Abortion Waiting Periods in Arkansas

1. What is the Abortion Waiting Period in Arkansas?


In Arkansas, a woman must wait 48 hours after meeting with a physician to have an abortion. The abortion must take place within 14 days after the initial meeting with the physician.

2. How Long is the Abortion Waiting Period in Arkansas?


In Arkansas, the abortion waiting period is 48 hours.

3. Are There Mandatory Counseling Requirements for Abortion Waiting Periods in Arkansas?


Yes, there are mandatory counseling requirements for abortion waiting periods in Arkansas. According to the Arkansas Department of Health, women seeking an abortion must receive counseling in person from a qualified medical professional at least 48 hours prior to the procedure. Counseling must include information about the risks and alternatives associated with abortion.

4. Does Arkansas have a Parental Consent Requirement for Minors Seeking Abortions?


Yes, Arkansas does have a parental consent requirement for minors seeking abortions. The state requires minors to obtain written consent from one parent or legal guardian before they can proceed with the procedure.

5. Does Arkansas Require an Ultrasound Prior to Obtaining an Abortion?


Yes, Arkansas requires an ultrasound prior to obtaining an abortion. In addition, the patient must receive information regarding the ultrasound results.

6. Does Arkansas Allow Minors to Waive the Waiting Period for Abortions?


No, minors in Arkansas can not waive the 48-hour waiting period for abortions.

7. Does Arkansas Allow the Use of Telemedicine for Abortions?


No, Arkansas does not allow the use of telemedicine for abortions. Telemedicine is not currently a permissible means for providing abortion services in Arkansas.

8. Does Arkansas Prohibit Health Insurance Coverage for Abortions?


Yes, Arkansas does prohibit health insurance coverage for abortions, except in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest.

9. Is There a Mandatory Delay for Abortions in Arkansas?


Yes. Arkansas requires that women seeking an abortion must wait 48 hours after receiving state-directed counseling before the abortion can be provided.

10. Does Arkansas Place Restrictions on Late Term Abortions?


Yes. Arkansas state law requires that late-term abortions be performed by a doctor licensed to practice medicine in Arkansas and only when necessary to preserve the woman’s life or health. The law also states that an abortion may not be performed after the twentieth week of pregnancy unless the woman’s life is in danger or she is at risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment.

11. Is There a Ban on Certain Types of Abortions in Arkansas?


Yes, there is a ban on certain types of abortions in Arkansas. Arkansas has enacted laws prohibiting abortions after 18 weeks of gestation, with exceptions for medical emergencies. The state also bans most abortions based on the gender, race, or Down syndrome diagnosis of the fetus.

12. What are the Contraceptive Access Requirements in Arkansas?


Contraceptive access is regulated by Arkansas state law. Under these laws, pharmacists are allowed to dispense oral contraceptives and all other drugs and devices approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the purpose of contraception. Additionally, health care providers are allowed to prescribe and dispense contraceptive drugs, devices, products and services.

Arkansas also requires certain insurance plans to provide coverage for contraceptive methods and services as prescribed by a health care provider. These plans must cover all FDA-approved contraceptive products prescribed by a health care provider. All insurance plans, including those offered by employers, must cover contraceptive services and supplies without any cost-sharing requirements, such as copayments or deductibles.

Additionally, Arkansas requires certain Title X family planning clinics to provide contraceptive services to low-income individuals at no cost or on a sliding scale fee basis. Title X clinics must also provide information about all contraception methods approved by the FDA, as well as provide counseling about the effectiveness, safety and proper use of the methods.

13. Is There a Refusal Clause in Place in Arkansas for Providers Who Object to Performing Abortions?


Yes, Arkansas does have a refusal clause in place for healthcare providers who object to performing abortions. This clause is known as the Abortion Refusal Act (Act 577). The act states that any medical provider, including an individual or facility, may refuse to provide abortion services or services related to abortion if they have a moral or religious objection to doing so. The Act also prohibits institutions that receive public funding from discriminating against any provider based on their refusal to perform abortions.

14. Does Arkansas Require Domestic Violence Counseling Before an Abortion?


No, Arkansas does not require domestic violence counseling before an abortion.

15. Is Sex Education Required Prior to Obtaining an Abortion in Arkansas?


No, sex education is not required prior to obtaining an abortion in Arkansas.

16. Does Arkansas Provide Public Funding for Abortions?


No, Arkansas does not provide public funding for abortions.

17. Are There Any Exceptions to the Abortion Waiting Period in Arkansas?


Exceptions to the abortion waiting period in Arkansas are: (1) when the attending physician certifies that a medical emergency exists; (2) when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest and has been reported to a law enforcement agency; or (3) when the unemancipated minor has been abused or neglected as defined by law and has been reported to either a law enforcement agency or the Department of Human Services.

18. Is There a 24 Hour Waiting Period Before an Abortion inArkansas?


Yes. Arkansas requires a woman seeking an abortion to wait 24 hours after her initial consultation with the physician performing the abortion before the abortion is performed.

19. What Happens if the Physician Waives the Waiting Period in Arkansas?


In Arkansas, if a physician waives the waiting period, then the patient can begin treatment immediately. However, the patient must still satisfy all other requirements before beginning treatment, such as obtaining a referral from their primary care physician and receiving an authorization from their insurance provider.

20. Is Informed Consent Required Before an Abortion in Arkansas?


Yes, informed consent is required before an abortion in Arkansas. According to the Arkansas Department of Health, a woman must give informed consent for an abortion at least 48 hours before the procedure. The consent must be in writing and must be signed and dated by the woman.