1. What is the Abortion Waiting Period in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico does not have an abortion waiting period.

2. How Long is the Abortion Waiting Period in Puerto Rico?

The abortion waiting period in Puerto Rico is 24 hours.

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

Yes, Puerto Rico requires counseling prior to receiving an abortion. Patients must receive counseling that provides information on the risks of the procedure, the development of the fetus, and other alternatives to abortion. Counseling must occur in person and be provided by a medical professional. The counseling must occur at least 24 hours prior to the abortion procedure.

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

Yes, Puerto Rico has a parental consent requirement for minors seeking abortions. Minors who are younger than 18 must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian in order to obtain an abortion.

5. Does Puerto Rico Require an Ultrasound Prior to Obtaining an Abortion?

Yes, Puerto Rico requires an ultrasound prior to obtaining an abortion. This requirement has been in place since 2012.

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

No. According to the Puerto Rico Department of Health, the waiting period between a counseling session and the abortion procedure cannot be waived for anyone, including minors.

7. Does Puerto Rico Allow the Use of Telemedicine for Abortions?

No, Puerto Rico does not allow the use of telemedicine for abortions.

8. Does Puerto Rico Prohibit Health Insurance Coverage for Abortions?

Yes, Puerto Rico does prohibit health insurance coverage for abortions. In 2020, Puerto Rican Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced signed into law a measure that prohibits private health insurance companies from offering abortion coverage.

9. Is There a Mandatory Delay for Abortions in Puerto Rico?

Yes, as of April 2019, in Puerto Rico, there is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before an abortion can be performed.

10. Does Puerto Rico Place Restrictions on Late Term Abortions?

Yes. Under the Puerto Rico Code of Civil Procedure, there are strict requirements that must be met in order to obtain a late term abortion. A woman must provide a doctor with written consent and proof of medical necessity. The doctor must also provide documentation of the procedure, including its medical necessity. A woman may also need court permission if she is seeking to terminate a pregnancy after 24 weeks.

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

Yes, there is a ban on certain types of abortions in Puerto Rico. In 2016, the Puerto Rico legislature passed the Puerto Rico Abortion Ban Act, which bans most abortions in the U.S. territory, including those based on fetal abnormalities or pregnancies resulting from rape or incest. The only exception to the ban is if a woman’s life is in danger.

The ban has been challenged in court and is currently being reviewed by the First Circuit of Appeals in Puerto Rico.

12. What are the Contraceptive Access Requirements in Puerto Rico?

In Puerto Rico, contraceptives are available under the Affordable Care Act, with no co-pay. In addition, insurance companies must cover the cost of contraception and sterilization procedures. Public health centers offer free or low-cost family planning services, including birth control and emergency contraception. Under the Puerto Rican Government’s Law 129 of 2017, employers must provide contraceptive coverage to their employees. Additionally, minors may access contraception without parental consent.

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

Yes, there is a refusal clause in place for providers in Puerto Rico who object to performing abortions. Health care providers in Puerto Rico are allowed to refuse to perform or assist in performing an abortion if it is against their moral or religious beliefs. This clause is protected under the Puerto Rico Civil Code.

14. Does Puerto Rico Require Domestic Violence Counseling Before an Abortion?

No, Puerto Rico does not require domestic violence counseling before an abortion. However, people who are seeking an abortion in Puerto Rico must receive counseling from a doctor regarding the potential risks of the procedure, the alternatives available, and information about fetal development.

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

No, sex education is not required prior to obtaining an abortion in Puerto Rico. However, women seeking abortions in Puerto Rico must be provided with information on the risks of the procedure and alternatives to abortion. This information must be given in writing and must be signed by both the patient and the abortion provider before any procedure is performed.

16. Does Puerto Rico Provide Public Funding for Abortions?

No, Puerto Rico does not provide public funding for abortions. However, individuals can obtain an abortion if they meet certain requirements, such as providing proof of financial hardship or being a minor.

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

Yes. In Puerto Rico, there are certain exceptions to the 24-hour waiting period before a patient can receive an abortion. These exceptions include cases where the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, the pregnant person’s health is at risk, or if the fetus has a severe and irreversible abnormality. In these cases, the patient may be able to receive an abortion without waiting 24 hours.

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

No. In Puerto Rico, there is no statutory waiting period before an abortion may be performed.

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

If the physician waives the waiting period in Puerto Rico, the insured person will be able to use their health insurance coverage immediately instead of having to wait for a specific period of time before being able to access it.

20. Is Informed Consent Required Before an Abortion in Puerto Rico?

Yes, informed consent is required before an abortion in Puerto Rico. Informed consent means that a woman fully understands the risks and benefits associated with the procedure before she chooses to go through with it. Informed consent also requires that a woman receive counseling from an impartial healthcare provider on the available options, including abortion.