Abortion Funding Restrictions in Oklahoma

1. What is the law on Medicaid-funded abortion services in Oklahoma?


The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) does not cover abortion services for recipients of Medicaid except in cases of rape, incest, or when necessary to save the life of the woman. This restriction applies even if the woman pays for the procedure with money outside of her Medicaid coverage.

2. Does Oklahoma allow private insurance coverage for abortion services?


No, Oklahoma does not allow private insurance coverage for abortion services.

3. Are there any restrictions on abortion funding in Oklahoma?


Yes, there are restrictions on abortion funding in Oklahoma. Medicaid does not pay for abortion services, except in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest. Additionally, state law prohibits the use of state funds to pay for abortion services other than those listed above.

4. Is there a waiting period for abortion services in Oklahoma?


Yes, there is a waiting period for abortion services in Oklahoma. A woman must wait 72 hours after her first in-person counseling appointment before being able to obtain an abortion.

5. Is parental consent required for minors seeking abortion services in Oklahoma?


Yes, parental consent is required for minors in Oklahoma to receive abortion services. However, minors may receive a judicial bypass from the court if they meet certain criteria.

6. Does Oklahoma require ultrasounds before a woman can receive abortion services?


Yes, Oklahoma does require ultrasounds before a woman can receive abortion services. In addition, the state also requires that women be provided with a physical description of the fetus and be offered an opportunity to view the ultrasound.

7. Are there any exceptions to mandatory ultrasounds for obtaining abortions in Oklahoma?


Yes, there are exceptions to the mandatory ultrasound requirement when obtaining an abortion in Oklahoma. The exceptions are if the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest, if the pregnancy would have a fatal fetal condition or if the woman is a minor. In these cases, a health care provider may waive the ultrasound requirement.

8. Is there an insurance coverage requirement for abortion services in Oklahoma?


Yes, insurance coverage for abortion services in Oklahoma is required in certain situations. According to Oklahoma law, health benefit plans issued or renewed after December 31, 2013, must cover “medically necessary abortion services performed by a licensed physician” if the pregnant woman’s life is endangered or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.

9. Does Oklahoma provide financial assistance for abortions?


No, Oklahoma does not provide financial assistance for abortions.

10. Are there any conscience clauses for health care providers in Oklahoma related to abortion services?


Yes, there is a conscience clause in Oklahoma that allows health care providers to decline to participate in abortion services or research if it is against their religious or moral beliefs. Health care providers have the right to object, in writing, to being asked to perform abortion services and will not be subject to discrimination.

11. What is the policy on public funding of abortions in Oklahoma?


In Oklahoma, public funding for abortions is prohibited except in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest. The Oklahoma State Constitution prohibits the use of public funds to fund abortions unless medically necessary.

12. Are there any laws restricting access to abortions in Oklahoma?


Yes, there are laws restricting access to abortions in Oklahoma. These laws include a parental consent requirement for minors, a 72-hour waiting period, and a ban on certain types of abortion procedures.

13. Does Oklahoma provide access to late-term abortion services?


No, Oklahoma does not allow access to late-term abortion services.

14. Are there any restrictions on the use of telemedicine to provide abortion services in Oklahoma?


Yes, there are restrictions on the use of telemedicine to provide abortion services in Oklahoma. The state’s Telemedicine Act prohibits physicians from providing “telemedicine abortion services,” which it defines as “the use of telemedicine for the purpose of prescribing or providing a drug or device to induce an abortion.” Physicians may also not use telemedicine to perform or assist in performing abortions.

15. Are there any bans on certain types of abortions in Oklahoma?


Yes. Currently, Oklahoma has a ban on “dilation and evacuation” abortions, which involve using forceps to remove parts of an embryo or fetus from the uterus. Additionally, there is a ban on abortions based on the sex, race, or disability of the unborn child, as well as a ban on funding for abortions performed through the state Medicaid program.

16. Are there any limits on the number of abortions a woman can have in Oklahoma?


No, there are not any limits on the number of abortions a woman can have in Oklahoma.

17. Does Oklahoma allow medical professionals other than physicians to provide abortions?


No, in Oklahoma, only physicians are allowed to provide abortions.

18. Is informed consent required for abortion services in Oklahoma?


Yes, informed consent is required for abortion services in Oklahoma. The law requires that a woman must receive written and verbal information at least 24 hours before the abortion procedure. This information includes potential risks and alternatives to the procedure, the gestational age of the fetus, and a description of the abortion procedure.

19. What is the policy on minors seeking abortions without parental consent in Oklahoma?


In Oklahoma, minors seeking an abortion without parental consent must receive authorization from a district court judge. A minor’s application for authorization must include proof of identity, evidence of physical maturity, and evidence of the minor’s ability to give informed consent. The court may also require the minor to explain why she wishes to have an abortion without parental consent. The court may also require the minor to attend counseling prior to authorizing the abortion.

20. Are there any restrictions on the use of taxpayer dollars for abortion services in Oklahoma?


Yes. Taxpayer dollars cannot be used for abortion services in Oklahoma, except in cases where the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or when the woman’s life is in danger.