HIGHLIGHTS as of May 1, 2008
In April, the Oklahoma legislature overrode Gov. Brad Henry’s (D) veto of an omnibus abortion bill, thereby enacting it into law. The law requires that every woman seeking an abortion undergo an ultrasound, and that the provider review the image with her. The image must be displayed so she can see it, but she may “avert” her eyes if she chooses. The law also allows medical providers and institutions to refuse to provide abortion services, including referral, based on moral or religious beliefs. Abortion counseling for a minor must also ensure that she is not forced into the procedure. Clinics will be required to post notices informing patients that it is illegal to force a woman into an abortion. The new law also limits the provision of medication abortion to physicians and requires physicians to follow the FDA-approved protocol. In addition, the law states that a woman cannot sue a medical provider who does not provide full and accurate information about her pregnancy if that misinformation results in her carrying the pregnancy to term. All of these provisions go into effect in November.
Read about sexual and reproductive health and rights in the states (updated each month).
Read about the current status of state policies (updated each month).
See a chart of laws enacted in 2008 (updated each month).
Read about 2008 state trends.
Subscribe to the Guttmacher Institute State News Quarterly newsletter
CHOOSE BY STATE
Take me to research and analysis specific to:
RSS