1. How accessible is abortion in Arizona?

Abortion is legal in Arizona, however access is restricted by state legislation. As of March 2021, Arizona has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country. Among other regulations, the state has a 24-hour mandatory waiting period for individuals seeking an abortion; requires parental consent for minors seeking an abortion; bans abortions after 20 weeks except in cases of medical emergency; and imposes a number of restrictions on providers, including a requirement to offer medically inaccurate information about abortion to patients. These laws make it more difficult for some individuals to access abortion services in the state.

2. What is the legal gestational limit for abortion in Arizona?

The legal gestational limit for abortion in Arizona is 24 weeks.

3. Does Arizona require parental involvement for minors seeking an abortion?

Yes, Arizona requires parental involvement for minors seeking an abortion. Minors must obtain written consent from a parent or guardian before they are able to proceed with the procedure.

4. Does Arizona mandate waiting periods before an abortion?

Yes, Arizona mandates a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion.

5. Does Arizona require the disclosure of any information prior to an abortion?

Yes. Arizona requires that a physician must provide the pregnant woman with certain information at least 24 hours before the abortion is performed. This information includes the medical risks associated with abortion, the probable anatomical and physiological characteristics of the fetus, and the information about medical assistance, including adoption, available to the pregnant woman.

6. Does Arizona provide public funding for abortion services?

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

7. Are there any exceptions to the gestational limit in Arizona?

Yes, there are exceptions to the gestational limit in Arizona. Under state law, a woman can legally terminate a pregnancy at any stage if the fetus has a life-threatening medical condition. Additionally, Arizona allows abortions up to 24 weeks in cases of rape or incest.

8. Can a physician or medical facility refuse to provide abortion services in Arizona?

Yes. In Arizona, health care providers are allowed to refuse to perform medical services for any reason, including abortion. The state has a law that protects health care providers from being required to provide services that violate their beliefs or morals.

9. Are there any laws related to medication or surgical abortions in Arizona?

Yes, there are laws related to medication and surgical abortions in Arizona. Medication abortions must follow FDA guidelines, and minors must have parental or judicial consent. Surgical abortions must be performed by a licensed physician, must take place in a licensed health care facility, and gestational limits may apply. Additionally, certain procedures are required to be provided to the patient before the procedure can take place.

10. Is informed consent required by providers before performing an abortion in Arizona?

Yes, informed consent is required by providers before performing an abortion in Arizona. Patients must be given the opportunity to review state-mandated materials and sign a consent form prior to the procedure.

11. Does Arizona allow for the provision of telemedicine abortion services?

Yes, Arizona does allow for the provision of telemedicine abortion services. Telemedicine abortion was legalized in Arizona in 2014. The law stipulates that physicians must complete a telemedicine exam with the patient before prescribing abortion-inducing medication.

12. Are specific medical facilities required to provide abortions in Arizona?

Yes, hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers that provide abortion services are required to be licensed and must comply with specific regulations.

13. Does Arizona have any regulations regarding the provision of post-abortion care?

Yes, the Arizona Department of Health Services has regulations regarding post-abortion care, including the requirement that all abortion facilities must provide a follow-up visit for all patients no more than two weeks after the procedure and that any post-abortion care must be provided in accordance with the standards of good medical practice. Additionally, any provider of post-abortion care must ensure that the patient is informed of all available options for follow-up care.

14. Does Arizona have any restrictions on abortion protestors near clinics or medical facilities providing abortions?

Yes. Arizona has a law that makes it unlawful for individuals to “interfere with the delivery of services at any health care facility or to obstruct, intimidate, or interfere with any person lawfully seeking or obtaining reproductive health care services at any health care facility, or to interfere with the free passage of persons seeking health care services at any health care facility.” The law provides for civil penalties and potential imprisonment.

15. Can health insurance plans cover abortion services in Arizona?

No, health insurance plans cannot cover abortion services in Arizona. Arizona law prohibits insurance companies from covering abortion services with the exception of a medical emergency.

16. Are there any requirements for the disposal of fetal tissue after an abortion in Arizona?

Yes. In Arizona, fetal tissue must be disposed of in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. According to Arizona Administrative Code, Title 36, fetal tissue must be disposed of by incineration prior to placement in a landfill or by other approved means. Additionally, all written records pertaining to the disposal of fetal tissue must be maintained in accordance with laws and regulations.

17. How are fetal remains handled after an abortion in Arizona?

In Arizona, fetal remains must be handled in a respectful manner by a licensed health professional. In general, the remains must be disposed of through cremation, burial, or incineration. The remains may not be used for scientific research or any other purpose. Depending on the situation, the facility may contact the patient and/or family to discuss possible options for disposing of the fetal remains.

18. Does Arizona recognize gestational and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements?

Yes, Arizona does recognize gestational and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements.

19. Are there any laws related to informed consent for minors seeking an abortion in Arizona?

Yes, Arizona has laws related to informed consent for minors seeking an abortion. Minors in Arizona must obtain consent from a parent or guardian before they can receive an abortion. The law also requires that the minor be provided with certain information about the procedure, their options, and the potential risks and complications of the procedure. Minors may also bypass the parental consent requirement by obtaining judicial authorization.

20. Is there a judicial bypass process to allow minors to obtain an abortion without parental consent in Arizona?

Yes. Minors in Arizona may obtain an abortion without parental consent if they meet the requirements of the judicial bypass process. The process allows a minor to go before a court and demonstrate that they are mature and well-informed enough to make the decision to have an abortion without parental consent. The court will then decide whether or not to grant the request for a judicial bypass.