1. What laws are in place to protect abortion access in Arizona?
In Arizona, abortion is protected by the law. The Arizona Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that the Arizona Constitution protects the right to abortion, regardless of any changes in federal law or court decisions. Additionally, the Arizona Legislature passed a law in 2017 that prohibits any local government from passing laws that limit access to abortion or interfere with the delivery of abortion services. The law also prohibits any health care provider or health care facility from being forced to provide abortion services or counseling. Finally, Arizona has several laws in place that protect a pregnant person’s right to choose an abortion, including laws that require parental consent for minors and ensure that health care providers cannot be punished for providing abortion services.
2. How are abortions reported and registered in Arizona?
In Arizona, abortions are reported to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). The ADHS must be notified within seven days of a surgical abortion or 10 days of a medical abortion. The ADHS requires the reporting facility to submit information about the abortion procedure, including patient demographics, trimester, and any complications or interventions. The ADHS then uses this information to create a public registry which is updated monthly.
3. Does Arizona provide public funding for abortion services?
No, Arizona does not provide public funding for abortion services.
4. Does Arizona have a parental notification or consent requirement for minors seeking abortion care?
Yes. Arizona requires any minor seeking an abortion to obtain consent from a parent, legal guardian, or a judge before they can have the procedure.
5. What restrictions exist on abortion in Arizona?
In Arizona, abortion is only legal up to 20 weeks gestation, with some exceptions. There are restrictions on certain types of abortions, including parental consent laws for minors, waiting periods, and a ban on most abortions after 20 weeks. Medical professionals must also provide information regarding abortion and alternatives to abortion prior to the procedure. There are prohibitions on the use of public funding for abortions, except in cases where the mother’s life is in danger. Finally, there are restrictions on the use of telemedicine services for the purpose of providing medication abortion services.
6. Does Arizona have a gestational age limit on abortion?
Yes, Arizona has a gestational age limit of twenty weeks for abortions.
7. How does Arizona measure the safety of legal abortion care?
The Arizona Department of Health Services monitors how safe legal abortion care is in the state by collecting and analyzing data from abortion providers. This includes information on the type of procedure performed, patient demographics, and any complications that occur. The Department publishes a biennial report that outlines the trends in abortion care and provides recommendations for improving safety. The report also details specific safety practices that clinics must follow to ensure a high standard of care for patients.
8. Does Arizona require abortion providers to offer information or referrals about fetal development or alternatives to abortion?
Yes. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, abortion providers must offer information or referrals about fetal development, adoption and other alternatives to abortion.
9. Does Arizona have laws mandating that a woman have an ultrasound before obtaining an abortion?
Yes, Arizona has laws mandating that a woman have an ultrasound before obtaining an abortion. The law states that a woman must receive an ultrasound within 24 hours of her initial appointment for an abortion. The physician or qualified professional performing the ultrasound must display the ultrasound images and make audible any heartbeat present. The woman must then be provided with information regarding the ultrasound results and given the opportunity to view the images and hear the heartbeat.
10. What is the rate of abortion in Arizona?
According to the Guttmacher Institute, the abortion rate in Arizona in 2017 was 12.6 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-44.
11. How does the law regulate the provision of medication abortions in Arizona?
In Arizona, medication abortions are regulated by the Arizona Revised Statutes § 36-2156. This statute requires that medication abortions be provided in accordance with the FDA-approved regimen and that the prescriber must maintain medical records of the procedure. In addition, the prescriber must provide the patient with information about the risks and benefits of medication abortion, possible side effects, and how to access emergency medical care if necessary. The law also requires that the patient be provided with a copy of the patient information material that is approved by the FDA prior to being administered the medication. Finally, the statute requires that a physician must be physically present during all medications abortions to answer any questions or concerns the patient may have.
12. Does Arizona have any medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion care at the state or local level?
Yes, Arizona has medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion care at the state and local level. These include mandatory counseling, a 24-hour waiting period, parental consent for minors, and a limit on public funding of abortion services. Additionally, some cities, such as Tucson, have passed additional restrictions on abortion providers, including zoning laws and the requirement that physicians have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital.
13. Does Arizona have any laws protecting healthcare providers who provide abortion care?
Yes, Arizona has laws protecting healthcare providers who provide abortion care. For example, the state has a Physician Protection Act which states that no professional licensing board may take action against a provider for performing an abortion unless it is done outside of acceptable medical standards. Additionally, the state has a Consent Law, which requires that a woman be given specific information before giving her informed consent to an abortion.
14. Are there any regulations governing individuals or organizations that oppose abortion in Arizona?
Yes, there are several regulations in Arizona governing individuals or organizations who oppose abortion. For example, abortion opponents must receive permission from the state before displaying signs or distributing literature near an abortion clinic. Additionally, protestors must remain at least 25 feet away from an abortion clinic entrance. In addition, individuals and groups opposing abortion must comply with zoning laws and other restrictions related to the location where they choose to protest. Finally, some cities and towns may have additional local regulations related to protesting near abortion clinics.
15. What are the reporting requirements for providers that offer medication abortions in Arizona?
In Arizona, providers that offer medication abortions are required to complete and submit a report to the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) within five days of the abortion. The report must include the patient’s name, date of birth, date the abortion was performed, gestational age at the time of the abortion, type of procedure, and any complications. The provider must also submit copies of the informed consent forms used for each medication abortion.
16. Are there any restrictions on insurance coverage for abortion services in Arizona?
Yes, there are restrictions on insurance coverage for abortion services in Arizona. The state has a law that states that most private health insurance plans issued in the state cannot cover any abortion services, except in cases of life endangerment, rape, incest or fetal abnormalities. Additionally, the state does not allow Medicaid funds to be used to pay for abortions.
17. Does Arizona provide any funding for organizations that provide information about or referrals for abortion care?
No, Arizona does not provide any funding for organizations that provide information about or referrals for abortion care.
18. Are there any regulations pertaining to the disposal of fetal remains in Arizona?
Yes. In accordance with the Arizona Administrative Code, fetal remains shall be disposed of in a dignified manner such as cremation, entombment, or interment as determined by the gestational age and size of the fetus. In addition, the fetal remains must be disposed of in an approved facility. The Department of Health Services shall ensure that proper procedures are in place to ensure that fetal remains are disposed of properly.
19. How does Arizona collect and analyze data related to abortion care?
The Arizona Department of Health Services collects and analyzes data related to abortion care from abortion providers in the state. This data includes information such as the type of abortion procedure, the age of the patient, and the number of abortions performed per month. The Arizona Department of Health Services also uses this data to monitor trends in abortion rates, identify risk factors for complications, and evaluate the effectiveness of education and outreach efforts regarding contraception and reproductive health.
20. How does Arizona enforce laws and regulations related to abortion care?
Arizona has a variety of laws and regulations related to abortion care, and they are enforced by various state agencies. These include regulations on the licensing of abortion clinics, informed consent requirements, parental consent laws, abortion waiting periods, and restrictions on the use of telemedicine for abortion services. The Arizona Department of Health Services is responsible for the licensing and inspection of abortion clinics, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety is responsible for enforcing the informed consent and parental consent requirements. The Arizona Supreme Court is responsible for enforcing the abortion waiting period law, and the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy is responsible for enforcing restrictions on the use of telemedicine for abortion services.