Late-Term Abortion Laws in New Jersey

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


In New Jersey, late-term abortions are allowed in cases when the mother’s health is in jeopardy or if the fetus is not viable. The state also allows late-term abortions when there are “substantial medical evidence and reasonable medical judgment” that the abortion is necessary to preserve the life or health of the mother or her unborn child.

In addition, late-term abortions are allowed if it is determined that continuing the pregnancy would result in “other serious physical or psychological risks to the mother’s life or health.” There is no mandated waiting period for a late-term abortion, and parental consent is not required.

2. Is there a gestational limit on abortions in New Jersey?


Yes, abortions are generally permitted in New Jersey up to the point of viability, which is usually considered to be around 24 weeks of pregnancy. However, abortions may be performed later in a pregnancy if it is necessary to protect the life or health of the mother.

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


No, there is not currently a ban on late-term abortions in New Jersey. Abortion in New Jersey is legal up to 24 weeks of the pregnancy, and after 24 weeks if the mother’s health is at risk.

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


In New Jersey, late-term abortions are authorized by a doctor certified by the New Jersey Department of Health. This doctor must be licensed to practice medicine in New Jersey and have admitting privileges at a hospital in New Jersey. The doctor must determine that the procedure is necessary in order to protect the life or health of the mother, or that the fetus is not viable. The patient must be provided with counseling prior to the procedure.

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


In New Jersey, a “late-term abortion” is defined as an abortion that takes place after the stage of fetal viability (when a fetus can survive outside of the uterus). This typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy.

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


Yes, late-term abortions are allowed in New Jersey if they are necessary to protect the life or health of the mother, or if the fetus is not viable.

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


Yes, there are parental notification laws for minors seeking abortions in New Jersey. Minors are required to notify one parent or guardian before obtaining an abortion. There is an exception for those who can show a judge that they are mature enough to make the decision to have an abortion or if notifying the parent or guardian is not in their best interests.

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


In New Jersey, informed consent laws require that prior to performing an abortion, a physician must provide the patient with the following information:

– A description of the procedure
– Possible risks and side effects
– The probability of success
– Medical alternatives to abortion
– Potential complications from medical alternatives
– The gestational age of the fetus
– An offer of ultrasound imaging and an explanation of its purpose
– The likely anatomical and physiological characteristics of the fetus at the time of the ultrasound
– An offer to hear the fetal heartbeat and explanation of its purpose
– An offer to view an ultrasound image of the fetus and explanation of its purpose
– An offer to receive printed material explaining the development of the unborn child, including photographs or drawings depicting the development
– An offer to speak with a counselor relative to their pregnancy options
– Information regarding organizations that provide alternatives to abortion and contact information for such organizations
– Any additional information on carrying to term and raising a child, including local resources available for assistance in child raising
– Information regarding any other medical or psychological risks associated with having an abortion.

9. Does New Jersey require waiting periods for abortions?


Yes, New Jersey requires a 24-hour waiting period before a woman can receive an abortion.

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


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

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


Yes. New Jersey bans sex-selective abortions, and any doctor who performs such a procedure can face up to five years in prison.

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


Yes; public funding for abortions in New Jersey is limited to cases of medical necessity, rape, incest, or when the mother’s life is in danger.

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


Yes, New Jersey has laws regulating the sale of abortifacients. The state prohibits the sale of any abortifacient without a prescription. In addition, the state requires that all abortifacients be dispensed only by a licensed pharmacist.

14. Does New Jersey require counselling before an abortion procedure?


Yes, New Jersey requires counselling before an abortion procedure. The counsellor must provide information about the health risks associated with the procedure, as well as alternatives to the procedure.

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


Yes, there are regulations on the disposal of fetal remains after an abortion procedure in New Jersey. All fetal remains must be cremated or interred in accordance with the New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C. 8:40). A licensed funeral director must be consulted for the proper disposition of fetal remains.

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


Yes, New Jersey recognizes conscientious objection rights for health care providers who object to performing abortions. The New Jersey Medical and Health Care Services Act (NJSA 26:2H-12.15) protects the conscience rights of health care providers, including those who object to performing abortions.

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


Yes, New Jersey has a law that protects healthcare providers from being discriminated against for providing or participating in abortion procedures. The New Jersey Protection of Healthcare Providers Act (P.L. 1997, c. 229) prohibits healthcare providers from being denied employment, licensure or certification, or any other type of professional privilege solely because they provide or participate in abortion services. It also prohibits employers from taking any adverse action against a healthcare provider solely because they provide or participate in abortion services. This law applies to all healthcare providers in the state, including physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals.

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


Yes, there are laws concerning the transportation of minors across state lines to obtain abortions in New Jersey. According to the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, a minor must obtain consent from a parent or guardian in order to obtain an abortion in the state. In addition, if a minor is transported from another state to obtain an abortion in New Jersey, they must have written permission from a parent or guardian that is notarized and valid in the state where it was issued. Furthermore, the person transporting the minor must have written permission from the parent or guardian, and must provide proof of identification.

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


Yes. Telemedicine is restricted in New Jersey when it comes to providing abortion services. Telemedicine must be provided by a physician or qualified health care provider. The physician or qualified health care provider must be physically present with the patient who is receiving the abortion at the time the medications are prescribed. Additionally, the prescribing physician must have an established physician-patient relationship with the patient and must personally obtain the patient’s informed consent prior to providing abortion services.

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


No, New Jersey does not have any laws criminalizing the performance of self-induced abortions or assisting others with self-induced abortions.