State Abortion Laws in Indiana

1. How accessible is abortion in Indiana?


Abortion in Indiana is accessible but the state does have certain restrictions in place. Abortions are available up to 20 weeks of gestation, and only licensed physicians may perform the procedure. In addition, any woman seeking an abortion must receive state-directed counseling and then wait at least 18 hours before the procedure is provided. Furthermore, an ultrasound must be provided and the patient must be informed of the results of the ultrasound before the abortion can be performed.

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


The legal gestational limit for abortion in Indiana is twenty weeks post-fertilization.

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


Yes, Indiana requires parental involvement for minors seeking an abortion. Minors must provide written consent from a parent or guardian in order to obtain an abortion.

4. Does Indiana mandate waiting periods before an abortion?


Yes, Indiana does mandate waiting periods before an abortion. The state requires women to wait a minimum of 18 hours after receiving counseling before they are able to have the procedure.

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


Yes, Indiana requires the disclosure of certain information prior to an abortion. This includes information about the risks and alternatives to an abortion, the age of the fetus, and information about medical assistance for childbirth.

6. Does Indiana provide public funding for abortion services?


No, Indiana does not provide public funding for abortion services.

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


Yes. Under Indiana law, exceptions may be made when the life or health of the mother is at risk, or when the fetus has a “grossly abnormal” condition that is incompatible with life.

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


Yes. Under Indiana law, a physician or medical facility may refuse to provide abortion services, without penalty or legal consequence.

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


Yes, there are several laws related to medication and surgical abortions in Indiana.

For medication abortions, Indiana requires that the abortion provider must be an Indiana-licensed physician and that the procedure must be performed in a hospital or clinic. Additionally, there is a mandatory waiting period of 18 hours between the initial consultation and the abortion.

For surgical abortions, Indiana requires that the procedure must be performed by an Indiana-licensed physician in a hospital or clinic. Additionally, there is a mandatory waiting period of 18 hours between the initial consultation and the abortion. The state also requires that all women receive state-mandated counseling at least 18 hours prior to the procedure. Additionally, Indiana prohibits public funding for abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or if the woman’s life is in danger.

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


Yes, informed consent is required by providers before performing an abortion in Indiana.

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


No, Indiana does not allow for the provision of telemedicine abortion services.

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


No, specific medical facilities are not required to provide abortions in Indiana. However, the State of Indiana does require that any medical facility providing abortion services must meet certain standards and regulations.

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


Yes, Indiana does have regulations regarding the provision of post-abortion care. Providers must provide a follow-up appointment within 14 days of the abortion procedure, which must include a physical examination, follow-up laboratory tests, and counseling. Any complications must be referred to an appropriate specialist. In addition, informed consent forms must be signed prior to the procedure, and several other regulations must be met in order for an abortion to be performed.

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


Yes. Indiana has a law that creates a buffer zone around clinics and medical facilities providing abortions. This law prohibits abortion protestors from coming within 8 feet of a person entering or leaving these facilities without their consent. Additionally, the law prohibits anyone from making noise or displaying images that could be seen as harassing or intimidating.

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


No, health insurance plans cannot cover abortion services in Indiana. According to the Indiana State Department of Insurance, abortions are not a covered benefit under health insurance policies.

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


Yes. Indiana law requires the tissue to be buried or cremated and prohibits the sale of fetal tissue. In the dispose of fetal tissue, certified personnel must incinerate any remains. Health care facilities must also file reports with the state about the disposal of fetal tissue.

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


The Indiana State Department of Health regulates the disposal of fetal remains resulting from an abortion. According to Indiana Code 16-34-2-21, fetal remains must be disposed of by cremation, burial, or other means approved by the Indiana State Department of Health. If an abortion is performed at a health care facility, the facility must arrange for the disposal of the fetal remains. If an abortion is performed outside of a health care facility, the woman or her representative is responsible for arranging for the disposal.

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


Yes. Indiana recognizes gestational age and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements.

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


Yes. In Indiana, minors must obtain the written consent of a parent or legal guardian before they can legally obtain an abortion. The parental consent requirement does not apply to minors who have obtained a judicial bypass, where a judge concludes that the minor is mature enough to make the decision for themselves or that an abortion is in the minor’s best interests.

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


Yes. In Indiana, minors between the ages of 15 and 17 who wish to receive an abortion without parental or guardian consent may apply for a judicial bypass. A judicial bypass is a court order that allows a minor to obtain an abortion without parental or guardian consent. The Indiana Supreme Court has set up a process for minors to apply for a judicial bypass. The minor must appear before a judge, who will determine if the minor is mature enough to make her own decision regarding the abortion, or if the abortion is in her best interest. If the judge approves the application, she will be given a court order authorizing her to obtain an abortion without parental or guardian consent. The process is confidential and free of charge, and the minor is entitled to free legal representation throughout the process.