georgia?


No, insurance coverage for abortion services is not available in Georgia, except in cases where the mother’s life is at risk or in cases of rape or incest.

13. Does the state of Georgia require providers to offer medically accurate information about abortion services?


No. Georgia does not require providers to offer medically accurate information about abortion services. However, state law requires abortion providers to inform patients of the availability of ultrasound services 24 hours prior to the procedure.

14. Are there any laws regarding the disposal of fetal remains in Georgia?


Yes, in Georgia legal abortions must be performed in a licensed health care facility and fetal remains must be disposed of in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws. In Georgia, the Department of Public Health regulates the disposal of fetal remains following an abortion. According to Georgia law, fetal remains must be cremated, buried, or incinerated. The law also requires that each health care facility that provides abortions maintain documentation related to the disposition of fetal remains.

15. Are there any restrictions on the use of public funds for abortion services in Georgia?


Yes, there are restrictions on the use of public funds for abortion services in Georgia. State and federal funds are not allowed to be used for abortions, except in cases of rape, incest, or life endangerment. Additionally, private insurance companies in Georgia are also required to exclude abortion coverage unless it is necessary to save the life of the mother.

16. Is there a ban on abortion based on sex selection in Georgia?


Yes. In May 2021, the governor of Georgia signed into law a bill that bans abortion based on sex or race selection.

17. Does Georgia allow pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions for contraception or abortion medication?


No. Georgia does not allow pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions for contraception or abortion medication. According to the Georgia Code of Regulation, pharmacists must fill all valid prescriptions unless there’s a reasonable medical or professional reason for not doing so.

18. Does the state of Georgia require parental notification if a minor seeks an abortion?


Yes. In accordance with Georgia state law, a minor must receive parental notification or obtain a court order before having an abortion.

19. Is there an informed consent requirement for women seeking an abortion in Georgia?


Yes, women seeking an abortion in Georgia are required to provide informed consent before having the procedure. The consent must include a description of the procedure, the medical risks, and the alternatives to abortion. The medical provider must also provide materials that describe fetal development, list available services to support the woman through her pregnancy, and provide information about medical assistance benefits.

20. What are the requirements for a safe and legal abortion in Georgia?


The requirements for a safe and legal abortion in Georgia are as follows:

1. The patient must be at least 18 years of age or have the notarized written consent of her parent or legal guardian.

2. The provider must have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the clinic.

3. The patient must receive counseling from an approved provider at least 24 hours prior to the procedure.

4. The procedure must take place in a licensed facility and be performed by a licensed provider.

5. The patient must receive an ultrasound prior to the procedure.

6. The patient must receive a post-procedure follow-up visit within 14 days of the procedure.