1. How accessible is abortion in Connecticut?

Abortion is legal and accessible in the state of Connecticut. It is covered by all health insurance plans, including those provided by the state Medicaid program, as long as the procedure is provided in a hospital or licensed clinic. There are also additional restrictions on late-term abortions and minors seeking abortions without parental consent.

2. What is the legal gestational limit for abortion in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, abortions can be legally performed at any point during a pregnancy, provided that the procedure is conducted in a safe and medically appropriate manner.

3. Does Connecticut require parental involvement for minors seeking an abortion?

Yes, Connecticut requires minors to receive parental involvement for an abortion. Connecticut state law requires minors who are seeking an abortion to have consent from one parent or legal guardian. If a minor is unable to obtain parental consent, they may pursue judicial bypass which allows a judge to decide whether or not the minor should be allowed to have the abortion without parental consent.

4. Does Connecticut mandate waiting periods before an abortion?

Yes. Connecticut mandates a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion.

5. Does Connecticut require the disclosure of any information prior to an abortion?

Yes, Connecticut requires that a woman receive state-directed counseling prior to an abortion. This counseling must include information on the medical risks of the procedure and any available alternatives, as well as information on the gestational age of the fetus. Additionally, Connecticut requires that a woman be provided with printed materials that discuss the medical risks and alternatives to abortion. The state also requires that a woman receive information about medical assistance and other services available to her for prenatal care, childbirth, and neonatal care.

6. Does Connecticut provide public funding for abortion services?

Yes, Connecticut provides public funding for abortion services. Medicaid covers abortion services for eligible women in Connecticut.

7. Are there any exceptions to the gestational limit in Connecticut?

No, there are no exceptions to the gestational limit in Connecticut.

8. Can a physician or medical facility refuse to provide abortion services in Connecticut?

Yes, a physician or medical facility can refuse to provide abortion services in Connecticut, as long as they do not discriminate against patients based on their gender, race, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. In Connecticut, the law requires that health care facilities and health care professionals not discriminate against patients seeking abortion care. Additionally, the law requires that if a health care provider does not provide abortion services, they must refer the patient to a provider who can.

9. Are there any laws related to medication or surgical abortions in Connecticut?

Yes. In Connecticut, surgical abortions are legal until the fetus is viable, which is defined as 24 weeks post-fertilization. Additionally, medication abortions (using mifepristone and misoprostol) are legal up to 70 days post-fertilization.

10. Is informed consent required by providers before performing an abortion in Connecticut?

Yes, informed consent is required by providers before performing an abortion in Connecticut. Informed consent must include a detailed explanation of the nature of the procedure, the risks associated with the procedure, the potential complications that may arise from the procedure, and any other relevant information that would help a patient make an informed decision about their health care.

11. Does Connecticut allow for the provision of telemedicine abortion services?

Yes, Connecticut does allow for the provision of telemedicine abortion services. Telemedicine for abortion services has been authorized in Connecticut since 2018.

12. Are specific medical facilities required to provide abortions in Connecticut?

Yes, specific medical facilities are required to provide abortions in Connecticut. Connecticut law requires that any hospital with more than 150 beds must provide abortions if requested. Abortion services are also available at private medical practices and clinics.

13. Does Connecticut have any regulations regarding the provision of post-abortion care?

Yes, Connecticut does have regulations regarding the provision of post-abortion care. According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, providers must provide post-abortion counseling and follow-up care within 24 hours of the procedure, provide referrals for mental health services if needed, and provide follow-up care for at least 14 days after the procedure. The patient must also be given information about the risks of abortion and other available options.

14. Does Connecticut have any restrictions on abortion protestors near clinics or medical facilities providing abortions?

Yes, Connecticut has restrictions on abortion protestors near clinics or medical facilities providing abortions. According to the Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-179b, it is illegal to use force, threat of force, or physical obstruction to interfere with someone’s ability to receive or provide reproductive health services. Additionally, it is illegal to enter or remain on a clinic’s property without the clinic’s consent. Lastly, it is a crime to knowingly harass someone who is attempting to access or provide reproductive health services.

15. Can health insurance plans cover abortion services in Connecticut?

Yes, most private plans cover abortion care in Connecticut. All Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) offered through Access Health CT include coverage for abortion care. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires all QHPs to cover a comprehensive set of essential health benefits, including medically necessary abortion services.

16. Are there any requirements for the disposal of fetal tissue after an abortion in Connecticut?

Yes. According to the Connecticut Public Health Code, fetal tissue must be disposed of by burial or cremation. The Department of Public Health regulates the disposal process. The medical facility where the abortion was performed is responsible for arranging for the disposal of the fetal tissue.

17. How are fetal remains handled after an abortion in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, health care facilities must arrange for the disposition of fetal remains in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. This includes ensuring that all fetal remains are buried or cremated and must be properly documented. The facility must provide written information regarding the options for fetal disposition to the patient at least 24 hours prior to the abortion. The patient’s choice must be documented in the medical record. If the patient does not choose, the facility must arrange for the disposal of the fetal remains by cremation or burial.

18. Does Connecticut recognize gestational and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements?

Yes, Connecticut recognizes gestational and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements.

19. Are there any laws related to informed consent for minors seeking an abortion in Connecticut?

Yes. In Connecticut, a minor does not need parental consent in order to obtain an abortion; however, before the procedure can take place, the minor must provide informed consent. Informed consent means that the minor has been provided with information about the procedural risks and alternatives to the abortion and must certify that they understand this information and are voluntarily choosing to terminate the pregnancy. The law also requires that a health care provider or an authorized representative of a health care facility discuss the medical risks associated with the procedure and provide information about available alternatives.

20. Is there a judicial bypass process to allow minors to obtain an abortion without parental consent in Connecticut?

Yes, minors in Connecticut can obtain an abortion without parental consent through a judicial bypass process. The process requires minors to submit a petition to the court seeking a judicial bypass of the parental consent requirement. The court must then make a determination of the minor’s maturity and best interests. If the court finds that the minor is mature enough to make an informed decision about having an abortion, and that it is in her best interests to do so, then the court can grant the minor permission to proceed with the abortion without parental consent.