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

In the state of Washington, late-term abortions are allowed under certain circumstances for the health and safety of the mother. Washington state law allows abortions up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, with no restrictions on gestational age. A woman may receive an abortion after 24 weeks if her health is at risk or if the fetus has a “grave medical condition”. In Washington, a “grave medical condition” is defined as one that threatens the life of the fetus or the life of the woman. In addition, an attending physician must certify that the abortion is necessary to preserve the life of the mother or that a continuation of the pregnancy would pose a substantial risk of “grievous injury” to her physical or mental health.

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

Yes, abortion is generally available in Washington state up to 24 weeks of gestation.

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

No, there is no ban on late-term abortions in Washington state. The state has some of the most liberal abortion laws in the country and has a strong legal precedent guaranteeing a woman’s right to choose. Washington state does not impose any limitation on when a woman can have an abortion.

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

In Washington, a person must obtain authorization from two physicians in order to receive a late-term abortion procedure. The authorizing physicians must determine that continuing the pregnancy would risk the life or health of the pregnant person, or that the fetus has a lethal anomaly.

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

Washington defines late-term abortion as any abortion that takes place after twenty weeks of gestation.

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

Yes, there are several exceptions to the late-term abortion ban in Washington. These exceptions include a medical emergency, when the pregnant person’s physical or mental health is endangered, when the fetus has a lethal anomaly, and when a pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. Additionally, the Washington State Department of Health will consider other extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

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

Yes, in Washington, minors are required to obtain the consent of a parent or legal guardian before obtaining an abortion. In cases where a minor is unable to obtain parental consent, they may proceed with judicial bypass procedure where a judge can approve the abortion without parental consent.

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

In Washington, the law requires that the woman seeking an abortion must be given written and oral information about the risks and consequences of the procedure. This must occur 24 hours prior to the procedure. This information must include the following topics:

-The nature of the proposed procedure;
-The probable gestational age of the fetus;
-The medical risks associated with the procedure;
-The medical risks associated with carrying a pregnancy to term;
-If a partial birth abortion is proposed, information on the alternatives;
-Adoption alternatives;
-Information on the father’s legal responsibility for child support;
-Resources for counseling and other assistance after an abortion; and
-A statement that a woman has a right to view an ultrasound of her fetus at least 24 hours before an abortion is performed.

9. Does Washington require waiting periods for abortions?

Yes, Washington state requires that a woman wait 24 hours between the initial consultation and the procedure.

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

No, there are no laws requiring ultrasounds before abortions in Washington. However, some providers may choose to offer an ultrasound before the procedure.

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

Yes. Washington State has banned sex-selective abortions since 2018. The law requires health care providers to ask patients if they are seeking an abortion for any reason related to the sex or gender of the fetus, and requires them to report any such cases to the Department of Health.

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

Yes, public funding of abortions in Washington is restricted. As of May 2020, Medicaid will only cover abortion in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest. Non-Medicaid programs are not allowed to distribute public funds for abortion services.

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

Yes, Washington state has laws regulating the sale of abortifacients. The sale of abortifacients is prohibited unless it is under the supervision and direction of a licensed healthcare provider.

14. Does Washington require counselling before an abortion procedure?

No, Washington does not require counseling before an abortion procedure.

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

Yes, there are regulations on the disposal of fetal remains after an abortion procedure in Washington. According to the Washington State Department of Health, “All health care providers performing or inducing an abortion must ensure the remains are either disposed of in a manner that is respectful and not offensive to a reasonable person or cremated, and the ashes disposed of in a respectful and not offensive manner.” Health care providers must also keep records of the disposition of the fetal remains for a minimum of 7 years.

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

Yes. Washington State law recognizes the rights of health care providers to refuse to participate in abortion procedures if they have a conscientious objection to it. The law also requires health care facilities and providers to make reasonable accommodations for those who object.

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

Yes, Washington has laws protecting healthcare providers from being discriminated against for participating in abortion procedures. The Washington State Human Rights Commission prohibits employers from discriminating against healthcare workers based on their participation in abortion services.

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

Yes, there are laws concerning the transportation of minors across state lines to obtain abortions in Washington. Washington state law requires that a parent or legal guardian provide written consent for a minor to receive an abortion. If the minor does not have this written consent, the minor must obtain a court order granting permission prior to receiving an abortion. Additionally, if a minor is transported across state lines to obtain an abortion, the parent or legal guardian must accompany the minor.

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

No. The Washington State Department of Health does not have any specific restrictions on the use of telemedicine for abortion services.

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

No, Washington does not have any laws criminalizing the performance of self-induced abortions or assisting others with self-induced abortions. However, it is illegal to perform an abortion without a license in Washington, and performing a self-induced abortion without a license may be considered unprofessional conduct and punishable by disciplinary action.