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

In Maine, a late-term abortion is defined as any procedure performed after viability. Viability is determined by a medical professional, and can occur as early as 24 weeks.

Maine allows late-term abortions under certain circumstances. These include the preservation of the life or health of the pregnant woman, or when the fetus is suffering from a fatal physical or mental impairment.

Maine also requires that two physicians certify in writing that the late-term abortion is medically necessary, and must be performed in a hospital. Furthermore, the pregnant woman must be given information about the risks and consequences of a late-term abortion.

Finally, Maine requires that at least 48 hours before a late-term abortion is performed, the pregnant woman must be given an opportunity to view an ultrasound of her fetus.

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

Yes. Abortions are legal in Maine up to 24 weeks of gestation, unless the life or health of the mother is at risk.

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

No, there is no ban on late-term abortions in Maine. In Maine, abortions are legal throughout pregnancy, and the state does not impose any gestational limits on abortion access.

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

In Maine, a late-term abortion procedure can be authorized by a doctor.

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

Maine does not have a definition for “late-term abortion” in state law. However, the state does define “abortion” as a “termination of a pregnancy at any stage of gestation.”

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

Yes, in Maine late-term abortion is only prohibited after 24 weeks of pregnancy. However, exceptions are allowed in cases when a woman’s life or health is in danger, or when a fetus is not likely to be born alive.

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

Yes, there are parental notification laws for minors seeking abortions in Maine. A minor must get written consent from a parent, legal guardian, or custodian before having an abortion. A judge can also waive this requirement in certain circumstances.

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

In Maine, informed consent is required for any abortion, except in cases of medical emergency. A woman seeking an abortion must be provided with written and verbal information that includes:

– descriptions of the procedure
– alternatives to abortion
– medical risks associated with the procedure
– adoption information
– potential effects on future fertility
– a statement that the father is not liable for payment of the procedure
– a 24-hour waiting period before the abortion can be performed
– the right to review state-prepared materials on fetal development and abortion
and other pertinent information.

The written information must be provided at least 24 hours prior to the abortion and must include a statement that she has the right to withdraw her consent at any time prior to the procedure. The woman must certify in writing that she has been provided with this information and voluntarily consents to the abortion, and must indicate that she has been given an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers.

9. Does Maine require waiting periods for abortions?

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

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

No, there are no laws requiring ultrasounds before abortions in Maine.

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

Yes, Maine has a ban on sex-selective abortions. The ban was enacted in 2019.

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

Yes, there are restrictions on public funding for abortions in Maine. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services has stated that “Public funds may not be used to pay for abortion services, except in cases of medical emergency, rape, and/or incest.”

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

Yes, Maine has laws regulating the sale of abortifacients. A licensed physician must prescribe an abortion-inducing medication in order for it to be legally obtained in the state. These drugs must also be dispensed in accordance with the law.

14. Does Maine require counselling before an abortion procedure?

Yes, Maine requires a woman to receive counseling from a health care provider at least 24 hours before an abortion procedure. Women must also be given state-directed counseling that outlines each of the following: the risks and benefits of the procedure; information about the development of the fetus; and the alternatives available to carrying the pregnancy to term.

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

Yes, there are regulations on the disposal of fetal remains after an abortion procedure in Maine. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) requires all health care facilities providing abortion services to follow strict guidelines for the storage, handling, and disposal of fetal remains. These guidelines include the requirement that fetal remains must be stored in a separate area from where other medical waste is stored, that the remains must be disposed of within 24 hours of receipt, and that they must be disposed of through the use of cremation or burial services provided by a licensed funeral director.

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

Yes. Maine recognizes conscientious objection rights for health care providers who object to performing abortions. The Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine, the Maine State Board of Nursing, and the Maine State Board of Dental Examiners have policies in place that allow providers to object to providing abortion services due to religious or moral beliefs. In addition, the state’s Health Care Provider Conscience Protection Act allows health care providers to refuse to participate in any medical procedure or provide any medical service that is contrary to their conscience, ethical, cultural, or religious beliefs.

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

Yes. Maine Revised Statutes, Title 22, Section 1710-A prohibits employers from discriminating against any healthcare provider who “refers a patient for medical services, including abortion, or advises a patient regarding medical services, including abortion.”

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

Yes. In Maine, minors must receive written consent from a parent or guardian in order to obtain an abortion. Unless the minor has obtained a court order waiving the need for parental consent, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when crossing state lines to obtain an abortion.

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

Yes, there are restrictions on the use of telemedicine for abortion services in Maine. Telemedicine is only allowed for the provision of medication abortions and must be supervised by a certified physician. The prescribing physician must have a preexisting relationship with the patient, and must provide counseling, ultrasound imaging, and a physical examination before issuing the prescription. Additionally, the prescribing physician must be physically present when the patient ingests the medications.

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

No, Maine does not have any laws criminalizing the performance of self-induced abortions or assisting others with self-induced abortions. In Maine, it is legal for a pregnant person to self-induce an abortion with medication as long as they are following the directions provided by their healthcare provider. It is also legal for an individual to assist another person in obtaining and using medication to self-induce an abortion.