1. What is the law on Medicaid-funded abortion services in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, Medicaid-funded abortion services are allowed for any reason that is not used as a method of birth control. However, only low-income or medically indigent women are eligible for Medicaid-funded abortions. Additionally, the state requires that a physician certify that a medical emergency exists in order for Medicaid to cover the cost of an abortion that is not related to an emergency.
2. Does Connecticut allow private insurance coverage for abortion services?
Yes, Connecticut does allow private insurance coverage for abortion services.
3. Are there any restrictions on abortion funding in Connecticut?
Yes, there are restrictions on abortion funding in the state of Connecticut. As of 2019, Medicaid and other public insurance plans will no longer cover abortion services. Additionally, any private insurance plans purchased through the state’s health care exchange will not cover abortion services. There is an exception for abortions in cases of life endangerment, rape and incest.
4. Is there a waiting period for abortion services in Connecticut?
Yes. There is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period between the initial counseling appointment and the abortion procedure in Connecticut.
5. Is parental consent required for minors seeking abortion services in Connecticut?
Yes, parental consent is required for minors seeking abortion services in Connecticut. Minors younger than 16 must obtain the written consent of both parents or a guardian; minors between 16 and 18 must obtain the written consent of one parent or a guardian.
6. Does Connecticut require ultrasounds before a woman can receive abortion services?
Yes, Connecticut requires ultrasounds to be performed before a woman can receive abortion services. The ultrasound must be performed no more than 18 hours prior to the abortion procedure and must be documented in the patient’s medical record. The ultrasound must also be reviewed with the patient prior to the abortion.
7. Are there any exceptions to mandatory ultrasounds for obtaining abortions in Connecticut?
No, there are not. Connecticut’s abortion regulations do not provide any exceptions to the rule that a woman must receive an ultrasound before undergoing an abortion procedure.
8. Is there an insurance coverage requirement for abortion services in Connecticut?
Yes. In Connecticut, “all services related to an abortion must be covered by health insurance, with some exceptions for certain religious employers.”
9. Does Connecticut provide financial assistance for abortions?
Yes, Connecticut does provide financial assistance for abortions. The state has a Family Planning Services Program (FPSP) that provides free or low-cost family planning services, including abortion services, to eligible individuals.
10. Are there any conscience clauses for health care providers in Connecticut related to abortion services?
Yes, there are conscience clauses for health care providers in Connecticut related to abortion services. According to Section 19a-582-a of the Connecticut General Statutes, “no physician, hospital or other health care provider shall be required to participate in medical procedures, including contraceptive services or abortion services, which are contrary to, or inconsistent with, such physician’s, hospital’s or other health care provider’s religious or moral principles.” Health care providers who object to providing abortion services are allowed to refer patients to another provider.
11. What is the policy on public funding of abortions in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, abortions are publicly funded for individuals who are enrolled in a state-administered health insurance program such as HUSKY A, HUSKY B, or Medicaid, or who are members of the Connecticut Women’s Health Care Program. In addition, the state provides funding for abortions for individuals who have been victims of rape or incest or whose lives would be endangered by continuing a pregnancy.
12. Are there any laws restricting access to abortions in Connecticut?
Yes, there are laws restricting access to abortions in Connecticut. The state requires that a woman receive counseling prior to obtaining an abortion and also requires parental consent for minors seeking abortions. Additionally, certain public funding restrictions may be in place.
13. Does Connecticut provide access to late-term abortion services?
Yes, Connecticut provides access to late-term abortion services. Generally, late-term abortions in Connecticut are available up to the point of viability (24-26 weeks) and must be performed in a hospital. The decision to terminate a pregnancy is between a woman and her health care provider and is based on individual medical circumstances.
14. Are there any restrictions on the use of telemedicine to provide abortion services in Connecticut?
No, there are no restrictions on the use of telemedicine to provide abortion services in Connecticut.
15. Are there any bans on certain types of abortions in Connecticut?
Yes. In Connecticut, abortions are generally prohibited at or after 20 weeks of gestation, except in certain limited circumstances. Additionally, Connecticut prohibits the use of public funds for abortions, except in cases where the life of the mother is at risk or when the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest.
16. Are there any limits on the number of abortions a woman can have in Connecticut?
No, there are no limits on the number of abortions a woman can have in Connecticut.
17. Does Connecticut allow medical professionals other than physicians to provide abortions?
Yes, Connecticut allows advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to provide abortions.
18. Is informed consent required for abortion services in Connecticut?
Yes, informed consent is required for abortion services in Connecticut. The Connecticut General Assembly has passed the Informed Consent for Abortion Act (Public Act 97-5), which requires that a woman receive a state-approved informed consent packet before undergoing an abortion procedure. Additionally, the act requires a physician to provide certain information to any woman who is considering an abortion. This information includes a list of the medical risks associated with the procedure, information about the fetus and its development, and information about alternate options available to the woman.
19. What is the policy on minors seeking abortions without parental consent in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, minors can legally obtain an abortion without parental consent. According to the Connecticut General Statutes, a minor can seek an abortion if they obtain a court order in the Superior Court of Juvenile Matters. The court must find that the minor is mature and sufficiently well-informed to make an informed decision about the procedure. The judge can also appoint a guardian for them.
20. Are there any restrictions on the use of taxpayer dollars for abortion services in Connecticut?
Yes, there are restrictions on the use of taxpayer dollars for abortion services in Connecticut. The state does not use public funds for abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or life-threatening medical complications.