(Signed into law April 17, 2002 - Effective October 2002)

NOTE:

Choose Life does not perform or refer for abortions. Abortion has long term and irreversible affects for both the woman and her child. This section is the exact wording from Alabama’s "A Woman’s Right to Know Bill" signed on April 17, 2002 becoming effective October 2002. The information is designed to assist those women who decide or may decide to terminate a pregnancy. Any woman who is thinking about terminating her pregnancy should review this section to insure that those performing the abortion fulfill their legal requirements.

Section 4. Voluntary and informed consent process:

Documentation required and place in the medical record for the following:

(a) Except in the case of a medical emergency, at least 24 hours prior to the abortion, the woman must be told in person or by mail about assistance agencies, development of the unborn child, methods and risks of abortion and childbirth, the father’s obligations and alternatives to abortion. She must also be given non-judgmental scientific printed materials prepared by the Health Department.

(b) Prior to the abortion, the woman must also be told the following information:

1. The name of the physician who will perform the abortion

2. The nature and risks of the proposed abortion method

3. The probable gestational age of the unborn child and its anatomical/physiological development. If the unborn child is viable or more than 19 weeks gestation the woman must be told that he/she may survive outside the womb, thus affecting the decision about the choice of abortion method; and that if the unborn child is born alive the physician has the legal obligation to provide medical care.

4. Ultrasound requirements: Required documentation

5. Right of the woman to view the ultrasound video<

6. Rh factor information

7. Right to refuse an abortion

Section 6. Requirements for abortion providers:

(a) Video viewing equipment and a video to show women with the information required for the informed consent process

(b) Ultrasound equipment

(c) Signature forms for viewing of ultrasound and informed consent for abortion

Section 7. Only a physician may perform an abortion

Section 8. Abortions for medical emergencies-necessary to avert the woman’s death or to avert substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function