1. What are the state-level laws governing abortion access in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, there are a number of state-level laws governing access to abortion services. These include requirements that any abortion performed after viability must be done in a hospital setting and with the approval of two physicians, and that any woman seeking an abortion must receive state-mandated counseling and wait at least 24 hours before receiving the procedure. Additionally, minors must obtain parental consent prior to receiving an abortion. State funds are not available to cover the costs of any abortion procedures, with the exception of cases in which the woman’s life is at risk or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.
2. When did the state of Hawaii legalize abortion?
Hawaii legalized abortion in 1970.
3. How does the state of Hawaii regulate abortion procedures?
The state of Hawaii regulates abortion procedures by requiring that all abortions be performed by a licensed physician and that a woman seeking an abortion must receive state-directed counseling that includes information designed to discourage her from having an abortion. Additionally, the state requires a 48-hour waiting period before an abortion can be performed, and patients must be offered the opportunity to view an ultrasound of the fetus. After the counseling and waiting period, parental consent is required for minors under 18.
4. What are the legal requirements for obtaining an abortion in Hawaii?
The legal requirements for obtaining an abortion in Hawaii are specific to the stage of pregnancy.
For abortions up to 12 weeks gestation: A woman is able to obtain an abortion without parental or spousal consent in Hawaii.
For abortions between 12 and 20 weeks gestation: The woman must receive counseling from a licensed health care provider at least 24 hours prior to the abortion. In addition, parental consent is required for minors under age 18.
For abortions past 20 weeks gestation: Abortions after 20 weeks gestation are illegal in Hawaii, except when the pregnant woman’s life is in danger or if carrying the fetus to term would cause “substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function.”
5. Does the state of Hawaii offer comprehensive reproductive health services?
Yes, the state of Hawaii does offer comprehensive reproductive health services. The Hawaii Department of Health provides a variety of reproductive health services, including family planning and services for pregnant women. Other services such as HIV testing and counseling, STI testing and treatment, and contraceptive counseling are also available.
6. Does Hawaii have any restrictions on late-term abortions?
Yes, Hawaii has restrictions on late-term abortions. Hawaii law prohibits abortions after viability, except when the procedure is necessary to protect the life or health of the mother. Viability is generally defined as the ability of a fetus to survive outside the uterus, which usually occurs around 24 weeks of pregnancy.
7. What is the parental consent law for minors seeking an abortion in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, minors are required to obtain the written consent of their parent, guardian, or custodian before obtaining an abortion. Minors who are unable to obtain parental consent can seek a judicial bypass from a court.
8. Does Hawaii fund abortion services through Medicaid?
Hawaii does fund abortion services through Medicaid.
9. Does Hawaii require that women receive counseling prior to obtaining an abortion?
No, Hawaii does not require that women receive counseling prior to obtaining an abortion.
10. Does Hawaii impose waiting periods before a woman can obtain an abortion?
Yes. Hawaii requires that women wait at least 24 hours after receiving a counseling session from a health care provider before they can get an abortion.
11. Are there any restrictions on telemedicine abortion services in Hawaii?
No, there are currently no restrictions on telemedicine abortion services in Hawaii.
12. Is insurance coverage for abortion services available in Hawaii?
Yes, health insurance coverage for abortion services is available in Hawaii. The state requires private health insurance plans to cover abortion services under certain conditions, such as when a woman’s life is at risk or in cases of rape or incest.
13. Does the state of Hawaii require providers to offer medically accurate information about abortion services?
Yes, the state of Hawaii does require providers to offer medically accurate information about abortion services.
14. Are there any laws regarding the disposal of fetal remains in Hawaii?
Yes, Hawaii does have laws regarding the disposal of fetal remains. Every medical facility or physician in Hawaii that performs an abortion is required by law to provide a written statement about the legal requirements and options for the interment or cremation of fetal remains to the patient or other responsible party. The patient or other responsible party must sign a written statement indicating that the requirements and options have been provided. The patient or other responsible party must also sign a written statement indicating which option was chosen for the disposal of the fetal remains. The medical facility or physician must then ensure that the fetal remains are disposed of in accordance with the option chosen by the patient or other responsible party.
15. Are there any restrictions on the use of public funds for abortion services in Hawaii?
Yes, there are restrictions on the use of public funds for abortion services in Hawaii. Hawaii law states that public funds can only be used for abortions that are medically necessary, or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.
16. Is there a ban on abortion based on sex selection in Hawaii?
No, there is not a ban on abortion based on sex selection in Hawaii.
17. Does Hawaii allow pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions for contraception or abortion medication?
Yes, Hawaii does allow pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions for contraception or abortion medication. However, it is mandatory for pharmacies to provide a list of other nearby pharmacies that do not have such restrictions, and the pharmacist must ensure that the patient is able to access the medication in a timely manner.
18. Does the state of Hawaii require parental notification if a minor seeks an abortion?
Yes, Hawaii requires parental notification if a minor seeks an abortion. In Hawaii, a minor must have written permission from both parents or legal guardians if they seek to get an abortion. If a minor is unable to obtain written permission from both parents or legal guardians, they can petition the court for a judicial bypass.
19. Is there an informed consent requirement for women seeking an abortion in Hawaii?
Yes, in Hawaii there is an informed consent requirement for women seeking an abortion. According to the Hawaii Department of Health, before an abortion is performed, the attending physician must provide the patient with verbal and written information about the proposed procedure, its risks and alternatives. The patient must also be given the opportunity to ask questions. The patient must sign a written informed consent form before the abortion is performed.
20. What are the requirements for a safe and legal abortion in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, abortion is legal and can be performed at any stage of pregnancy. A woman seeking an abortion must provide her written consent, which can be done up to 24 hours prior to the procedure. The woman must also receive counseling from a qualified provider at least 24 hours before the procedure. Finally, the procedure must be performed by a licensed physician.