Late-Term Abortion Laws in Minnesota

1. What are the late-term abortion laws in Minnesota?


In Minnesota, late-term abortion laws restrict abortions after 24 weeks gestation. The law requires two physicians to certify that the abortion is necessary to preserve the life or health of the woman or if the fetus is not viable. The woman must also be provided with medical and psychological counseling about the health risks of the abortion and the risk of carrying the pregnancy to term. The woman must be informed of available medical assistance benefits and other public and private services that are available to assist in carrying the pregnancy to term.

2. Is there a gestational limit on abortions in Minnesota?


Yes, abortions are generally prohibited in Minnesota after 24 weeks of gestation.

3. Is there a ban on late-term abortions in Minnesota?


Yes, Minnesota has a ban on most late-term abortions. The ban was signed into law in 2019 and applies to abortions performed after 22 weeks of gestation.

4. Who can authorize a late-term abortion procedure in Minnesota?


In Minnesota, late-term abortion can only be authorized by a physician. Any individual seeking a late-term abortion must obtain a written authorization from an attending physician, who must have the appropriate qualifications and training to perform the procedure. The attending physician must also demonstrate that the procedure is necessary in order to preserve the life or health of the patient or in the case of fetal abnormality.

5. How does Minnesota define a “late-term abortion”?


In Minnesota, there is no official definition of a “late-term abortion.” Generally, “late-term abortion” is used to refer to abortions performed after the 20th week of gestation. Minnesota law states that an abortion can be performed at any time before viability, which is defined as the earliest age at which a fetus can survive outside the womb.

6. Are there any exceptions to late-term abortion bans in Minnesota?


Yes, Minnesota allows late-term abortions in cases where the woman’s life or health is endangered or when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.

7. Are there any parental notification laws for minors seeking abortions in Minnesota?


Yes, in Minnesota there are parental notification laws for minors seeking abortions. A minor must obtain consent from a parent or guardian before receiving an abortion, unless they receive a court order waiving the notification requirement.

8. What are the informed consent requirements for abortions in Minnesota?


Informed consent for abortions in Minnesota is outlined in the state code, MN Statute 145.412 (2015). According to this code, if a pregnant woman chooses to have an abortion and is receiving the procedure from a physician in Minnesota, the physician must inform the woman of:

• the nature and purpose of the proposed abortion procedure
• the risks and alternatives associated with the procedure
• the probable gestational age of her fetus
• any medical risks associated with continuing her pregnancy, including physical, emotional, psychological, and familial risks.

The woman must sign a written statement consenting to the abortion. The Minnesota statute also requires that all women be provided with information about parental notification for minors seeking abortions. For women under 18 years of age, a physician must provide information about legal options regarding parental consent or a judicial bypass of parental consent for an abortion.

9. Does Minnesota require waiting periods for abortions?


Yes, Minnesota requires a 24-hour waiting period for abortions.

10. Are there any laws requiring ultrasounds before abortions in Minnesota?


No. There is no law in Minnesota requiring that a woman have an ultrasound before an abortion.

11. Does Minnesota have any bans on sex-selective abortions?


Yes, Minnesota has a ban on sex-selective abortions. The law was enacted in 2013 and prohibits abortion providers from performing an abortion solely for the purpose of selecting the sex of the fetus. Under the law, health care providers must also provide information to pregnant women about sex-selective abortions and document any conversations they have with patients related to the issue.

12. Are there restrictions on public funding of abortions in Minnesota?


Yes, in Minnesota there are restrictions on public funding of abortions. Medicaid and other public health programs only cover abortions in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest. Private insurance plans may also have restrictions on abortion coverage.

13. Does Minnesota have any laws regulating the sale of abortifacients (drugs that induce abortion)?


No, Minnesota does not have any laws regulating the sale of abortifacients.

14. Does Minnesota require counselling before an abortion procedure?


No, Minnesota does not require counseling before an abortion procedure. However, all abortion providers in the state must provide patients with information on the risks and benefits of the procedure, and alternatives to abortion.

15. Are there any regulations on the disposal of fetal remains after an abortion procedure in Minnesota?


Yes, there are regulations on the disposal of fetal remains after an abortion procedure in Minnesota. According to Minnesota Statutes, Sections 145.1622 and 145.1623, a woman who has had an abortion must be given the option to arrange for the burial or cremation of any fetal remains. If she does not exercise this option, then the provider of the abortion must arrange for either a burial or cremation of the fetal remains. The fetal remains must be disposed of in a manner that is consistent with state and local laws.

16. Does Minnesota recognize any conscientious objection rights for health care providers who object to performing abortions?


Yes. The Minnesota Department of Health has established a policy to protect the rights of health care providers who object to performing abortions, and to ensure access for patients who need the service. The policy provides that health care providers may object to performing abortions due to religious, moral or ethical beliefs or practices. When a provider objects, the provider must refer the patient to another provider in their community that is available and willing to provide the service.

17. Does Minnesota have any laws protecting healthcare providers from being discriminated against for participating in abortion procedures?


Yes, Minnesota has laws that protect healthcare providers from discrimination for participating in abortion procedures. The Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) prohibits discrimination in employment based on an individual’s participation in any lawful activity related to abortion. Additionally, the Minnesota Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACTA) also provides protection for healthcare providers against violence or threats of violence for their involvement in abortion-related activities.

18. Are there any laws concerning the transportation of minors across state lines to obtain abortions in Minnesota?


No, there are no laws concerning the transportation of minors across state lines to obtain abortions in Minnesota. However, the state does have certain provisions that may apply to minors seeking abortions. For example, all minors under the age of 18 must have written consent from a parent or guardian before they can receive an abortion.

19. Are there restrictions on the use of telemedicine for abortion services in Minnesota?


No, there are no restrictions on the use of telemedicine for abortion services in Minnesota. Telemedicine is allowed for the provision of abortion services in Minnesota.

20. Does Minnesota have any laws criminalizing the performance of self-induced abortions or assisting others with self-induced abortions?


No, Minnesota does not have any laws criminalizing the performance of self-induced abortions or assisting others with self-induced abortions. However, Minnesota law does criminalize the sale or purchase of abortion-inducing drugs without a doctor’s prescription.