1. What is the legal definition of “late-term abortion” in Alaska?

In Alaska, late-term abortion is defined as an abortion that is performed after the twentieth week of gestation, or pregnancy. This definition applies to both induced abortions as well as miscarriages or stillbirths.

2. Are there any restrictions on late-term abortions in Alaska?

Under Alaska state law, late-term abortions are generally permitted up until the point of fetal viability, which is typically determined to be around 24 weeks of pregnancy. However, under certain circumstances, an abortion can be performed later in a pregnancy if the abortion provider reasonably believes it is necessary to save the life or preserve the health of the mother.

3. What are the gestational age limits for abortion in Alaska?

Abortion in Alaska is generally legal up to 20 weeks of gestation. After 20 weeks, a woman may still obtain an abortion with the approval of two physicians who must certify that there are medical reasons for the abortion.

4. Is there a gestational age limit for obtaining an abortion in Alaska?

Yes, in Alaska, abortions are allowed during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Abortions may be available after 20 weeks only in cases of medical emergency.

5. Are there any waiting periods or counseling requirements for late-term abortions in Alaska?

No, there are no waiting periods or counseling requirements for late-term abortions in Alaska. The state does require counseling for abortions after the first trimester, but this is not a waiting period.

6. Are there any parental consent or notification laws for minors seeking a late-term abortion in Alaska?

Yes. According to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, a minor must obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before receiving a late-term abortion. If a minor is unable to obtain consent, they may petition the court for permission to obtain the abortion without parental consent.

7. Are there any laws that restrict insurance coverage of late-term abortions in Alaska?

Yes, Alaska has restrictions on insurance coverage of late-term abortions. Under state law, insurers are not allowed to provide coverage for abortion services beyond 20 weeks of pregnancy unless it is necessary to prevent the death or substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman. In addition, Medicaid only covers abortion services in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest.

8. Are there any laws that criminalize or penalize late-term abortions in Alaska?

No, there are no laws in Alaska that criminalize or penalize late-term abortions. Alaska is one of the few states that has no restrictions on late-term abortions.

9. Are there any laws that prohibit the use of public funds to pay for late-term abortions in Alaska?

Yes, in Alaska, there are laws that prohibit the use of public funds to pay for late-term abortions. According to Alaska Statutes § 18.16.010, public funds may not be used for abortion services unless the abortion is necessary to prevent the mother’s death or the fetus is determined to be medically necessary to terminate a pregnancy, provided that abortion is performed within the first 20 weeks of gestation.

10. Are there any laws that allow health care providers to refuse to perform late-term abortions in Alaska?

Yes, there are laws in Alaska that allow health care providers to refuse to perform late-term abortions. Under Alaska Statutes 18.16.010 and 18.16.040, health care providers are not required to provide or participate in abortion services if they object to doing so on moral or religious grounds. Additionally, Alaska Statutes 12.36.125 allows licensed physicians, physician assistants, and certified nurse midwives to decline to perform or participate in an abortion procedure if they have a conscience-based objection to it.

11. Is it legal for doctors to perform late-term abortions in Alaska?

No, it is not legal for doctors to perform late-term abortions in Alaska. According to Alaska’s Department of Health and Social Services, late-term abortions are only permitted when the mother’s life is in danger.

12. Are there any laws that require doctors to provide medical care for babies born alive after attempted abortion in Alaska?

Yes. Alaska Statutes Sec. 24.30.065(d) states: “A health care provider who is present when a baby is born alive after an attempted abortion shall exercise the same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence to preserve the life and health of the baby as a reasonably diligent and conscientious health care provider would render to any other child born alive at the same gestational age.”

13. Are there any laws that require physicians to provide specific information or counseling to patients seeking a late-term abortion in Alaska?

No, there are currently no laws that require physicians to provide specific information or counseling to patients seeking a late-term abortion in Alaska. The state does have laws that regulate the availability of late-term abortions and require that physicians provide certain information to patients seeking such services, such as a description of the abortion procedure, possible risks and complications, and information about alternatives. However, there are no specific requirements regarding the type of counseling or information that must be provided.

14. Is it legal for private hospitals to perform late-term abortions in Alaska?

Yes, private hospitals are allowed to perform late-term abortions in Alaska. The state has no laws prohibiting it. However, state law does require that two doctors must provide written certification that there is a medical necessity for the procedure.

15. Are there any laws that require physicians to inform patients of the risks of late-term abortion procedures in Alaska?

No, there are no laws that require physicians to inform patients of the risks of late-term abortion procedures in Alaska. However, it is best practice for physicians to inform their patients of any potential risks associated with such procedures.

16. Are there any laws that require physicians to attempt to determine the viability of a fetus prior to performing a late-term abortion procedure in Alaska?

No, there are no laws in Alaska that require physicians to attempt to determine the viability of a fetus prior to performing a late-term abortion procedure.

17. Is it legal for certified nurse midwives and nurse practitioners to perform late-term abortions in Alaska?

No, it is not legal for certified nurse midwives and nurse practitioners to perform late-term abortions in Alaska. Late-term abortions can only be performed by physicians in the state.

18. Does the law require written permission from the patient or guardian before a physician can perform a late-term abortion procedure in Alaska?

Yes. In Alaska, a physician must obtain written permission from the patient or guardian before performing a late-term abortion procedure. The permission must be witnessed and signed by at least two people who are not related to the patient or who do not have a financial interest in the outcome of the procedure.

19. Are there any specific requirements related to the use of anesthetics during a late-term abortion procedure in Alaska?

According to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, there are no specific requirements related to the use of anesthetics during a late-term abortion procedure in Alaska. The Alaska Administrative Code states that providers must use “acceptable clinical practice” when administering anesthetics for any abortion procedure.

20. Are there any licensing requirements for physicians who perform late-term abortions in Alaska?

No. In Alaska, there are no licensing requirements specifically for physicians who perform late-term abortions. However, physicians in Alaska must generally be licensed to practice medicine in the state. Additionally, physicians who perform abortions in Alaska must comply with the state’s regulations on abortion care.