1. What laws are in place to protect abortion access in Alaska?

In Alaska, abortion is legal and protected by various laws and regulations. The Alaska Supreme Court has ruled that the Constitution of Alaska protects the right to choose abortion. The state also has laws and regulations that guarantee a woman’s right to access abortion services without interference. Alaska’s health insurance laws require all policies to cover medically necessary abortions, and its Medicaid program covers abortions in cases of alleged rape, incest, or life endangerment. In addition, Alaska statute prohibits anyone from obstructing access to abortion services, including protesting or harassing individuals accessing such services. Minors in Alaska are also allowed to access abortion services without parental consent.

2. How are abortions reported and registered in Alaska?

Abortions in Alaska must be reported to the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). Reports must include the patient’s age, race, previous live births, date of abortion, type of procedure, and other pertinent information. Reports are used by DHSS to create statistical summaries of abortion services in Alaska. The DHSS also maintains a registry of all abortions in Alaska since 1976.

3. Does Alaska provide public funding for abortion services?

No, Alaska does not provide public funding for abortion services.

4. Does Alaska have a parental notification or consent requirement for minors seeking abortion care?

Yes, Alaska does have a parental notification or consent requirement for minors seeking abortion care. Minors in Alaska must obtain notarized written consent from a parent or legal guardian before having an abortion, or else they can seek judicial bypass.

5. What restrictions exist on abortion in Alaska?

Under current Alaska law, abortions are legal and unrestricted during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, abortion is allowed only when necessary to protect the life or health of the woman.

The state also requires that a woman seeking an abortion receive counseling at least 24 hours prior to the procedure, and that the counseling include information about other options such as adoption. Minors must receive parental consent to receive an abortion in Alaska.

6. Does Alaska have a gestational age limit on abortion?

Yes, Alaska does have a gestational age limit on abortion. In Alaska, an abortion must be performed before the fetus is viable, which is generally considered to be around 24 weeks.

7. How does Alaska measure the safety of legal abortion care?

Alaska utilizes a variety of strategies to measure the safety of legal abortion care. These include requiring providers to report abortion-related complications, conducting onsite inspections of abortion clinics, and mandating the use of evidence-based guidelines and protocols for providing safe abortion care. Additionally, Alaska’s health department regularly reviews and updates its regulations to ensure that they remain up-to-date with the latest scientific evidence and best practices.

8. Does Alaska require abortion providers to offer information or referrals about fetal development or alternatives to abortion?

Yes, Alaska requires abortion providers to offer information or referrals about fetal development or alternatives to abortion. This is part of Alaska’s informed consent requirements. Specifically, Alaska requires that abortion providers provide information in booklet form, upon request, regarding “fetal development and alternatives to abortion.”

9. Does Alaska have laws mandating that a woman have an ultrasound before obtaining an abortion?

Yes, Alaska has laws mandating that a woman have an ultrasound before obtaining an abortion. The law took effect in March 2012 and requires that women seeking an abortion receive an ultrasound 24 hours before the procedure. The ultrasound must be performed by a qualified medical professional, and the woman must be offered the opportunity to view the image.

10. What is the rate of abortion in Alaska?

The rate of abortions in Alaska in 2018 was 12.9 per 1,000 women aged 15–44.

11. How does the law regulate the provision of medication abortions in Alaska?

In Alaska, medication abortion is legal and regulated under the same laws as any other type of abortion. The Alaska Supreme Court has held that the state is required to provide access to medication abortion services in accordance with the same standard of care as any other type of abortion. Medication abortions must be provided by a licensed health care provider and must meet the same medical standards as any other abortion procedure in the state. Furthermore, all women seeking a medication abortion must undergo an informed consent process in which they are informed about the risks and benefits of the procedure.

12. Does Alaska have any medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion care at the state or local level?

Yes. Alaska has several restrictions on abortion care, including a 24-hour waiting period, parental consent for minors, and a ban on public funding for abortions. Additionally, Alaska requires that an ultrasound be performed prior to an abortion and prohibits abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

13. Does Alaska have any laws protecting healthcare providers who provide abortion care?

Yes, Alaska does have laws protecting healthcare providers who provide abortion care. The Alaska Supreme Court has ruled that healthcare providers cannot be discriminated against based on their provision of abortion care. Additionally, the state’s Consent Law prohibits anyone from impeding or interfering with a woman’s access to abortion services.

14. Are there any regulations governing individuals or organizations that oppose abortion in Alaska?

Yes. Alaska has a regulation that prohibits individuals or organizations from obstructing or interfering with the access to abortion services. This regulation applies to individuals or organizations that advocate against abortion or attempt to influence individuals to refrain from having an abortion. The regulation further states that individuals or organizations may not use force, intimidation, threats, or harassment, or engage in activities designed to intimidate or interfere with the ability of a patient to access abortion services. Additionally, state law prohibits knowingly providing false information about abortion services and prohibits individuals from providing false information for the purpose of interfering with a patient’s ability to access abortion services.

15. What are the reporting requirements for providers that offer medication abortions in Alaska?

In Alaska, providers of medication abortion must complete and submit an Abortion Reporting Form to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services within 30 days of providing the procedure. The form must include detailed information about the patient, including age, marital status, race/ethnicity, number of previous pregnancies and abortions, and the gestational age at time of the abortion. The provider must also report the method used for the abortion.

16. Are there any restrictions on insurance coverage for abortion services in Alaska?

No, there are no restrictions on insurance coverage for abortion services in Alaska. The Alaska Supreme Court has ruled that insurance companies must cover abortion services as they would any other medical procedure. Additionally, the Alaska Legislature has passed legislation to ensure that insurance companies must cover elective abortions.

17. Does Alaska provide any funding for organizations that provide information about or referrals for abortion care?

No, Alaska does not provide any funding for organizations that provide information about or referrals for abortion care.

18. Are there any regulations pertaining to the disposal of fetal remains in Alaska?

Yes. Alaska Statutes §18.80.425 states that fetal tissue and/or remains must be disposed of in a “respectful and dignified manner,” generally in accordance with the wishes of the woman or family who experienced the miscarriage.

19. How does Alaska collect and analyze data related to abortion care?

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services collects data related to abortion care that is reported directly by health care providers. This information is then analyzed to gain insight into the demographic characteristics and prevalence of abortion care in Alaska. The data collected includes the date of service, patient age, patient race/ethnicity, patient residence zip code, health care provider type, gestational age at the time of service, method used for the abortion service, if there were any complications associated with the abortion service, and payment type. This data is used to inform policy decisions and track trends in abortion care in Alaska.

20. How does Alaska enforce laws and regulations related to abortion care?

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services provides oversight to ensure that all abortion care is provided in accordance with the applicable statutes and regulations. The department’s Office of Regulations and Permits (ORP) is responsible for reviewing and approving applications for abortion facility licenses, monitoring abortion facilities, and ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations. The ORP also performs periodic inspections of abortion facilities to ensure that they are providing safe and appropriate care. Additionally, the Alaska State Troopers may be called upon to investigate any suspected violations of law.