OklahomaAbortionStatutes
November1,2017
OklahomaStateDepartmentofHealthHealthCareInformation1000NE10thStreet
OklahomaCity,OK73117‐1207
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Introduction/Background
ThisinformationhasbeenputtogetherasaconvenientreferencetoOklahomaAbortionlawsandregulations.IthasbeentakendirectlyfromOklahomaStatutesTitle63whichcanbefoundontheOklahomaStateCourtsNetworkwebsitehttp://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/index.asp?ftdb=STOKST&level=1.Foryourinformation,afewdefinitions
- Laws/Statutes:Thesearethelawswhicharepassedbythelegislatureandoftenprovidebroadoverarchingguidancetoimplementprogramsandaddressspecificitemsofinterest.Oftenyouwillfindthisassigningresponsibilityfortheimplementationofaprogramtoaparticulargroup,amissionstatement,implementationtimelines,andpossiblyfundingsources.MostofOSDHrelatedlegislationisfoundunderTitle63whichcoversPublicHealthandSafety.
- Regulation/Rules:ThesehavethesameeffectaslawandarepassedbytheBoardofHealthandtheninturnedare
reviewedbythelegislature.Hereyouwillfindthedetailonhowaprogramshouldbeimplemented,interpreted,enforcedoradministered.OSDHrelatedregulationcanbefoundunderTitle310.
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TableofContents
ABORTIONStatutes(Note:NOAbortionregulationsatthistime)
ABORTION ‐ RELATED LICENSING Hospitals and Related Facilities 63 § 1‐701. Definitions 63 § 1‐702. Licenses Required – Practice of Healing Arts or
Medicine 63 § 1‐707. Rules and Standards ABORTION 63 § 1‐730. Definitions 63 § 1‐731. Persons Who May Perform Abortions ‐ Violations
‐ Penalties 63 § 1‐731.2 Abortion Solely on Account of Sex of Unborn
Child – Penalties – Civil Action – Anonymity of the Female
63 § 1‐732. Viable Fetus ‐ Grounds to Abort ‐ Procedure 63 § 1‐733. Self‐induced Abortions 63 § 1‐734. Live‐Born Fetus ‐ Care and Treatment 63 § 1‐735. Sale of Child, Unborn Child or Remains of Child ‐
Experiments 63 § 1‐736. Hospitals ‐ Advertising of Counseling to Pregnant
Women 63 § 1‐737. Hospitals Which May Perform Abortions 63 § 1‐737.4. Requiring Signing in Abortion Facilities 63 § 1‐737.5. Failure to Post – Civil Penalty‐Emotional
Damages for Injuries Caused 63 § 1‐737.6. Minors Informed Orally‐Records Oklahoma Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act 63 § 1‐737.7. Short Title 63 § 1‐737.8. Definitions 63 § 1‐737.9. Dismemberment Abortion Prohibited ‐ Hearing ‐
Liability 63 § 1‐737.10. Injunctive Relief 63 § 1‐737.11. Cause of Action for Civil Damages 63 § 1‐737.12. Attorney Fees 63 § 1‐737.13. Criminal Penalties 63 § 1‐737.14. Public Disclosure of Identity 63 § 1‐737.15. No Recognition of Right to Abortion 63 § 1‐737.16. Severability STATISTICAL REPORTING OF ABORTION ACT 63 § 1‐738i. Short Title 63 § 1‐738j. Definitions‐Forms and Laws to be Posted on
Website of State Department of Health‐Electronic Submission of Forms
63 § 1‐738k. Individual Abortion Form – Department to Post Individual Abortion Forms on Website
63 § 1‐738l Complications of Induced Abortion Report 63 § 1‐738m Annual Abortion Report – Annual Judicial Bypass
of Abortion parental Consent Summary 63 § 1‐738n Notice of Act Requirements – Failure to Submit
Forms or Reports – Penalties – Compliance ‐ Rules 63 § 1‐738o Authority to Intervene by Right 63 § 1‐738p Judicial Order Restraining or Enjoining Statistical
Abortion Reporting Act 63 § 1‐738q. Effect of Temporary or Permanent Judicial
Restraining Order or Injunction Voluntary and Informed Consent 63 § 1‐738.1A Definitions 63 § 1‐738.2. Voluntary and Informed Consent ‐ Compliance
by Physicians ‐ Confirmation of Receipt of Medical Risk Information
63 § 1‐738.3. Publication and Availability of Printed Informational Materials
63 § 1‐738.3a. Department of Health Web Site ‐ Physician Reporting Requirements ‐ Form for Physician ‐ Notice ‐ Rules
§ 1‐738.3d. Ultrasound Required Prior to Procedure ‐ Written Certification ‐ Medical Emergency Exception
63 § 1‐738.4. Abortion Compelled by Medical Emergency 63 § 1‐738.5. Performing or Attempting an Abortion in
Violation of Act ‐ No Penalty Assessed Against the Woman ‐ Felony
63 § 1‐738.5a. Severability UNBORN CHILD PAIN AWARENESS/PREVENTION ACT 63 § 1‐738.6. Short Title 63 § 1‐738.7. Definitions 63 § 1‐738.8. Provision of Information Prior to Abortion ‐
Written Certification of Receipt 63 § 1‐738.9. Information About and Administration of
Anesthetic or Analgesic 63 § 1‐738.10. Materials Conveying Accurate, Scientific
Information About Fetus at Various Gestational Stages
63 § 1‐738.11. Internet Website 63 § 1‐738.12. Information to be Provided When Medical
Emergency Compels Performance of Abortion 63 § 1‐738.13. Physicians' Reporting Form 63 § 1‐738.14. Violations ‐ Penalties 63 § 1‐738.15. Civil Actions
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63 § 1‐738.16. Ruling Concerning Public Disclosure of Identity of Female ‐ Order
63 § 1‐738.17. Severability 63 § 1‐739. Records 63 § 1‐740. Abortion on Minor Without Parental Consent ABORTION PERFORMED UPON EMANCIPATED MINORS 63 § 1‐740.1. Definitions 63 § 1‐740.2. Parental Notification 63 § 1‐740.2A. Court‐Ordered Evaluation and Counseling
Session with a Mental Health Professional ‐ Purpose ‐ Report to Court
63 § 1‐740.3. Judicial Authorization of Abortion Without Parental Notification ‐ Participation by Minor in Court Proceedings ‐ Confidentiality ‐ Appeal
63 § 1‐740.4. Violations ‐ Misdemeanor ‐ Civil Actions 63 § 1‐740.4a. Physicians Reporting Procedures for Abortions
Performed on Unemancipated Minors ‐ Department of Health Web Site ‐ Notice ‐ Public Statistical Report
63 § 1‐740.4b. Criminal Violations ‐ Penalties ‐ Defenses ‐ Civil Liability ‐ Injunction
63 § 1‐740.5. Severability ‐ Savings Clause 63 § 1‐740.6. Effect of Court Injunction, Suspension, or Delays
of Implementation of Act ALTERNATIVES‐TO‐ABORTION SERVICES 63 § 1‐740.11. Funding to Nongovernmental Entities That
Provide Alternatives‐to‐Abortion Services 63 § 1‐740.12. Alternatives‐to‐Abortion Services Revolving
Fund 63 § 1‐740.13. Form Used to Obtain Consent of a Minor ‐
Validity ‐ Required Contents 63 § 1‐740.14. Effect of Temporary or Permanent Judicial
Orders CHOOSING CHILDBIRTH ACT 63 § 1‐740.15. Short Title 63 § 1‐740.16. Definitions 63 § 1‐740.17. Grant Requirements for Reimbursement to
Private Non‐Profits Organizations Providing Women's Health Services
63 § 1‐740.18. Grant Compliance and Monitoring 63 § 1‐740.19. Invalidity of Act 63 § 1‐741. Abortions ‐ Refusal to Perform or Participate ‐
Exemptions D. VIOLATIONS 63 § 1‐741.1. Prohibition Against Use of State Assistance or
Resources to Encourage or Perform Abortion ‐ Exceptions
63 § 1‐741.3 Health Plans – Coverage for Abortion – Elective Abortion Coverage ‐ Employers
63 § 1‐741.12 Wrongful Life Action – Wrongful Birth Action – Limitation on Damages
PARENTAL NOTIFICATION FOR ABORTION ACT 63 § 1‐744 Short Title 63 § 1‐744.1. Definitions 63 § 1‐744.2. Written Notice Required for Unemancipated
Minors Found to be Incompetent 63 § 1‐744.3. Exception from Advance Notice Requirement in
Cases of Medical Emergency 63 § 1‐744.4. Exceptions from Notice Requirement ‐ Prior
Notice ‐ Victims of Sexual or Physical Abuse 63 § 1‐744.5. Violations – Misdemeanor – Civil Actions 63 § 1‐744.6. Effect of Restraining Order or Injunction E. PAIN‐CAPABLE UNBORN CHILD PROTECTION ACT 63 § 1‐745.1 Short Title 63 § 1‐745.2 Definitions 63 § 1‐745.3 Legislative Findings 63 § 1‐745.4 Probably Post fertilization Age of Unborn Child –
Unprofessional Conduct 63 § 1‐745.5 Prohibited Abortions – Physician Judgment 63 § 1‐745.6 Physician Reporting Requirements – Department
of Health Report ‐ Fines 63 § 1‐745.7 Violation of Act 63 § 1‐745.8 Liability – Cause of Action – Judgment and
Attorney Fees ‐ Damages 63 § 1‐745.9 Civil and Criminal Proceedings Brought Under
Act 63 § 1‐745.10 Constitutionality and Severability 63 § 1‐745.11 No Right to Abortion by Act HEARTBEAT INFORMED CONSENT ACT 63 § 1‐745.12. Short Title 63 § 1‐745.13. Definitions 63 § 1‐745.14. Duties of Abortion Providers 63 § 1‐745.15. Exceptions ‐ Averting Mother's Death ‐
Medical Emergencies 63 § 1‐745.16. Intentional or Reckless Violations of Act –
Misdemeanor – Civil Action – Remedies 63 § 1‐745.17. Anonymity of Woman 63 § 1‐745.18. Act Does Not Create or Recognize Right to
Abortion 63 § 1‐745.19. Severability ABORTIONS (CONT.) 63 § 1‐746.1. Definitions 63 § 1‐746.2. Informed and Voluntary Consent ‐ Duty to
Provide Information to Female Seeking Abortion ‐ Certification of Receipt
63 § 1‐746.2. Informed and Voluntary Consent ‐ Duty to Provide Information to Female Seeking Abortion ‐ Certification of Receipt
63 § 1‐746.3. Online Publication of Information and Materials 63 § 1‐746.4. Public Website
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63 § 1‐746.5. Notification by Physician of Medical Emergency that Compels Performance of Abortion
63 § 1‐746.6. Reporting by Physicians ‐ Forms 63 § 1‐746.6. Reporting by Physicians ‐ Forms 63 § 1‐746.7. Penalties for Violations of Act 63 § 1‐746.8. Civil Action by Female, Father, or Grandparent
Following Unlawful Abortion 63 § 1‐746.9. Criminal and Civil Actions ‐ Court to Rule on
Anonymity of Female Upon Whom Abortion Performed
63 § 1‐746.10. Severability PRIORITIZATION OF PUBLIC FUNDING IN THE PURCHASING OF FAMILY PLANNING AND COUNSELING SERVICES ACT 63 § 1‐747.1. Short Title 63 § 1‐747.3. Definitions 63 § 1‐747.3. Priority of Funding
63 § 1‐747.4. Cause of Action for Intentional Violations 63 § 1‐747.5. Severability HUMANITY OF THE UNBORN CHILD ACT 63 § 1‐751. Short Title 63 § 1‐752. State Department of Health to Maintain Website
and Signage ‐ Information About Assistance for Pregnant Women63 § 1‐753. Distribution of Information and Materials Concerning Nature of and Alternatives to Abortion
63 § 1‐754. Instructional Program for Students Consistent with the Provisions of the Humanity of the Unborn Child Act
63 § 1‐755. Public Education on the Humanity of the Unborn Child Fund
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ABORTIONRELATEDLICENSING
Title63,Article7HospitalsandRelatedFacilities
LICENSING–HOSPITALSANDRELATEDFACILITIES63§1‐701.Definitions
Forthepurposesofthisarticle:
1."Hospital"meansanyinstitution,place,buildingoragency,publicorprivate,whetherorganizedforprofitornot,devotedprimarilytothemaintenanceandoperationoffacilitiesforthediagnosis,treatmentorcareofpatientsadmittedforovernightstayorlongerinordertoobtainmedicalcare,surgicalcare,obstetricalcare,ornursingcareforillness,disease,injury,infirmity,ordeformity.Exceptasotherwiseprovidedbyparagraph5ofthissubsection,placeswherepregnantfemalesareadmittedandreceivecareincidenttopregnancy,abortionordeliveryshallbeconsideredtobea"hospital"withinthemeaningofthisarticle,regardlessofthenumberofpatientsreceivedorthedurationoftheirstay.Theterm"hospital"includesgeneralmedicalsurgicalhospitals,criticalaccessandemergencyhospitals,andbirthingcenters;
2."Generalmedicalsurgicalhospital"meansahospitalmaintainedforthepurposeofprovidinghospitalcareinabroadcategoryofillnessandinjury;
3."Specializedhospital"meansahospitalmaintainedforthepurposeofprovidinghospitalcareinacertaincategory,orcategories,ofillnessandinjury.
4."Criticalaccesshospital"meansahospitaldeterminedbytheStateDepartmentofHealthtobeanecessaryproviderofhealthcareservicestoresidentsofaruralcommunity;
5."Emergencyhospital"meansahospitalthatprovidesemergencytreatmentandstabilizationservicesona24‐hourbasisthathastheabilitytoadmitandtreatpatientsforshortperiodsoftime;
6."Birthingcenter"meansanyfacility,placeorinstitution,whichismaintainedorestablishedprimarilyforthepurposeofprovidingservicesofacertifiedmidwifeorlicensedmedicaldoctortoassistorattendawomanindeliveryandbirth,andwhereawomanisscheduledinadvancetogivebirthfollowinganormal,uncomplicated,low‐riskpregnancy.Provided,however,licensureforabirthingcentershallnotbecompulsory;and
7."Daytreatmentprogram"meansnonresidential,partialhospitalizationprograms,daytreatmentprograms,anddayhospitalprogramsasdefinedbysubsectionAofSection175.20ofTitle10oftheOklahomaStatutes.
AddedbyLaws1963,c.325,art.7,§701.AmendedbyLaws1978,c.207,§1,eff.Oct.1,1978;
Laws1991,c.306,§7,emerg.eff.June4,1991;Laws1995,c.231,§5,eff.Nov.1,1995;
AmendedbyLaws1999,HB1184,c.93,§1,eff.November1,1999
63§1‐702.LicensesRequired–PracticeofHealingArtsorMedicine
A.Itshallbeunlawfulforanypersontoestablish,operateormaintainintheStateofOklahomaahospitalwithoutfirstobtainingalicensethereforinthemannerhereinafterprovided.Hospitalsoperatedbythefederalgovernment,theDepartmentofCorrections,statementalhospitals,andcommunity‐basedstructuredcrisiscentersasdefinedinSection3‐317ofTitle43AoftheOklahomaStatutes,shallbeexemptfromtheprovisionsofthisarticle.
B.Ahospitalmaybelicensedasageneralmedicalsurgicalhospitalwithoneormorespecialtyservicesorcombinationofspecialtyservicesinasinglelicense.
C.Nothinginthisarticleshallauthorizeanypersontoengage,inanymanner,inthepracticeofthehealingarts.
AddedbyLaws1963,c.325,art.7,§702,operativeJuly1,1963.AmendedbyLaws1996,c.354,§49,eff.Nov.1,1996;
AmendedbyLaws1999,HB1184,c.93,§2,eff.November1,1999AmendedbyLaws2016,SB884,c.95,§1,eff.November1,2016
63§1‐707.RulesandStandards
A.TheStateBoardofHealth,upontherecommendationoftheStateCommissionerofHealthandwiththeadviceoftheOklahomaHospitalAdvisoryCouncil,shallpromulgaterulesandstandardsasitdeemstobeinthepublicinterestforhospitals,onthefollowing:
1.Constructionplansandlocation,includingfeesnottoexceedTwoThousandDollars($2,000.00)forsubmissionorresubmissionofarchitecturalandbuildingplans,andprocedurestoensurethetimelyreviewofsuchplansbytheStateDepartmentofHealth.SaidassessedfeeshallbeusedsolelyforthepurposesofprocessingapprovalofconstructionplansandlocationbytheStateDepartmentofHealth;
2.Physicalplantandfacilities;
3.Fireprotectionandsafety;
4.Foodservice;
5.Reportsandrecords;
6.Staffingandpersonalservice;
7.Surgicalfacilitiesandequipment;
8.Maternityfacilitiesandequipment;
9.Controlofcommunicabledisease;
10.Sanitation;
11.Laboratoryservices;
12.Nursingfacilitiesandequipment;and
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13.Otheritemsasmaybedeemednecessarytocarryoutthepurposesofthisarticle.
B.1.TheStateBoardofHealth,upontherecommendationoftheStateCommissionerofHealthandwiththeadviceoftheOklahomaHospitalAdvisoryCouncilandtheStateBoardofPharmacy,shallpromulgaterulesandstandardsasitdeemstobeinthepublicinterestwithrespecttothestorageanddispensingofdrugsandmedicationsforhospitalpatients.
2.TheStateBoardofPharmacyshallbeempoweredtoinspectdrugfacilitiesinlicensedhospitalsandshallreportviolationsofapplicablestatutesandrulestotheStateDepartmentofHealthforactionandreply.
C.1.TheCommissionershallappointanOklahomaHospitalAdvisoryCounciltoadvisetheBoard,theCommissionerandtheDepartmentregardinghospitaloperationsandtorecommendactionstoimprovepatientcare.
2.TheAdvisoryCouncilshallhavethedutyandauthorityto:
a.reviewandapproveinitsadvisorycapacityrulesandstandardsforhospitallicensure,
b.evaluate,reviewandmakerecommendationsregardingDepartmentlicensureactivities,providedhowever,theAdvisoryCouncilshallnotmakerecommendationsregardingscopeofpracticeforanyhealthcareprovidersorpractitionersregulatedpursuanttoTitle59oftheOklahomaStatutes,and
c.recommendandapprove:
(1)qualityindicatorsanddatasubmissionrequirementsforhospitals,toinclude:
(a)AgencyforHealthcareResearchandQuality(AHRQ)PatientSafetyIndicatorsAvailableaspartofthestandardinpatientdischargedataset,and
(b)foracutecareintensivecareunitpatients,ventilator‐associatedpneumoniaanddevice‐relatedbloodstreaminfections,and
(2)theindicatorsanddatatobeusedbytheDepartmenttomonitorcompliancewithlicensurerequirements,and
d.topublishanannualreportofhospitalperformancetoincludethefacilityspecificqualityindicatorsrequiredbythissection.
D.1.TheAdvisoryCouncilshallbecomposedofnine(9)membersappointedbytheCommissionerwiththeadviceandconsentoftheBoard.ThemembershipoftheAdvisoryCouncilshallbeasfollows:
a.twomembersshallbehospitaladministratorsoflicensedhospitals,
b.twomembersshallbelicensedphysiciansorpractitionerswhohavecurrentprivilegestoprovideservicesinhospitals,
c.twomembersshallbehospitalemployees,and
d.threemembersshallbecitizensrepresentingthepublicwho:
(1)arenothospitalemployees,
(2)donotholdhospitalstaffappointments,and
(3)arenotmembersofhospitalgoverningboards.
2.a.AdvisoryCouncilmembersshallbeappointedforthree‐yeartermsexcepttheinitialtermsafterNovember1,1999,ofonehospitaladministrator,onelicensedphysicianorpractitioner,onehospitalemployee,andonepublicmembershallbeone(1)year.Theinitialtermsaftertheeffectivedateofthisactofonehospitaladministrator,onelicensedphysicianorpractitioner,onehospitalemployee,andonepublicmembershallbetwo(2)years.Theinitialtermsofallothermembersshallbethree(3)years.Afterinitial
appointmentstotheCouncil,membersshallbeappointedtothree‐yearterms.
b.MembersoftheAdvisoryCouncilmayberemovedbytheCommissionerforcause.
E.TheAdvisoryCouncilshallmeetonaquarterlybasisandshallannuallyelectfromamongitsmembersachairperson.MembersoftheCouncilshallservewithoutcompensationbutshallbereimbursedbytheDepartmentfortravelexpensesrelatedtotheirserviceasauthorizedbytheStateTravelReimbursementAct.
Laws1963,SB26,c.325,art.7,§707,emerg.eff.July1,1963
AmendedbyLaws1968,SB346,c.86,§1,emerg.eff.April1,1968AmendedbyLaws1999,HB1184,c.93,§6,eff.November1,1999
AmendedbyLaws1999,HB1188,c.213,§2,emerg.eff.July1,1999AmendedbyLaws2006,HB2842,c.315,§16,emerg.eff.June9,2006
ABORTION63§1‐730.Definitions
A.Asusedinthisarticle:
1."Abortion"meanstheuseorprescriptionofanyinstrument,medicine,drug,oranyothersubstanceordeviceintentionallytoterminatethepregnancyofafemaleknowntobepregnantwithanintentionotherthantoincreasetheprobabilityofalivebirth,topreservethelifeorhealthofthechildafterlivebirth,toremoveanectopicpregnancy,ortoremoveadeadunbornchildwhodiedastheresultofaspontaneousmiscarriage,accidentaltrauma,oracriminalassaultonthepregnantfemaleorherunbornchild;
2."Attempttoperformanabortion"meansanact,oranomissionofastatutorilyrequiredact,thatunderthecircumstancesastheactorbelievesthemtobeconstitutesasubstantialstepinacourseofconductplannedtoculminateintheperformanceofanabortion;
3."Certifiedtechnician"meansaRegisteredDiagnosticMedicalSonographerwhoiscertifiedinobstetricsandgynecologybytheAmericanRegistryforDiagnosticMedicalSonography(ARDMS)oraNurseMidwifeorAdvancePracticeNursePractitionerinObstetricswithcertificationinobstetricalultrasonography;
4."Unbornchild"meanstheunbornoffspringofhumanbeingsfromthemomentofconception,throughpregnancy,anduntillivebirthincludingthehumanconceptus,zygote,morula,blastocyst,embryoandfetus;
5."Unemancipatedminor"meansanypersonlessthaneighteen(18)yearsofagewhoisnotorhasnotbeenmarriedorwhoisunderthecare,custody,andcontroloftheperson’sparentorparents,guardian,orjuvenilecourtofcompetentjurisdiction;
6."Viable"meanspotentiallyabletoliveoutsideofthewombofthemotheruponprematurebirth,whetherresultingfromnaturalcausesoranabortion;
7."Conception"meansthefertilizationoftheovumofafemaleindividualbythespermofamaleindividual;
8."Health"meansphysicalormentalhealth;
9."Department"meanstheStateDepartmentofHealth;and
10."Inducinganabortion"meanstheadministrationbyanyperson,includingthepregnantwoman,ofanysubstancedesignedorintendedtocauseanexpulsionoftheunbornchild,effectinganabortionasdefinedabove.
B.Nothingcontainedhereinshallbeconstruedinanymannertoincludeanybirthcontroldeviceormedicationorsterilizationprocedure.
AddedbyLaws1978,HB1813,c.207,§2,eff.October1,1978;AmendedbyLaws2007,SB139,c.161,§1,eff.November1,2007;
AmendedbyLaws2009,HB1595,c.227,§1,eff.November1,2009.
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63§1‐731.PersonsWhoMayPerformAbortions‐Violations‐Penalties
A.NopersonshallperformorinduceanabortionuponapregnantwomanunlessthatpersonisaphysicianlicensedtopracticemedicineintheStateofOklahoma.Anypersonviolatingthissectionshallbeguiltyofafelonypunishablebyimprisonmentfornotlessthanone(1)yearnormorethanthree(3)yearsintheStatePenitentiary.
B.Nopersonshallperformorinduceanabortionuponapregnantwomansubsequenttotheendofthefirsttrimesterofherpregnancy,unlesssuchabortionisperformedorinducedinageneralhospital.
Laws1978,c.207,§3,eff.Oct.1,1978;AmendedbyLaws1997,c.133,§523,EffectiveDateAmendedtoJuly1,1999byLaws1998,
c.2(FirstExtraordinarySession),§§23‐26,effectiveJune19,1998;AmendedbyH.B.1009X(1stEx.Sess.1999),§379,emerg.eff.July1,1999.
63§1‐731.2.AbortionSolelyonAccountofSexofUnbornChild–Penalties–CivilAction–AnonymityoftheFemale
A.Asusedinthissection:
1."Attempttoperformanabortion"meansanact,oranomissionofastatutorilyrequiredact,thatunderthecircumstancesastheactorbelievesthemtobeconstitutesasubstantialstepinacourseofconductplannedtoculminateintheperformanceofanabortion;and
2."Unemancipatedminor"meansanypersonlessthaneighteen(18)yearsofagewhoisnotorhasnotbeenmarriedorwhoisunderthecare,custody,andcontroloftheperson’sparentorparents,guardian,orjuvenilecourtofcompetentjurisdiction.
B.Nopersonshallknowinglyorrecklesslyperformorattempttoperformanabortionwithknowledgethatthepregnantfemaleisseekingtheabortionsolelyonaccountofthesexoftheunbornchild.Nothinginthissectionshallbeconstruedtoproscribetheperformanceofanabortionbecausetheunbornchildhasageneticdisorderthatissex‐linked.
C.Anypersonwhoknowinglyorrecklesslyviolatesaprovisionofthissectionshallbeliablefordamagesasprovidedinthissubsectionandmaybeenjoinedfromsuchactsinaccordancewiththissectioninanappropriatecourt.
1.Acauseofactionforinjunctivereliefagainstanypersonwhohasknowinglyorrecklesslyviolatedaprovisionofthissectionmaybemaintainedby:
a.thefemaleuponwhomanabortionwasperformedorattemptedtobeperformedinviolationofthissection,
b.anypersonwhoisthespouse,parent,sibling,orguardianof,orcurrentorformerlicensedhealthcareproviderof,thefemaleuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedinviolationofthissection,
c.adistrictattorneywithappropriatejurisdiction,or
d.theAttorneyGeneral.
2.Theinjunctionshallpreventtheabortionproviderfromperformingfurtherabortionsinviolationofthissectioninthisstate.
3.AnypersonwhoknowinglyviolatesthetermsofaninjunctionissuedinaccordancewiththissectionshallbesubjecttocivilcontemptandshallbefinedTenThousandDollars($10,000.00)forthefirstviolation,FiftyThousandDollars($50,000.00)forthesecondviolation,andOneHundredThousandDollars($100,000.00)forthethirdviolationandforeachsucceedingviolation.Thefinesshallbetheexclusivepenaltiesforcivilcontemptpursuanttothisparagraph.Eachperformanceorattemptedperformanceofanabortioninviolationofthetermsofaninjunctionisaseparateviolation.Thesefinesshallbecumulative.Nofineshallbeassessedagainstthefemaleuponwhomanabortionisperformedorattempted.
4.Apregnantfemaleuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedinviolationofthissection,ortheparentorlegalguardianofthefemaleif
sheisanunemancipatedminor,maycommenceacivilactionagainsttheabortionproviderforanyknowingorrecklessviolationofthissectionforactualandpunitivedamages.
D.AnabortionproviderwhoknowinglyorrecklesslyperformedanabortioninviolationofthissectionshallbeconsideredtohaveengagedinunprofessionalconductforwhichthecertificateorlicenseoftheprovidertoprovidehealthcareservicesinthisstateshallbesuspendedorrevokedbytheStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionortheStateBoardofOsteopathicExaminers.
E.Ineveryproceedingoractionbroughtunderthissection,theanonymityofanyfemaleuponwhomanabortionisperformedorattemptedshallbepreservedunlessshegivesherconsenttosuchdisclosure.Thecourt,uponmotionorsuasponte,shallissueorderstotheparties,witnesses,andcounselandshalldirectthesealingoftherecordandexclusionofindividualsfromcourtroomsorhearingroomstotheextentnecessarytosafeguardthefemale’sidentityfrompublicdisclosure.Intheabsenceofwrittenconsentofthefemaleuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedorattempted,anyonewhobringsanactionundersubsectionBofthissectionshalldosounderapseudonym.
AddedbyLaws2010,SB1890,c.46,§1,emerg.eff.April2,2010.
63§1‐732.ViableFetus–GroundstoAbort‐Procedure
A.Nopersonshallperformorinduceanabortionuponapregnantwomanaftersuchtimeasherunbornchildhasbecomeviableunlesssuchabortionisnecessarytopreventthedeathofthepregnantwomanortopreventimpairmenttoherhealth.
B.Anunbornchildshallbepresumedtobeviableifmorethantwenty‐four(24)weekshaveelapsedsincetheprobablebeginningofthelastmenstrualperiodofthepregnantwoman,baseduponeitherinformationprovidedbyherorbyanexaminationbyherattendingphysician.Ifitisthejudgmentoftheattendingphysicianthataparticularunbornchildisnotviablewherethepresumptionofviabilityexistsastothatparticularunbornchild,thenheshallcertifyinwritingtheprecisemedicalcriteriauponwhichhehasdeterminedthattheparticularunbornchildisnotviablebeforeanabortionmaybeperformedorinduced.
C.Noabortionofaviableunbornchildshallbeperformedorinducedexceptafterwrittencertificationbytheattendingphysicianthatinhisbestmedicaljudgmenttheabortionisnecessarytopreventthedeathofthepregnantwomanortopreventanimpairmenttoherhealth.Thephysicianshallfurthercertifyinwritingthemedicalindicationsforsuchabortionandtheprobablehealthconsequencesiftheabortionisnotperformedorinduced.
D.Thephysicianwhoshallperformorinduceanabortionuponapregnantwomanaftersuchtimeasherunbornchildhasbecomeviableshallutilizetheavailablemethodortechniqueofabortionmostlikelytopreservethelifeandhealthoftheunbornchild,unlessheshallfirstcertifyinwritingthatinhisbestmedicaljudgmentsuchmethodortechniqueshallpresentasignificantlygreaterdangertothelifeorhealthofthepregnantwomanthananotheravailablemethodortechnique.
E.Anabortionofaviableunbornchildshallbeperformedorinducedonlywhenthereisinattendanceaphysicianotherthanthephysicianperformingorinducingtheabortionwhoshalltakecontrolofandprovideimmediatemedicalcareforthechild.Duringtheperformanceorinducingoftheabortion,thephysicianperformingit,andsubsequenttoit,thephysicianrequiredbythissectiontobeinattendance,shalltakeallreasonablestepsinkeepingwithgoodmedicalpractice,consistentwiththeprocedureused,topreservethelifeandhealthofthechild,inthesamemannerasifthechildhadbeenbornnaturallyorspontaneously.Therequirementoftheattendanceofasecondphysicianmaybewaivedwheninthebestjudgmentoftheattendingphysicianamedicalemergencyexistsandfurtherdelaywouldresultinaseriousthreattothelifeorphysicalhealthofthepregnantwoman.Providedthat,undersuchemergencycircumstancesandwaiver,theattendingphysicianshallhavethedutytotakeallreasonablestepstopreservethelifeandhealthofthechildbefore,duringandaftertheabortionprocedure,unlesssuchsteps
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shall,inthebestmedicaljudgmentofthephysican,presentasignificantlygreaterdangertothelifeorhealthofthepregnantwoman.
F.AnypersonviolatingsubsectionAofthissectionshallbeguiltyofhomicide.
63§1‐733.Self‐inducedAbortions
Nowomanshallperformorinduceanabortionuponherselfexceptunderthesupervisionofadulylicensedphysician.Anyphysicianwhosupervisesawomaninperformingorinducinganabortionuponherselfshallfulfillalltherequirementsofthisarticlewhichapplytoaphysicianperformingorinducinganabortion.
Laws1978,c.207,§5,eff.Oct.1,1978;AmendedbyLaws1997,c.133,§525,EffectiveDateAmendedtoJuly1,1999byLaws1998,
c.2(FirstExtraordinarySession),§§23‐26,effectiveJune19,1998.63§1‐734.Live‐BornFetus‐CareandTreatment
A.Nopersonshallpurposelytakethelifeofachildbornasaresultofanabortionorattemptedabortionwhichisalivewhenpartiallyortotallyremovedfromtheuterusofthepregnantwoman.
B.Nopersonshallpurposelytakethelifeofaviablechildwhoisalivewhileinsidetheuterusofthepregnantwomanandmayberemovedalivetherefromwithoutcreatinganysignificantdangertoherlifeorhealth.
C.Anypersonwhoperforms,induces,orparticipatesintheperformanceorinducingofanabortionshalltakeallreasonablemeasurestopreservethelifeofachildwhoisalivewhenpartiallyortotallyremovedfromtheuterusofthepregnantwoman,solongasthemeasuresdonotcreateanysignificantdangertoherlifeorhealth.
D.Anypersonviolatingthissectionshallbeguiltyofhomicide.Laws1978,c.207,§6,eff.Oct.1,1978;
AmendedbyLaws1998,c.133,§526,EffectiveDateAmendedtoJuly1,1999byLaws1998,c.2(FirstExtraordinarySession),§§23‐26,effectiveJune19,1998.
63§1‐735.SaleofChild,UnbornChildorRemainsofChild‐Experiments
A.Nopersonshallsellachild,anunbornchildortheremainsofachildoranunbornchildresultingfromanabortion.Nopersonshallexperimentuponachildoranunbornchildresultingfromanabortionorwhichisintendedtobeabortedunlesstheexperimentationistherapeutictothechildorunbornchild.
B.Nopersonshallexperimentupontheremainsofachildoranunbornchildresultingfromanabortion.Theterm"experiment"doesnotincludeautopsiesperformedaccordingtolaw.
Laws1978,c.207,§7,eff.Oct.1,1978.63§1‐736.Hospitals‐AdvertisingofCounselingtoPregnantWomen
Nohospitalinwhichabortionsareperformedorinducedshalladvertiseorholditselfoutasalsoprovidingcounselingtopregnantwomen,unless:
1.Thecounselingisdonebyalicensedphysician,alicensedregisterednurseorbyapersonholdingatleastabachelor'sdegreefromanaccreditedcollegeoruniversityinpsychologyorsomesimilarlyappropriatefield;
2.Thecounselingincludesfactualinformation,includingexplicitdiscussionofthedevelopmentoftheunbornchild;and
3.Thecounselingincludesathoroughdiscussionofthealternativestoabortionandtheavailabilityofagenciesandservicestoassistherifshechoosesnottohaveanabortion.
Laws1978,c.207,§8,eff.Oct.1,1978.63§1‐737.HospitalsWhichMayPerformAbortions
Anabortionotherwisepermittedbylawshallbeperformedonlyinahospital,asdefinedinthisarticle,whichmeetsstandardssetbytheDepartment.TheDepartmentshalldevelopandpromulgatereasonablestandardsrelatingtoabortions.
Laws1978,c.207,§9,eff.Oct.1,1978.63§1‐737.4.RequiringSigninginAbortionFacilities
A.Anyprivateoffice,freestandingoutpatientclinic,orotherfacilityorclinicinwhichabortions,otherthanabortionsnecessarytopreventthedeathofthepregnantfemale,areperformed,induced,prescribedfor,orwherethemeansforanabortionareprovidedshallconspicuouslypostasigninalocationdefinedinsubsectionCofthissectionsoastobeclearlyvisibletopatients,whichreads:
Notice:Itisagainstthelawforanyone,regardlessofhisorherrelationshiptoyou,toforceyoutohaveanabortion.Bylaw,wecannotperform,induce,prescribefor,orprovideyouwiththemeansforanabortionunlesswehaveyourfreelygivenandvoluntaryconsent.Itisagainstthelawtoperform,induce,prescribefor,orprovideyouwiththemeansforanabortionagainstyourwill.Youhavetherighttocontactanylocalorstatelawenforcementagencytoreceiveprotectionfromanyactualorthreatenedphysicalabuseorviolence.
Therearepublicandprivateagencieswillingandabletohelpyoucarryyourchildtoterm,haveahealthypregnancyandahealthybabyandassistyouandyourchildafteryourchildisborn,whetheryouchoosetokeepyourchildorplacehimorherforadoption.TheStateofOklahomastronglyencouragesyoutocontactthemifyouarepregnant.
B.ThesignrequiredpursuanttosubsectionAofthissectionshallbeprintedwithletteringthatislegibleandshallbeatleastthree‐quarters‐of‐an‐inchboldfacedtype.
C.Afacilityinwhichabortionsareperformed,induced,prescribedfor,orwherethemeansforanabortionareprovidedthatisaprivateofficeorafreestandingoutpatientclinicshallposttherequiredsignineachpatientwaitingroomandpatientconsultationroomusedbypatientsonwhomabortionsareperformed,induced,prescribedfor,orwhoareprovidedwiththemeansforanabortion.Ahospitaloranyotherfacilityinwhichabortionsareperformed,induced,prescribedfor,orwherethemeansforanabortionareprovidedthatisnotaprivateofficeorfreestandingoutpatientclinicshallposttherequiredsignineachpatientadmissionareausedbypatientsonwhomabortionsareperformed,induced,prescribedfor,orbypatientswhoareprovidedwiththemeansforanabortion.
AddedbyLaws2010,HB3075,c.163,§1,emerg.eff.April22,2010.AmendedbyLaws2017,SB30,c.123,§1,emerg.eff.July1,2017
63§1‐737.5.FailuretoPost–CivilPenalty‐EmotionalDamagesforInjuriesCaused
A.Anyprivateoffice,freestandingoutpatientclinicorotherfacilityorclinicthatfailstopostarequiredsigninknowing,reckless,ornegligentviolationofthisactshallbeassessedanadministrativefineofTenThousandDollars($10,000.00).Eachdayonwhichanabortion,otherthananabortionnecessarytopreventthedeathofthepregnantfemale,isperformed,induced,prescribedfor,orwherethemeansforanabortionareprovidedinaprivateoffice,freestandingoutpatientclinicorotherfacilityorclinicinwhichtherequiredsignisnotpostedduringanyportionofbusinesshourswhenpatientsorprospectivepatientsarepresentisaseparateviolation.
B.Anactionmaybebroughtbyoronbehalfofanindividualinjuredbythefailuretoposttherequiredsign.Aplaintiffinanactionunderthissubsectionmayrecoverdamagesforemotionaldistressandanyotherdamagesallowedbylaw.
C.Thesanctionsandactionsprovidedinthissectionshallnotdisplaceanysanctionapplicableunderotherlaw.
AddedbyLaws2010,HB3075,c.163,§2,emerg.eff.April22,2010.
63§1‐737.6.MinorsInformedOrally‐Records
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A.Ifthepregnantfemaleisaminor,theattendingphysicianshallorallyinformthefemalethatnoonecanforcehertohaveanabortionandthatanabortioncannotbeperformed,induced,prescribedfor,orthatthemeansforanabortioncannotbeprovidedunlesssheprovidesherfreelygiven,voluntary,andinformedconsent.
B.Theminorfemaleshallcertifyinwriting,priortotheperformanceof,inductionof,receivingtheprescriptionfor,orprovisionofthemeansfortheabortion,thatshewasinformedbytheattendingphysicianoftherequiredinformationinsubsectionAofthissection.Acopyofthewrittencertificationshallbeplacedintheminor’sfileandkeptforatleastseven(7)yearsorforfive(5)yearsaftertheminorreachestheageofmajority,whicheverisgreater.
AddedbyLaws2010,HB3075,c.163,§3,emerg.eff.April22,2010.
OklahomaUnbornChildProtectionfromDismembermentAbortionAct63§1‐737.7. ShortTitleThisactshallbeknownandmaybecitedasthe"OklahomaUnbornChildProtectionfromDismembermentAbortionAct".
AddedbyLaws2015,HB1721,c.59,§1,November1,2015.
63§1‐737.8.Definitions ForthepurposesoftheOklahomaUnbornChildProtectionfromDismembermentAbortionAct:1."Abortion"meanstheuseorprescriptionofanyinstrument,medicine,drug,oranyothersubstanceordevice:a.topurposelykilltheunbornchildofawomanknowntobepregnant,orb.topurposelyterminatethepregnancyofawomanknowntobepregnant,withapurposeotherthan:
(1)afterviabilitytoproducealivebirthandpreservethelifeandhealthofthechildbornalive,or(2)toremoveadeadunbornchild;
2."Attempttoperformanabortion"meanstodooromittodoanythingthat,underthecircumstancesastheactorbelievesthemtobe,isanactoromissionconstitutingasubstantialstepinacourseofconductplannedtoculminateintheactorperforminganabortion.Suchsubstantialstepsinclude,butarenotlimitedto:a.agreeingwithanindividualtoperformanabortiononthatindividualoronsomeotherperson,whetherornottheterm"abortion"isusedintheagreement,andwhetherornottheagreementiscontingentonanotherfactorsuchasreceiptofpaymentoradeterminationofpregnancy,orb.schedulingorplanningatimetoperformanabortiononanindividual,whetherornottheterm"abortion"isused,andwhetherornottheperformanceiscontingentonanotherfactorsuchasreceiptofpaymentoradeterminationofpregnancy.
Thisdefinitionshallnotbeconstruedtorequirethatanabortionprocedureactuallymustbeinitiatedforanattempttooccur;3."Dismembermentabortion"means,withthepurposeofcausingthedeathofanunbornchild,purposelytodismemberalivingunbornchildandextracthimorheronepieceatatimefromtheuterusthroughuseofclamps,graspingforceps,tongs,scissorsorsimilarinstrumentsthat,throughtheconvergenceoftworigidlevers,slice,crush,and/orgraspaportionoftheunbornchild'sbodytocutorripitoff.Thisdefinitiondoesnotincludeanabortionwhichusessuctiontodismemberthebodyofthedevelopingunbornchildbysuckingfetalpartsintoacollectioncontainer;
4."Physician"meansapersonlicensedtopracticemedicineandsurgeryorosteopathicmedicineandsurgery,orotherwiselegallyauthorizedtoperformanabortion;5."Purposely"meansthefollowing:Apersonactspurposelywithrespecttoamaterialelementofanoffensewhen:a.iftheelementinvolvesthenatureofhisorherconductoraresultthereof,itishisorherconsciousobjectivetoengageinconductofthatnatureortocausesucharesult,andb.iftheelementinvolvestheattendantcircumstances,heorsheisawareoftheexistenceofsuchcircumstancesorheorshebelievesorhopesthattheyexist;
6."Serioushealthrisktotheunbornchild'smother"meansthatinreasonablemedicaljudgmentshehasaconditionthatsocomplicateshermedicalconditionthatitnecessitatestheabortionofherpregnancytoavertherdeathortoavertseriousriskofsubstantialandirreversiblephysicalimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction,notincludingpsychologicaloremotionalconditions.Nosuchconditionmaybedeterminedtoexistifitisbasedonaclaimordiagnosisthatthewomanwillengageinconductwhichsheintendstoresultinherdeathorinsubstantialandirreversiblephysicalimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction;and7."Woman"meansafemalehumanbeingwhetherornotshehasreachedtheageofmajority.
Addedby Laws2015,HB1721,c.59,§2,eff.November1,2015.
63§1‐737.9.DismembermentAbortionProhibited‐Hearing‐Liability A.Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionoflaw,itshallbeunlawfulforanypersontopurposelyperformorattempttoperformadismembermentabortionandtherebykillanunbornchildunlessnecessarytopreventserioushealthrisktotheunbornchild'smother.B.ApersonaccusedinanyproceedingofunlawfulconductundersubsectionAofthissectionmayseekahearingbeforetheStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisiononwhetherthedismembermentabortionwasnecessarytopreventserioushealthrisktotheunbornchild'smother.TheBoard'sfindingsareadmissibleonthatissueatanytrialinwhichsuchunlawfulconductisalleged.Uponamotionofthepersonaccused,thecourtshalldelaythebeginningofthetrialfornotmorethanthirty(30)daystopermitsuchahearingtotakeplace.C.Nowomanuponwhomanabortionisperformedorattemptedtobeperformedshallbetherebyliableforperformingorattemptingtoperformadismembermentabortion.Nonurse,technician,secretary,receptionistorotheremployeeoragentwhoisnotaphysicianbutwhoactsatthedirectionofaphysicianandnopharmacistorotherindividualwhoisnotaphysicianbutwhofillsaprescriptionorprovidesinstrumentsormaterialsusedinanabortionatthedirectionofortoaphysicianshallbetherebyliableforperformingorattemptingtoperformadismembermentabortion.
Addedby Laws2015,HB1721,c.59,§3,eff.November1,2015.
63§1‐737.10.InjunctiveRelief A.AcauseofactionforinjunctivereliefagainstapersonwhohasperformedorattemptedtoperformadismembermentabortioninviolationofSection3ofthisactmaybemaintainedby:1.Awomanuponwhomsuchadismembermentabortionwasperformedorattemptedtobeperformed;2.Apersonwhoisthespouse,parentorguardianof,oracurrentorformerlicensedhealthcareproviderof,awomanuponwhomsuchadismembermentabortionwasperformedorattemptedtobeperformed;or
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3.Aprosecutingattorneywithappropriatejurisdiction.
B.TheinjunctionshallpreventthedefendantfromperformingorattemptingtoperformfurtherdismembermentabortionsinviolationofSection3ofthisact.
Addedby Laws2015,HB1721,c.59,§4,eff.November1,2015.
63§1‐737.11.CauseofActionforCivilDamagesA.AcauseofactionforcivildamagesagainstapersonwhohasperformedadismembermentabortioninviolationofSection3ofthisactmaybemaintainedby:1.AnywomanuponwhomadismembermentabortionhasbeenperformedinviolationofSection3ofthisact;or2.Ifthewomanhadnotattainedtheageofeighteen(18)yearsatthetimeofthedismembermentabortionorhasdiedasaresultoftheabortion,thematernalgrandparentsoftheunbornchild.
B.Nodamagesmaybeawardedaplaintiffifthepregnancyresultedfromtheplaintiff'scriminalconduct.C.Damagesawardedinsuchanactionshallinclude:1.Moneydamagesforallinjuries,psychologicalandphysical,occasionedbythedismembermentabortion;and2.Statutorydamagesequaltothreetimesthecostofthedismembermentabortion.
Addedby Laws2015,HB1721,c.59,§5,eff.November1,2015.
63§1‐737.12.AttorneyFeesA.IfjudgmentisrenderedinfavoroftheplaintiffinanactiondescribedinSection4or5ofthisact,thecourtshallalsorenderjudgmentforareasonableattorneyfeeinfavoroftheplaintiffagainstthedefendant.B.IfjudgmentisrenderedinfavorofthedefendantinanactiondescribedinSection4or5ofthisactandthecourtfindsthattheplaintiff'ssuitwasfrivolousandbroughtinbadfaith,thecourtshallrenderjudgmentforareasonableattorneyfeeinfavorofthedefendantagainsttheplaintiff.C.NoattorneyfeemaybeassessedagainstthewomanuponwhomanabortionwasperformedorattemptedtobeperformedexceptinaccordancewithsubsectionBofthissection.
Addedby Laws2015,HB1721,c.59,§6,eff.November1,2015.
63§1‐737.13.CriminalPenaltiesWhoeverviolatesSection3ofthisactshallbefinedTenThousandDollars($10,000.00)orimprisonedfornotmorethantwo(2)yearsorboth.
Addedby Laws2015,HB1721,c.59,§7,eff.November1,2015.
63§1‐737.14.PublicDisclosureofIdentityIneverycivil,criminal,oradministrativeproceedingoractionbroughtundertheOklahomaUnbornChildProtectionfromDismembermentAbortionAct,thecourtshallrulewhethertheidentityofanywomanuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedorattemptedtobeperformedshallbepreservedfrompublicdisclosureifshedoesnotgiveherconsenttosuchdisclosure.Thecourt,uponmotionorsuasponte,shallmakesucharulingand,upondeterminingthatheranonymityshouldbepreserved,shallissueorderstotheparties,witnesses,andcounselandshalldirectthesealingoftherecordandexclusionofindividualsfromcourtroomsorhearingroomstotheextentnecessarytosafeguardheridentityfrompublicdisclosure.Eachsuchordershallbeaccompaniedbyspecificwrittenfindingsexplainingwhytheanonymity
ofthewomanshouldbepreserved,whytheorderisessentialtothatend,howtheorderisnarrowlytailoredtoservethatinterest,andwhynoreasonableless‐restrictivealternativeexists.Intheabsenceofwrittenconsentofthewomanuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedorattemptedtobeperformed,anyoneotherthanapublicofficialwhobringsanactionunderSection4or5ofthisactshalldosounderapseudonym.Thissectionmaynotbeconstruedtoconcealtheidentityoftheplaintifforofwitnessesfromthedefendantorfromattorneysforthedefendant.
Addedby Laws2015,HB1721,c.59,§8,eff.November1,2015.63§1‐737.15.NoRecognitionofRighttoAbortionNothingintheOklahomaUnbornChildProtectionfromDismembermentAbortionActshallbeconstruedascreatingorrecognizingarighttoabortion,norarighttoaparticularmethodofabortion.
Addedby Laws2015,HB1721,c.59,§9,eff.November1,2015.
63§1‐737.16.SeverabilityIfanyoneormoreprovisions,sections,subsections,sentences,clauses,phrasesorwordsofthisactortheapplicationthereoftoanypersonorcircumstanceisfoundtobeunconstitutional,thesameisherebydeclaredtobeseverableandthebalanceofthisactshallremaineffectivenotwithstandingsuchunconstitutionality.TheLegislatureherebydeclaresthatitwouldhavepassedthisact,andeachprovision,section,subsection,sentence,clause,phraseorwordthereof,irrespectiveofthefactthatanyoneormoreprovisions,sections,subsections,sentences,clauses,phrasesorwordsbedeclaredunconstitutional.
Addedby Laws2015,HB1721,c.59,§10,eff.November1,2015.
STATISTICALREPORTINGOFABORTIONACT63§1‐738i.ShortTitle
Thisactshallbeknownandmaybecitedasthe"StatisticalAbortionReportingAct".
AddedbyLaws2010,HB3284,c.276,§1,eff.November1,2010.
63§1‐738j.Definitions‐FormsandLawstobePostedonWebsiteofStateDepartmentofHealth‐ElectronicSubmissionofForms
A.AsusedintheStatisticalAbortionReportingAct:
1."Abortion"meansthetermasdefinedinSection1‐730ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes;
2."Complication"meansanyadversephysicalorpsychologicalconditionarisingfromtheperformanceofanabortion,whichincludesbutisnotlimitedto:uterineperforation,cervicalperforation,infection,bleeding,hemorrhage,bloodclots,failuretoactuallyterminatethepregnancy,incompleteabortion(retainedtissue),pelvicinflammatorydisease,endometritis,missedectopicpregnancy,cardiacarrest,respiratoryarrest,renalfailure,metabolicdisorder,shock,embolism,coma,placentaprevia,pretermdeliveryinsubsequentpregnancies,freefluidinabdomen,adversereactiontoanesthesiaandotherdrugs,andmentalandpsychologicalcomplicationssuchasdepression,anxiety,sleepingdisorders,psychiatrichospitalization,andemotionalproblems;and
3."StableInternetwebsite"meansawebsitethat,totheextentreasonablypracticable,issafeguardedfromhavingitscontentalteredotherthanbytheStateDepartmentofHealth.
B.ByMarch1,2012,theStateDepartmentofHealthshallmakeavailable,onitsstableInternetwebsite,anIndividualAbortionFormasrequiredbySection3ofthisact,andaformforaComplicationsofInducedAbortionReportasrequiredbySection4ofthisact.
C.AsrequiredbySection5ofthisact,informationfromacompletedIndividualAbortionFormoracompletedComplicationsofInduced
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AbortionReportshallbecombinedwithinformationfromallothersuchcompletedformsandreportssubmittedfortheyear.AnAnnualAbortionReportprovidingstatisticsforthepreviouscalendaryearcompiledfromallofthatyear’scompletedformsandreportssubmittedinaccordancewiththeStatisticalAbortionReportingActshallbepublishedannuallybytheDepartmentonitsstableInternetwebsite.
D.NoIndividualAbortionFormsorComplicationsofInducedAbortionReportsthathavebeencompletedandsubmittedtotheDepartmentbyanyphysicianpursuanttosubsectionBofSection3ofthisactorsubsectionCofSection4ofthisactshallbepostedonline.
E.ByMarch1,2012,theStateDepartmentofHealthshall,onitsstableInternetwebsite,providethelanguageofallOklahomaStatutesandregulationsdirectlyrelatingtoabortion,andshallpromptlyupdateitswebsitetoreflectsubsequentstatutoryandregulatorychanges.TheDepartmentshallalso,byMarch1,2012,provide,onitsstableInternetwebsite,themeansbywhichphysiciansmayelectronicallysubmitthereportsrequiredbytheStatisticalAbortionReportingAct.TheDepartmentshallincludeinstructionsonitsstableInternetwebsiteregardingelectronicsubmission.TheDepartmentshalltakeallnecessaryprecautionstoensurethesecurityoftheelectronicallysubmittedreportssothatthesubmitteddataisabletobeaccessedonlybyspeciallyauthorizeddepartmentalpersonnelduringandfollowingtheprocessoftransmission.
AddedbyLaws2010,HB3284,c.276,§2,eff.November1,2010
63§1‐738k.IndividualAbortionForm–DepartmenttoPostIndividualAbortionFormsonWebsiteA.SubsectionsBandCofthissectionshallbecomeoperativeonthelaterof:
1.April1,2012;or
2.Thirty(30)calendardaysfollowingthedateonwhichtheStateDepartmentofHealthpostsonitswebsitetheIndividualAbortionFormandinstructionsconcerningitselectronicsubmissionreferencedinthissection.
B.TheDepartmentshallposttheIndividualAbortionFormandinstructionsconcerningitselectronicsubmissiononitsstableInternetwebsite.NothingintheIndividualAbortionFormshallcontainthename,address,hometown,countyofresidence,oranyotherinformationspecificallyidentifyinganypatient.TheDepartment’sIndividualAbortionFormshallbesubstantiallysimilarto,butneednotbeinthespecificformat,providedinsubsectionFofthissection.
C.Anyphysicianperformingabortionsshallfullycompleteandsubmit,electronically,anIndividualAbortionFormtotheStateDepartmentofHealthbythelastbusinessdayofthecalendarmonthfollowingthemonthinwhichthephysicianperformsanabortion,foreachabortionthephysicianperforms.
D.Incasesinwhichaphysicianortheagentofaphysician:
1.MailstheprintedmaterialsdescribedinSection1‐738.3ofthistitletoafemalespecificallytocomplywithdivision(1)ofsubparagraphdofparagraph2ofsubsectionBofSection1‐738.2ofthistitle;
2.GivesormailstheprintedmaterialsdescribedinSection1‐738.10ofthistitletoafemalespecificallytocomplywithsubsectionAofSection1‐738.8ofthistitle;or
3.ProvidesnoticetoaparentincompliancewithSection1‐740.2ofthistitle,butdoesnotsubsequentlyperformanabortiononthefemaleorminor,thephysicianshallelectronicallysubmitacompletedIndividualAbortionFormtotheStateDepartmentofHealth,andshallmarkas"notapplicable"thoseitemsofinformationthatmayaccuratelybeprovidedonlywhenanabortionisperformed.Thephysicianshallnotsubmitsuchaformifthephysicianknowsthatanabortionwassubsequentlyperformedonthefemaleorminorbyanotherphysician.IndividualAbortionFormsrequiredbythissubsectionshallbesubmittedbythelastbusinessdayofthesecondcalendarmonthfollowingthecalendarmonthinwhichthephysicianmailstheprintedmaterialsorprovidesnoticetoaparent.
E.TheIndividualAbortionFormshallcontainanoticecontaininganassurancethat,inaccordancewithsubsectionFofSection1‐738mofthistitle,publicreportsbasedontheformsubmittedwillnotcontainthename,address,hometown,countyofresidence,oranyotheridentifyinginformationofanyindividualfemale,thattheStateDepartmentofHealthwilltakecaretoensurethatnoneoftheinformationincludedinitspublicreportscouldreasonablyleadtotheidentificationofanyindividualfemaleaboutwhominformationisreportedinaccordancewiththeStatisticalAbortionReportingActorofanyphysicianprovidinginformationinaccordancewiththeStatisticalAbortionReportingAct,andthatsuchinformationisnotsubjecttotheOklahomaOpenRecordsAct.
F.IndividualAbortionForm.TheDepartment’sIndividualAbortionFormshallbesubstantiallysimilarto,butneednotbeinthespecificformatof,thefollowingform:
IndividualAbortionForm
(TOBECOMPLETEDFOREACHABORTIONPERFORMED)
1.Dateofabortion:_________________
2.Countyinwhichtheabortionwasperformed:________________
3.Ageofmother:_________________
4.Maritalstatusofmother:________________
(specifymarried,divorced,separated,widowed,ornevermarried)
5.Raceofmother:________________
6.Yearsofeducationofmother:________________
(specifyhighestyearcompleted)
7.Stateorforeigncountryofresidenceofmother:______________
8.Totalnumberofpreviouspregnanciesofthemother:___________
LiveBirths:_________________
Miscarriages:_________________
InducedAbortions:__________________
9.Approximategestationalageinweeks,asmeasuredfromthelastmenstrualperiodofthemother,oftheunbornchildsubjecttoabortion:_______________________________
10.Methodofabortionused:
SuctionAspiration:___________
DilationandCurettage:___________
RU486:___________
Methotrexate:___________
Otherdrug/chemical/medicine(specify):_________________
DilationandEvacuation:___________
Saline:___________
Urea:___________
Prostaglandins:___________
PartialBirthAbortion:__________
Hysterotomy:___________
Other(specify):___________
11.Wasthereaninfantbornaliveasaresultoftheabortion?__________
Ifyes:
Werelife‐sustainingmeasuresundertaken?___________
Howlongdidtheinfantsurvive?___________
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12.Wasanesthesiaadministeredtomother?____________
Ifyes,whattype?____________________________
13.Wasanesthesiaadministeredtothefetus?___________
Ifyes:
Whattype?_______________________
Howwasitadministered?_______________________
14.Methodoffetaltissuedisposal:_______________________
15.Unlessamedicalemergency,asdefinedinSection1‐738.1A,orasapplicable,Section1‐745.2ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes,exists,theabortionprovideroragentshallaskthepregnantfemaletoprovide,orallyorinwriting,thereason(s)sheisseekingtheabortion.Ifsuchamedicalemergencyexists,theabortionprovideroragentshallspecifyontheformtheconditionwhichnecessitatedtheimmediateabortion:___________________
REASONGIVENFORABORTION(checkallapplicable):
Havingababy:
Woulddramaticallychangethelifeofthemother:_________
Wouldinterferewiththeeducationofthemother:_________
Wouldinterferewiththejob/employment/careerofthemother:______
Motherhasotherchildrenordependents:________
Mothercannotaffordthechild:______
Motherisunmarried:________
Motherisastudentorplanningtobeastudent:________
Mothercannotaffordchildcare:_______
Mothercannotaffordthebasicneedsoflife:________
Motherisunemployed:_________
Mothercannotleavejobtocareforababy:_________
Motherwouldhavetofindanewplacetolive:_________
Motherdoesnothaveenoughsupportfromahusbandorpartner:_____
Husbandorpartnerisunemployed:_______
Motheriscurrentlyortemporarilyonwelfareorpublicassistance:_________
Motherdoesnotwanttobeasinglemother:_______
Motherishavingrelationshipproblems:________
Motherisnotcertainofrelationshipwiththefatherofthechild:________
Partnerandmotherareunabletoordonotwanttogetmarried:_______
Motherisnotcurrentlyinarelationship:_______
Therelationshipormarriageofthemothermaysoonbreakup:_______
Husbandorpartnerisabusivetothemotherorherchildren:_______
Motherhascompletedherchildbearing:________
Motherisnotreadyfora,oranother,child:_______
Motherdoesnotwantpeopletoknowthatshehadsexorbecamepregnant:________
Motherdoesnotfeelmatureenoughtoraisea,oranother,child:_______
Husbandorpartnerwantsmothertohaveanabortion:______
Theremaybepossibleproblemaffectingthehealthofthefetus:________
Physicalhealthofthemotherisatrisk:________
Parentswantmothertohaveanabortion:_________
Emotionalhealthofthemotherisatrisk:________
MothersufferedfromamedicalemergencyasdefinedinSection1‐738.1AofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes:______
MothersufferedfromamedicalemergencyasdefinedinSection1‐745.2ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes:______
Motherwantedachildofadifferentsex:______
Abortionisnecessarytoavertthedeathofthemother:______
Pregnancywasaresultofforciblerape:______
Pregnancywasaresultofincest:______
Other(specify):______
Patientwasaskedwhysheisseekinganabortion,butshedeclinedtogiveareason:_______
16.Methodofpayment(checkone):
Privateinsurance:_______
Publichealthplan:_______
Medicaid:_______
Privatepay:_______
Other(specify):_____________________________
17.Typeofprivatemedicalhealthinsurancecoverage,ifany(checkone):
Fee‐for‐serviceinsurancecompany:______
Managedcarecompany:______
Other(specify):_____________________________
18.Sumoffee(s)collected:___________
19.Timeoffeecollection(checkone):
FullfeeforabortioncollectedpriortooratthetimethepatientwasprovidedtheinformationrequiredundersubsectionBofSection1‐738.2ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes:_________
PartialfeeforabortioncollectedpriortooratthetimethepatientwasprovidedtheinformationrequiredundersubsectionBofSection1‐738.2ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes:_________
Fullfeeforabortioncollectedattimetheabortionwasperformed:________
Other(specify):________
20.Specialtyareaofmedicineofthephysician:________
Atwhichhospital(s)didthephysicianhavehospitalprivilegesatthetimeoftheabortion?_______________________________________________________________________________
21.Wasultrasoundequipmentusedbefore,during,oraftertheperformanceofthisabortion?
Before?_____Vaginal,abdominal,orboth?_____
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Howlongpriortotheabortionwastheultrasoundperformed?________
Wasthemotherundertheeffectofanesthesiaatthetimeoftheultrasound?________
During?_____Vaginal,abdominal,orboth?_____
After?_____Vaginal,abdominal,orboth?_____
Ifanultrasoundwasperformed,whatwasthegestationalageofthefetusatthetimeoftheabortion,asdeterminedbytheultrasound?_____________
Attachtothisformacopyorscreenshotoftheultrasound,intactwiththedateonwhichtheultrasoundwasperformed,andwiththenameofthemotherredacted;provided,however,suchultrasoundshallnotbesubjecttoanopenrecordsrequestandshallbesubjecttoHIPAAregulationsgoverningconfidentialityandreleaseofprivatemedicalrecords.
21A.Ifanultrasoundwasnotperformedpriortotheabortion,wasthereasonfornotperforminganultrasoundamedicalemergencynecessitatinganimmediateabortion:
Toavertdeath:_______
Toavertsubstantialandirreversibleimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunctionarisingfromcontinuedpregnancy:_______
Otherreason:____________
22.Ifultrasoundequipmentwasused,wastheultrasoundperformedby:
Thephysicianperformingtheabortion:_____
Aphysicianotherthanthephysicianperformingtheabortion:_____
Other(specify):___________________________
23.Wastheinformationrequiredbyparagraph1ofsubsectionBofSection1‐738.2ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesprovidedtothemother?___________
a.Ifyes,wasitprovided:
Inperson:___________
Bytelephone:___________
b.Wasitprovidedby:
Areferringphysician:__________
Thephysicianperformingtheabortion:_________
Anagentofareferringphysician:___________
Anagentofthephysicianperformingtheabortion:________
24.Wastheinformationrequiredbyparagraph2ofsubsectionBofSection1‐738.2ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesprovidedtothemother?_________
a.Ifyes,wasitprovided:
Inperson:_______
Bytelephone:_______
b.Wasitprovidedby:
Areferringphysician:_______
Anagentofareferringphysician:_______
Thephysicianperformingtheabortion:________
Anagentofthephysicianperformingtheabortion:_______
25.DidthemotheravailherselfoftheopportunitytohavetheprintedmaterialsdescribedinSection1738.3ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesmailedtoher?______________
26.WeretheinformedconsentrequirementsofsubsectionBofSection1‐738.2ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesdispensedwithbecauseofamedicalemergencynecessitatinganimmediateabortion:
Toavertdeath:______
Toavertsubstantialandirreversibleimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunctionarisingfromcontinuedpregnancy:_____
27.WasadeterminationofprobablepostfertilizationagemadeasrequiredbySection1‐745.5ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes?________
a.Ifno,wasthedeterminationofprobablepostfertilizationagedispensedwith:
Toavertdeath:________
Toavertsubstantialandirreversibleimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunctionarisingfromcontinuedpregnancy:_____
b.Ifyes,whatwastheprobablepostfertilizationage?____
Whatwasthemethodandbasisofthedetermination?_____
Whatwasthebasisforthedeterminationtoperformtheabortion:
Toavertdeath:_____
Toavertsubstantialandirreversibleimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunctionarisingfromcontinuedpregnancy:____
Wasthemethodofabortionusedonethat,inreasonablemedicaljudgment,providedthebestopportunityfortheunbornchildtosurvive?_____
Ifyes,wasthereaninfantbornaliveasaresultoftheabortion?_____
Ifno,whatwasthebasisofthedetermination?_____
28.WastheabortionperformedwithinthescopeofemploymentofanOklahomastateemployeeoranemployeeofanagencyorpoliticalsubdivisionofthestate?________
29.Wastheabortionperformedwiththeuseofanypublicinstitution,publicfacility,publicequipment,orotherphysicalassetowned,leased,orcontrolledbythisstate,itsagencies,orpoliticalsubdivisions?_________
30.Iftheanswertoquestion28or29isyes:
a.Wastheabortionnecessarytosavethelifeofthemother?_______
Ifyes,whatwasthelife‐endangeringcondition?__________
b.Didthepregnancyresultfromanactofforciblerape?_______
Ifyes,listthelawenforcementauthoritytowhichtherapewasreported:___________________
Listthedateofthereport:___________
c.Didthepregnancyresultfromanactofincestcommittedagainstaminor?_________
Ifyes,listthelawenforcementauthoritytowhichtheperpetratorwasreported:________________
Listthedateofthereport:___________
THISPORTIONTOBECOMPLETEDINCASEOFMINOR
31.Minor’sageatthetimetheabortionwasperformed:___________
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32.WasaparentoftheminorprovidednoticepriortotheabortionasdescribedinSection1740.2ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes?________
a.Ifyes,howwasthenoticeprovided?
Inperson:_______
Bymail:_______
b.Ifyes,tothebestofthereportingphysician’sknowledgeandbelief,didtheminorgoontoobtaintheabortion?________
33.WasinformedwrittenconsentofoneparentobtainedasdescribedinSection1‐740.2ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes?______
Ifyes,howwasitsecured?
Inperson:___________
Other(specify):_________
34.Ifnonoticewasprovidednorconsentobtained,indicatewhichofthefollowingapply:
Minorwasemancipated:___________
Abortionwasnecessarytopreventthedeathoftheminor:_____
Medicalemergency,asdefinedinSection1‐738.1AofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes,existed:___________
Minorreceivedjudicialauthorizationtoobtainabortionwithoutparentalnoticeorconsent:___________
35.Ifnonoticewasprovidednorconsentobtainedbecauseamedicalemergencyexisted,indicate:
Whetherparentwassubsequentlynotified(stateperiodoftimeelapsedbeforenoticewasgiven):____________
Whetherjudicialwaiverofnoticerequirementwasobtained:________
36.Iftheminorreceivedjudicialauthorizationtoobtainanabortionwithoutparentalnoticeorconsent,indicatewhichofthefollowingapplies:
Judgeruledthatminorwasmatureenoughtogiveinformedconsentonherown:___________
Judgeruledthatabortionwasinthebestinterestoftheminor:___________
37.Ifthefemalewasaminoratthetimeofconception,indicatetheageofthefatheroftheunbornchildatthetimeofconception:________
38.IfatthetimeofconceptiontheagesofthemotherandfatherweresuchthataviolationofSection1111,1112,1114or1123ofTitle21orSection843.5ofTitle21oftheOklahomaStatutesoccurred,wastherapeorabusereportedtotheproperauthorities?________
39.Weretheremainsofthefetusaftertheabortionexaminedtoensurethatallsuchremainswereevacuatedfromthemother'sbody?_________
Iftheremainsofthefetuswereexaminedaftertheabortion,whatwasthesexofthechild,asdeterminedfromsuchexamination?__________
Wasthesexofthechilddeterminedpriortotheabortion?_________
Ifso,bywhom?_______
Ifso,bywhatmethod?_____
Ifthesexofthechildwasdeterminedpriortotheabortion,wasthemothergiveninformationofthechild'ssexpriortotheabortion?________
40.Iftheabortionwasperformedwithoutsurgerybutratherastheresultoftheadministrationofchemicals,wasthephysicianpresentinthesameroomasthewomantowhomthechemicalswere
administeredatthetimeanysuchchemicalswerefirstadministered?_______
4l.Priortothepregnantwomangivinginformedconsenttohavinganypartoftheabortionperformedorinduced,ifthepregnancywasatleasteight(8)weeksafterfertilization,wasthepregnantwomantoldthatitmaybepossibletomaketheembryonicorfetalheartbeatoftheunbornchildaudibleforthepregnantwomantohear?_______
Wasthepregnantwomanaskedifshewouldliketoheartheheartbeat?______
Wastheembryonicorfetalheartbeatoftheunbornchildmadeaudibleforthepregnantwomantohear,usingaDopplerfetalheartratemonitor?______
IftheresponsetoanyofthequestionsinthisparagraphwasanythingotherthananunqualifiedYES,howwastheabortionperformedincompliancewithSections1‐745.12through1‐745.19ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes?________
Filedthis____dayof__________,_____,by:
______________________________
(Nameofphysician)
_____________________________
(Physician’slicensenumber)
NOTICE:InaccordancewithsubsectionFofSection1‐738mofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes,publicreportsbasedonthisformwillnotcontainthename,address,hometown,countyofresidence,oranyotheridentifyinginformationofanyindividualfemale.TheStateDepartmentofHealthshalltakecaretoensurethatnoneoftheinformationincludedinitspublicreportscouldreasonablyleadtotheidentificationofanyindividualfemaleaboutwhominformationisreportedorofanyphysicianprovidinginformationinaccordancewiththeStatisticalAbortionReportingAct.SuchinformationisnotsubjecttotheOklahomaOpenRecordsAct.
Beadvisedthatanycomplication(s)shallbedetailedina"ComplicationsofInducedAbortionReport"andsubmittedtotheDepartmentassoonasispracticableaftertheencounterwiththeinduced‐abortion‐relatedillnessorinjury,butinnocasemorethansixty(60)daysaftersuchanencounter.
AddedbyLaws2010,HB3284,c.276,§3,eff.November1,2010;AmendedbyLaws2013,HB2015,c.303,§1,eff.November1,2013.
63§1‐738lComplicationsofInducedAbortionReport
A.ComplicationsofInducedAbortionReport.ByMarch1,2012,theStateDepartmentofHealthshallprepareandmakeavailable,onitsstableInternetwebsite,aComplicationsofInducedAbortionReportforallphysicianslicensedandpracticingintheStateofOklahoma.
B.SubsectionCofthissectionshallbecomeoperativeonthelaterof:
1.April1,2012;or
2.Thirty(30)calendardaysfollowingthedateonwhichtheStateDepartmentofHealthpostsonitsstableInternetwebsitetheIndividualAbortionFormandinstructionsconcerningitselectronicsubmissionreferencedinSection3ofthisact.
C.AnyphysicianpracticinginOklahomawhoencountersanillnessorinjurythatareasonablyknowledgeablephysicianwouldjudgeisrelatedtoaninducedabortionshallcompleteandsubmit,electronicallyorbyregularmail,aComplicationsofInducedAbortionReporttotheDepartmentassoonasispracticableaftertheencounterwiththeinduced‐abortion‐relatedillnessorinjury,butinnocasemorethansixty(60)daysaftersuchanencounter.NothingintheComplicationsofInducedAbortionReportshallcontainthename,address,hometown,countyofresidence,oranyotherinformationspecificallyidentifyinganypatient.Knowingorrecklessunreasonabledelayorfailuretosubmita
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ComplicationsofInducedAbortionReportshallbesanctionedaccordingtotheprovisionsoftheStatisticalAbortionReportingAct.
D.TheComplicationsofInducedAbortionReportshallcontainanoticecontaininganassurancethatinaccordancewithsubsectionFofSection5ofthisact,publicreportsbasedontheformsubmittedwillnotcontainthename,address,hometown,countyofresidence,oranyotheridentifyinginformationofanyindividualfemale,thattheStateDepartmentofHealthwilltakecaretoensurethatnoneoftheinformationincludedinitspublicreportscouldreasonablyleadtotheidentificationofanyindividualfemaleaboutwhominformationisreportedinaccordancewiththeStatisticalAbortionReportingAct,orofanyphysicianprovidinginformationinaccordancewiththeStatisticalAbortionReportingAct,andthatsuchinformationisnotsubjecttotheOklahomaOpenRecordsAct.
E.Complication(s)ofInducedAbortionReport.TheComplicationsofInducedAbortionReportshallbesubstantiallysimilarto,butneednotbeinthespecificformatof,thefollowingform:
ComplicationsofInducedAbortionReport
1.Nameandspecialtyfieldofmedicalpracticeofthephysicianfilingthereport:_________________________________
2.Didthephysicianfilingthereportperformorinducetheabortion?________________________________________________
3.Name,address,andtelephonenumberofthehealthcarefacilitywheretheinducedabortioncomplicationwasdiscoveredortreated:__________________________________________________________
4.Dateonwhichthecomplicationwasdiscovered:________
5.Dateonwhich,andlocationofthefacilitywhere,theabortionwasperformed,ifknown:_________________________________
6.Ageofthepatientexperiencingthecomplication:_____
7.Describethecomplication(s)resultingfromtheinducedabortion:______________________________________________________
8.Circleallthatapply:
a.Death
b.Cervicallacerationrequiringsutureorrepair
c.Heavybleeding/hemorrhagewithestimatedbloodlossofgreaterthanorequalto500cc
d.UterinePerforation
e.Infection
f.Failedterminationofpregnancy(continuedviablepregnancy)
g.Incompleteterminationofpregnancy(Retainedpartsoffetusrequiringre‐evacuation)
h.Other(Mayincludepsychologicalcomplications,futurereproductivecomplications,orotherillnessesorinjuriesthatinthephysician’smedicaljudgmentoccurredasaresultofaninducedabortion.Specifydiagnosis.):_______________________________
9.Typeoffollow‐upcare,ifany,recommended:______________________
10.WillthephysicianfilingtheComplicationsofInducedAbortionReportbeprovidingsuchfollow‐upcare(ifnot,thenameofthemedicalprofessionalwhowill,ifknown)?_____________________________
11.NameandlicensenumberofphysicianfilingtheComplicationsofInducedAbortionReport:_________________________
AddedbyLaws2010,HB3284,c.276,§4,eff.November1,2010.
63§1‐738mAnnualAbortionReport–AnnualJudicialBypassofAbortionparentalConsentSummary
A.Beginningin2013,byJune1ofeachyear,theDepartmentshallissue,onitsstableInternetwebsite,apublicAnnualAbortionReportprovidingstatisticsforthepreviouscalendaryearcompiledfromallofthereportscoveringthatyearsubmittedinaccordancewiththeStatisticalAbortionReportingAct.
B.TheDepartment'spublicreportshallalsoprovidestatisticsforallpreviouscalendaryearsforwhichabortion‐reportingrequirementshavebeenineffect,adjustedtoreflectanyadditionalinformationfromlateorcorrectedreports.
C.TheAnnualAbortionReportshallinclude,butnotbelimitedto,thefollowinginformation:
1.Thenumberofinducedabortionsperformedinthepreviouscalendaryear,brokendownbymonthandcountyinwhichtheabortionwasperformed;
2.Thenumberofabortionsclassifiedby:
a.thestateorforeigncountryofresidenceofthemother,
b.theage,maritalstatus,andraceofthemother,and
c.thenumberofyearsofeducationofthemother;
3.Thenumberofabortionsclassifiedby:
a.thenumberofpreviouspregnanciesofthemother,
b.previouslivebirthstothemother,
c.previousmiscarriages,and
d.previousinducedabortions;
4.Thenumberofabortionsbyweekofgestationalage;
5.Thenumberofabortionsperformedbyeachreportedmethod;
6.Thenumberofabortionsresultinginaninfantbornalive;ofthese,thenumberofcasesinwhichlife‐sustainingmeasuresweretaken;andastatisticalsummaryofthelengthofsurvivalofsuchinfants;
7.Thenumberofcasesinwhichanesthesiawasadministeredtothemotherandthenumberofeachtypeofanesthesia;
8.Thenumberofcasesinwhichanesthesiawasadministeredtotheunbornchild,andthenumberofeachtypeofanesthesiaandofeachmethodofadministration;
9.Thenumberofeachreportedmethodoffetaldisposal;
10.Thereasonsreportedfortheabortions,andthenumberoftimeseachreportedreasonwascited;
11.Thenumberofabortionspaidforby:
a.privateinsurance,
b.publichealthplan,
c.Medicaid,
d.privatepay,or
e.other;
12.Thenumberofabortionsinwhichmedicalhealthinsurancecoveragewasunder:
a.afee‐for‐serviceinsurancecompany,
b.amanagedcarecompany,or
c.other;
13.Astatisticalsummaryofthefeescollected;
14.Specialtyareaofmedicineofthephysician;
15.Thenumberofabortionsinwhichultrasoundequipmentwasusedbefore,during,oraftertheabortion,andthenumberoftimesvaginal
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ultrasound,abdominalultrasound,orbothwereusedineachofthethreecircumstances;
16.Thenumberofabortionsbeforewhichanultrasoundwasperformedby:
a.thephysicianperformingtheabortion,
b.aphysicianotherthanthephysicianperformingtheabortion,or
c.other;
17.Thenumberofabortionsresultinginreportedcomplications,andofthose,howmanywerereportedbythephysicianwhoperformedtheabortion,andhowmanywerereportedbyanotherphysician,thetypesofreportedcomplications,andthenumberofeachtypebasedondatawhichshallbecompiledandtransmittedtotheStateDepartmentofHealthbytheStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionandtheStateBoardofOsteopathicExaminers;
18.Thenumberofabortionsresultinginthereporteddeathofthemother;
19.Thenumberoffemalestowhomthephysicianprovidedtheinformationinsubparagraphaofparagraph1ofsubsectionBofSection1‐738.2ofthistitle;ofthatnumber,thenumberprovidedbytelephoneandthenumberprovidedinperson;andofeachofthosenumbers,thenumberprovidedinthecapacityofareferringphysicianandthenumberprovidedinthecapacityofaphysicianwhoistoperformtheabortion;
20.Thenumberoffemalestowhomphysiciansoragentsofphysiciansprovidedtheinformationinparagraph2ofsubsectionBofSection1‐738.2ofthistitle;ofthatnumber,thenumberprovidedbytelephoneandthenumberprovidedinperson;ofeachofthosenumbers,thenumberprovidedinthecapacityofareferringphysicianandthenumberprovidedinthecapacityofaphysicianwhoistoperformtheabortion;andofeachofthosenumbers,thenumberprovidedbythephysicianandthenumberprovidedbyanagentofthephysician;
21.ThenumberoffemaleswhoavailedthemselvesoftheopportunitytohaveacopyoftheprintedinformationdescribedinSection1‐738.3ofthistitlemailedtothem;andofthatnumber,thenumberwho,basedonthesubmittedreports,didanddidnotobtainanabortion;
22.Thenumberofabortionsperformedbythephysicianinwhichinformationotherwiserequiredtobeprovidedatleast seventy‐two(72)hoursbeforetheabortionwasnotsoprovidedbecauseanimmediateabortionwasnecessarytoavertthedeathofthefemale,andthenumberofabortionsinwhichsuchinformationwasnotsoprovidedbecauseadelaywouldcreateseriousriskofsubstantialandirreversibleimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction;
23.ThenumberoffemalestowhomphysiciansortheiragentsprovidedtheinformationdescribedinsubsectionAofSection1‐738.8ofthistitle;ofthatnumber:
a.thenumberprovidedbytelephoneandthenumberprovidedinperson;andofeachofthosenumbers,thenumberprovidedinthecapacityofareferringphysicianandthenumberprovidedinthecapacityofaphysicianwhoistoperformtheabortion,orbytheagentofsuchphysician,and
b.thenumberoffemaleswhoavailedthemselvesoftheopportunitytobegivenormailedthematerialsdescribedinSection1‐738.10ofthistitle,andthenumberwhodidnot;andofeachofthosenumbers,thenumberwho,tothebestoftheinformationandbeliefofthereportingphysician,wentontoobtaintheabortion;
24.ThenumberoffemalestowhomtheinformationdescribedinsubsectionAofSection1‐738.8ofthistitlewouldhavehadtobeprovidedbutforamedicalemergencydetermination;ofthatnumber,thenumberforwhomanimmediateabortionwasnecessarytoavertthedeathofthefemale,andthenumberforwhomadelaywouldhavecreatedseriousriskofsubstantialandirreversibleimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction;
25.ThenumberofabortionsperformedwithinthescopeofemploymentofOklahomastateemployeesandemployeesofanagencyorpoliticalsubdivisionofthestate,thenumberofabortionsperformedwiththeuseofpublicinstitutions,facilities,equipment,orotherphysicalassetsowned,leased,orcontrolledbythisstate,itsagencies,orpoliticalsubdivisions,andforeachcategory:
a.thenumberofabortionsreportedasnecessarytosavethelifeofthemother,thelife‐endangeringconditionsidentified,andthenumberofeachsuchconditionreported,
b.thenumberofabortionsreportedfrompregnanciesresultingfromforciblerape,thenumberofsuchrapesreportedtolawenforcementauthorities,generalcategoriesoflawenforcementauthoritiestowhomreportsweremadeandthenumbermadetoeachcategory,andastatisticalsummaryofthelengthoftimebetweenthedatesofreportingtolawenforcementauthoritiesandthedatesoftheabortions,and
c.thenumberofabortionsreportedfrompregnanciesresultingfromincestcommittedagainstaminor,thenumberofperpetratorsofincestinsuchcasesreportedtolawenforcementauthorities,generalcategoriesoflawenforcementauthoritiestowhomreportsweremadeandthenumbermadetoeachcategory,andastatisticalsummaryofthelengthoftimebetweenthedatesofreportingtolawenforcementauthoritiesandthedatesoftheabortions;
26.ThenumberoffemalestoaparentofwhomthephysicianprovidednoticeasrequiredbySection1‐740.2ofthistitle;ofthatnumber,thenumberprovidedpersonallyasdescribedinthatsection,andthenumberprovidedbymailasdescribedinthatsection,andofeachofthosenumbers,thenumberoffemaleswho,tothebestoftheinformationandbeliefofthereportingphysician,wentontoobtaintheabortion;
27.ThenumberoffemalesuponwhomthephysicianperformedanabortionwithoutthenoticetoorconsentoftheparentoftheminorrequiredbySection1‐740.2ofthistitle;ofthatnumber,thenumberwhowereemancipatedminorsandthenumberwhosufferedfromamedicalemergency,andofthelatter,thenumberofcasesinwhichaparentwasnotifiedsubsequentlyandthenumberofcasesinwhichajudicialwaiverwasobtained.Inthecaseofmedicalemergenciesinwhichaparentwasinformedsubsequently,astatisticalsummaryoftheperiodoftimeelapsedbeforenotification;
28.Thenumberofabortionsperformedafterreceivingjudicialauthorizationtodosowithoutparentalnoticeandconsent;
29.Thenumberofabortionsperformedonminorsafterjudicialauthorizationsweregrantedbecauseofafindingthattheminorgirlwasmatureandcapableofgivinginformedconsent;
30.Thenumberofabortionsperformedonminorsafterjudicialauthorizationsweregrantedbecauseofafindingthattheperformanceoftheabortionwithoutparentalnotificationandconsentwasinthebestinterestoftheminor;
31.Thenumberofabortionsperformedafterwhichtheremainsofthefetusaftertheabortionwereexaminedtoensurethatallsuchremainswereevacuatedfromthemother'sbody;
32.Thenumberofmalechildrenabortedandfemalechildrenaborted,asdeterminedfromtheexaminationoffetalremainsafterabortion;
33.Thenumberofmalechildrenabortedandfemalechildrenaborted,asdeterminedbyanymethodotherthanthosereportedinparagraph32ofthissubsection;
34.Thenumberofinstancesinwhichthemotherwasinformedpriortotheabortionthatthechildtobeabortedwasafemale;
35.Thenumberofabortionsperformedwithoutsurgerybutratherastheresultoftheadministrationofchemicals;
36.Thenumberofabortionsperformedasreportedinparagraph35ofthissubsection,inwhichthephysicianwaspresentinthesameroom
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asthewomantowhomthechemicalswereadministeredatthetimeanysuchchemicalswerefirstadministered;
37.Thenumberofabortionsperformedforeachhospitalatwhichtheabortionisthadhospitalprivilegesatthetimeoftheabortion;
38.Thenumberofabortionsperformedatwhichultrasoundequipmentwasusedbeforetheabortion;
39.Thenumberofabortionsreportedinparagraph38ofthissubsection,duringwhichthemotherwasundertheeffectofanesthesiaatthetimeoftheultrasound;
40.Thenumberofabortionsperformedatwhichultrasoundequipmentwasusedduringtheabortion;
41.Thenumberofabortionsreportedinparagraph40ofthissubsection,duringwhichthemotherwasundertheeffectofanesthesiaatthetimeoftheultrasound;
42.Thenumberofabortionsperformedatwhichultrasoundequipmentwasusedaftertheabortion;
43.Thenumberofabortionsreportedinparagraph42ofthissubsection,duringwhichthemotherwasundertheeffectofanesthesiaatthetimeoftheultrasound;
44.Themeangestationalageofthefetusatthetimeoftheabortion,asdeterminedbyultrasoundsreported;
45.ThenumberofabortionsforwhichnodeterminationofprobablepostfertilizationagewasmadeasrequiredbySection1‐745.5ofthistitle;and
46.Thenumberofabortionsinwhichthepregnantwomanwastoldthatitmaybepossibletomaketheembryonicorfetalheartbeatoftheunbornchildaudibleforthepregnantwomantohear;thenumberofabortionsinwhichthepregnantwomanwasaskedifshewouldliketoheartheheartbeat;andthenumberofabortionsinwhichtheembryonicorfetalheartbeatoftheunbornchildwasmadeaudibleforthepregnantwomantohear,usingaDopplerfetalheartratemonitor.
D.Beginningin2013,byJune1ofeachyear,theStateDepartmentofHealthshallpost,onitsstableInternetwebsite,apublicAnnualJudicialBypassofAbortionParentalConsentSummaryReportprovidingstatisticswhichshallbecompiledandsuppliedtotheDepartmentbytheAdministrativeOfficeoftheCourtsgivingthetotalnumberofpetitionsormotionsfiledunderSection1‐740.3ofthistitleandofthatnumber,thenumberinwhich:
1.Thecourtappointedaguardianadlitem;
2.Thecourtappointedcounsel;
3.Thejudgeissuedanorderauthorizinganabortionwithoutparentalnotificationorconsent,andofthose:
a.thenumberauthorizedduetoadeterminationbythejudgethattheminorwasmatureandcapableofgivingconsenttotheproposedabortion,and
b.thenumberauthorizedduetoadeterminationbythejudgethatanabortionwasinthebestinterestoftheminor;and
4.Thejudgedeniedsuchanorder,andofthis,thenumberof:
a.denialsfromwhichanappealwasfiled,
b.theappealsthatresultedinthedenialbeingaffirmed,and
c.appealsthatresultedinreversalsofthedenials.
E.EachAnnualJudicialBypassofAbortionParentalConsentSummaryReportshallalsoprovidethestatisticsforallpreviouscalendaryearsforwhichthepublicstatisticalreportwasrequiredtobeissued,adjustedtoreflectanyadditionalinformationfromlateorcorrectedreports.
F.TheDepartment'spublicreportsshallnotcontainthename,address,hometown,countyofresidence,oranyotheridentifyinginformationofanyindividualfemale,andshalltakecaretoensurethatnoneofthe
informationincludedinitspublicreportscouldreasonablyleadtotheidentificationofanyindividualfemaleaboutwhominformationisreportedinaccordancewiththeStatisticalAbortionReportingActorofanyphysicianprovidinginformationinaccordancewiththeStatisticalAbortionReportingAct.NorshalltheinformationdescribedintheprecedingsentencebesubjecttotheOklahomaOpenRecordsAct.
AddedbyLaws2010,HB3284,c.276,§5,eff.November1,2010;AmendedbyLaws2013,HB2015,c.303,§2,eff.November1,2013;AmendedbyLaws2015,HB1409,c.255,§6,eff.November1,2015.
63§1‐738nNoticeofActRequirements–FailuretoSubmitFormsorReports–Penalties–Compliance‐Rules
A.TheStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionandtheStateBoardofOsteopathicExaminersshallnotify,byMarch1,2012,allphysicianslicensedtopracticeinthisstateoverwhomtheyhavelicensureauthorityoftherequirementsoftheStatisticalAbortionReportingActandoftheaddressesofthepagesontheStateDepartmentofHealth'ssecureInternetwebsiteprovidingaccesstotheformsitrequiresandinstructionsfortheirelectronicsubmission.TherespectiveBoardshallalsonotifyeachphysicianwhosubsequentlybecomesnewlylicensedtopracticeinthisstate,atthesametimeasanofficialnotificationtothatphysician,thatthephysicianissolicensed.
B.IndividualAbortionFormsorComplicationsofInducedAbortionReportsthatarenotsubmittedbytheendofagraceperiodofthirty(30)daysfollowingtheduedateshallbesubjecttoalatefeeofFiveHundredDollars($500.00)foreachadditionalthirty‐dayperiodtheformsorreportsareoverdue.AnymoniescollectedunderthissubsectionshallbedepositedintoanaccountcreatedwithintheDepartment,whichshallbeusedfortheadministrationoftheStatisticalAbortionReportingAct.AnyphysicianrequiredtoreportinaccordancewiththeStatisticalAbortionReportingActwhohasnotcompletedandelectronicallysubmittedaformorreport,orhassubmittedonlyanincompleteformorreport,morethanone(1)yearfollowingtheduedateshallbeprecludedfromrenewinghisorherlicenseuntilsuchfinesarepaidinfullandoutstandingformsorreportsaresubmitted,andmay,inanactionbroughtbytheStateDepartmentofHealth,bedirectedbyacourtofcompetentjurisdictiontoelectronicallysubmitcompletedformsorreportswithinaperiodstatedbycourtorderorbesubjecttosanctionsforcivilcontempt.
C.AnyonewhoknowinglyorrecklesslyfailstosubmitanIndividualAbortionFormorComplicationsofInducedAbortionReport,orsubmitsfalseinformationundertheStatisticalAbortionReportingAct,shallbeguiltyofamisdemeanor.
D.TheDepartment,theStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionandtheStateBoardofOsteopathicExaminersshallensurecompliancewiththeStatisticalAbortionReportingActandshallverifythedataprovidedbyperiodicinspectionsofplaceswheretheDepartment,theStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionortheStateBoardofOsteopathicExaminersknoworhavereasontobelieveabortionsareperformed.
E.TheDepartmentmaypromulgaterulesinaccordancewiththeAdministrativeProceduresActtoalterthedatesestablishedbytheStatisticalAbortionReportingActtoachieveadministrativeconvenience,fiscalsavings,ortoreducetheburdenofreportingrequirements,solongastheformsandreportsaremadeavailable,onitsstableInternetwebsite,toalllicensedphysiciansinthisstate,andthepublicreportsdescribedinSection1‐738mofthistitleareissuedatleastonceeveryyear.
F.IftheDepartmentfailstoissuethepublicreportsdescribedinSection1‐738mofthistitle,anactionpursuanttoChapter26ofTitle12oftheOklahomaStatutesmaybeinitiated.Ifjudgmentisrenderedinfavorof
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theplaintiffinanyactiondescribedinthissubsection,thecourtshallalsorenderjudgmentforareasonableattorneyfeeinfavoroftheplaintiffagainstthedefendant.Ifjudgmentisrenderedinfavorofthedefendantandthecourtfindsthattheplaintiff'ssuitwasfrivolousandbroughtinbadfaith,thecourtshallalsorenderjudgmentforareasonableattorneyfeeinfavorofthedefendantagainsttheplaintiff.
G.IfanabortionproviderfailstosubmitanyreportrequiredpursuanttoSection1‐738kofthistitle,upontherefusal,failureorneglectoftheStateCommissionerofHealth,withintwenty(20)daysafterwrittendemandsigned,verifiedandservedupontheStateDepartmentofHealthbyatleasttenregisteredvotersofthestate,toinstituteordiligentlyprosecuteproperproceedingsatlaworinequitytocompelanabortionprovidertosubmitanyreportrequiredpursuanttoSection1‐738kofthistitlebutnotyetsubmittedtotheStateDepartmentofHealth,anyresidenttaxpayerofthestateafterservingthenoticeaforesaidmayinthenameoftheStateofOklahomaasplaintiff,instituteandmaintainanyproperactionwhichtheStateDepartmentofHealthmightinstituteandmaintaintocompeltheabortionprovidertofilesuchreport.Ifacourtofcompetentjurisdictiondeterminestheclaimstobemeritorious,theabortionistshallbecompelledtofilethereportandtopaythefee(s)prescribedinsubsectionBofthissection,withcostsandreasonableattorneyfees.Ifallclaimsstatedbytheresidenttaxpayersinthewrittendemandaredeterminedinacourtofcompetentjurisdictiontobefrivolousandbroughtinbadfaith,theresidenttaxpayerswhosignedsuchdemandandwhoarepartiestothelawsuitinwhichsuchclaimsaredeterminedtobefrivolousandbroughtinbadfaithshallbejointlyandseverallyliableforallreasonableattorneyfeesandcourtcostsincurredbytheabortionist.
AddedbyLaws2010,HB3284,c.276,§6,eff.November1,2010;AmendedbyLaws2013,HB2015,c.303,§3,eff.November1,2013.
63§1‐738oAuthoritytoIntervenebyRight
TheOklahomaLegislature,byjointresolution,mayappointoneormoreofitsmemberswhosponsoredorcosponsoredthisactinhisorherofficialcapacitytointerveneasamatterofrightinanycaseinwhichtheconstitutionalityofthislawischallenged.
AddedbyLaws2010,HB3284,c.276,§5,eff.November1,2010.
63§1‐738pJudicialOrderRestrainingorEnjoiningStatisticalAbortionReportingAct
A.Sections1‐738.3a,1‐738.13and1‐740.4aofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesshallbecomeineffectiveandofnobindingforceonthedatespecifiedinsubsectionBofthissection,butiftheStatisticalAbortionReportingActisevertemporarilyorpermanentlyrestrainedorenjoinedbyjudicialorder,thesesectionsshallbecomeeffectiveandenforceable;provided,however,thatifsuchtemporaryorpermanentrestrainingorderorinjunctioniseverstayedordissolved,orotherwiseceasestohaveeffect,thesesectionsshallagainbecomeineffectiveandofnobindingforceuntilorunlessaninjunctionorrestrainingorderagainsttheStatisticalAbortionReportingActisagainineffect.IfandtotheextenttheStatisticalAbortionReportingActisrestrainedorenjoinedinpart,thenonlythoseprovisionsofthesesectionsthatneitherconflictwithnorsubstantivelyduplicatetheprovisionsoftheStatisticalAbortionReportingActthatarenotenjoinedshallhaveeffect.AspromptlyasfeasiblefollowingtheissuanceofanyrestrainingorderorinjunctionthatenjoinspartbutnotalloftheStatisticalAbortionReportingAct,theAttorneyGeneralshallissueanopinionspecificallyidentifyingthoseprovisionsofthesesectionsthatareeffectiveandenforceableinaccordancewiththeprecedingsentence.
B.Thedatespecifiedinthissubsectionisthelaterof:
1.April1,2012;or
2.Thirty(30)calendardaysfollowingthedateonwhichtheStateDepartmentofHealthpostsonitssecureInternetwebsitethe
IndividualAbortionFormandinstructionsconcerningitselectronicsubmissionreferencedinSection3ofthisact.
AddedbyLaws2010,HB3284,c.276,§5,eff.November1,2010.
63§1‐738q.EffectofTemporaryorPermanentJudicialRestrainingOrderorInjunction
IfsomeoralloftheprovisionsofSections1‐738k,1‐738mand1‐738nofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes,asamendedbySections1,2and3ofthisact,areevertemporarilyorpermanentlyrestrainedorenjoinedbyjudicialorder,thesesectionsshallbeenforcedasthoughsuchrestrainedorenjoinedprovisionshadnotbeenadopted;provided,however,thatwheneversuchtemporaryorpermanentrestrainingorderorinjunctionisstayedordissolved,orotherwiseceasestohaveeffect,suchprovisionsshallhavefullforceandeffect.
AddedbyLaws2013,HB2015,c.303,§4,eff.November1,2013.
63§1‐738.1ADefinitions
AsusedinthissectionandSections1‐738.2through1‐738.5ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes:
1."Abortion"meansthetermasdefinedinSection1‐730ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes;
2."Attempttoperformanabortion"meansanact,oranomissionofastatutorilyrequiredact,that,underthecircumstancesastheactorbelievesthemtobe,constitutesasubstantialstepinacourseofconductplannedtoculminateintheperformanceofanabortioninthisstateinviolationofthisact;
3."Board"meanstheStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervision;
4."Certifiedtechnician"meansaRegisteredDiagnosticMedicalSonographerwhoiscertifiedinobstetricsandgynecologybytheAmericanRegistryforDiagnosticMedicalSonography(ARDMS),oranursemidwifeorAdvancePracticeNursePractitionerinobstetricswithcertificationinobstetricalultrasonography;
5."Medicalemergency"meanstheexistenceofanyphysicalcondition,notincludinganyemotional,psychological,ormentalcondition,whichareasonablyprudentphysician,withknowledgeofthecaseandtreatmentpossibilitieswithrespecttothemedicalconditionsinvolved,woulddeterminenecessitatestheimmediateabortionofthepregnancyofthefemaletoavertherdeathortoavertsubstantialandirreversibleimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunctionarisingfromcontinuedpregnancy;
6."Physician"meansapersonlicensedtopracticemedicineinthisstatepursuanttoSections495and633ofTitle59oftheOklahomaStatutes;
7."Probablegestationalageoftheunbornchild"meanswhat,inthejudgmentofthephysician,willwithreasonableprobabilitybethegestationalageoftheunbornchildatthetimetheabortionisplannedtobeperformed;
8."StableInternetwebsite"meansawebsitethat,totheextentreasonablypracticable,issafeguardedfromhavingitscontentalteredotherthanbytheStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervision;
9."Unbornchild"meansthetermasisdefinedinSection1‐730ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes;and
10."Woman"meansafemalehumanbeingwhetherornotshehasreachedtheageofmajority.
AddedbyLaws2010,HB2780,c.173,§1.
63§1‐738.2.VoluntaryandInformedConsent‐CompliancebyPhysicians‐ConfirmationofReceiptofMedicalRiskInformation
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A.Noabortionshallbeperformedinthisstateexceptwiththevoluntaryandinformedconsentofthewomanuponwhomtheabortionistobeperformed.
B.Exceptinthecaseofamedicalemergency,consenttoanabortionisvoluntaryandinformedifandonlyif:
1.a.notlessthanseventy‐two(72)hourspriortotheperformanceoftheabortion,thewomanistoldthefollowing,bytelephoneorinperson,bythephysicianwhoistoperformtheabortion,orbyareferringphysician,orbyanagentofeitherphysician:
(1)thenameofthephysicianwhowillperformtheabortion,
(2)themedicalrisksassociatedwiththeparticularabortionproceduretobeemployed,
(3)theprobablegestationalageoftheunbornchildatthetimetheabortionistobeperformed,
(4)themedicalrisksassociatedwithcarryingherchildtoterm,and
(5)thatultrasoundimagingandhearttonemonitoringthatenablethepregnantwomantoviewherunbornchildorlistentotheheartbeatoftheunbornchildareavailabletothepregnantwoman.ThephysicianoragentofthephysicianshallinformthepregnantwomanthatthewebsiteandprintedmaterialsdescribedinSection1‐738.3ofthistitle,containphonenumbersandaddressesforfacilitiesthatoffersuchservicesatnocost,
b.theinformationrequiredbythisparagraphmaybeprovidedbytelephonewithoutconductingaphysicalexaminationortestsofthewoman.Iftheinformationissuppliedbytelephone,theinformationshallbebasedonfactssuppliedtothephysician,
c.theinformationrequiredbythisparagraphshallnotbeprovidedbyataperecording,butshallbeprovidedduringaconsultationinwhichthephysicianisabletoaskquestionsofthewomanandthewomanisabletoaskquestionsofthephysician,
d.ifaphysicalexamination,tests,orothernewinformationsubsequentlyindicates,inthemedicaljudgmentofthephysician,theneedforarevisionoftheinformationpreviouslysuppliedtothewoman,thatrevisedinformationmaybecommunicatedtothewomanatanytimepriortotheperformanceoftheabortion,and
e.nothinginsubparagraphaofthisparagraphmaybeconstruedtoprecludeprovisionoftherequiredinformationinalanguageunderstoodbythewomanthroughatranslator;
2.Notlessthanseventy‐two(72)hourspriortotheabortion,thewomanisinformed,bytelephoneorinperson,bythephysicianwhoistoperformtheabortion,byareferringphysician,orbyanagentofeitherphysician:
a.thatmedicalassistancebenefitsmaybeavailableforprenatalcare,childbirth,andneonatalcare,
b.thatthefatherisliabletoassistinthesupportofherchild,evenininstancesinwhichthefatherhasofferedtopayfortheabortion,
c.that:
(1)shehastheoptiontoreviewtheprintedmaterialsdescribedinSection1‐738.3ofthistitle,
(2)thosematerialshavebeenprovidedbytheStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervision,and
(3)theydescribetheunbornchildandlistagenciesthatofferalternativestoabortion,and
d.(1)ifthewomanchoosestoexerciseheroptiontoviewthematerialsinaprintedform,theyshallbemailedtoher,byamethodchosenbythewoman,or
(2)ifthewomanchoosestoexerciseheroptiontoviewthematerialsviatheInternet,thewomanshallbeinformedatleastseventy‐two(72)hoursbeforetheabortionofthespecificaddressoftheInternetwebsitewherethematerialcanbeaccessed.
Theinformationrequiredbythisparagraphmaybeprovidedbyataperecordingifprovisionismadetorecordorotherwiseregisterspecificallywhetherthewomandoesordoesnotchoosetoreviewtheprintedmaterials;
3.Thewomancertifiesinwriting,priortotheabortion,thatshehasbeentoldtheinformationdescribedinsubparagraphaofparagraph1ofthissubsectionandinsubparagraphsa,bandcofparagraph2ofthissubsectionandthatshehasbeeninformedofheroptiontorevieworrejecttheprintedinformationdescribedinSection1‐738.3ofthistitle;and
4.Priortotheabortion,thephysicianwhoistoperformtheabortionortheagentofthephysicianreceivesacopyofthewrittencertificationprescribedbyparagraph3ofthissubsection.
C.TheStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionandtheStateBoardofOsteopathicExaminersshallpromulgaterulestoensurethatphysicianswhoperformabortionsandreferringphysiciansoragentsofeitherphysiciancomplywithalltherequirementsofthissection.
D.Beforetheabortionprocedureisperformed,thephysicianshallconfirmwiththepatientthatshehasreceivedinformationregarding:
1.Themedicalrisksassociatedwiththeparticularabortionproceduretobeemployed;
2.Theprobablegestationalageoftheunbornchildatthetimetheabortionistobeperformed;and
3.Themedicalrisksassociatedwithcarryingtheunbornchildtoterm.
AddedbyLaws2005,HB1686,c.200,§7,emerg.eff.May20,2005;AmendedbyLaws2006,SB1742,c.185,§3,eff.November1,2006;AmendedbyLaws2015,HB1409,c.255,§1,eff.November1,2015.
63§1‐738.3.PublicationandAvailabilityofPrintedInformationalMaterialsA.Withinonehundredtwenty(120)daysoftheeffectivedateofthisact,theStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionshallcausetobepublished,inEnglishandinSpanish,andshallupdateonanannualbasis,thefollowingprintedmaterialsinsuchawayastoensurethattheinformationiseasilycomprehensible:1.a.geographicallyindexedmaterialsdesignedtoinformthewomanofpublicandprivateagencies,includingadoptionagenciesandservicesthatareavailabletoassistawomanthroughpregnancy,uponchildbirth,andwhilethechildisdependent,including:
(1)acomprehensivelistoftheagenciesavailable,(2)adescriptionoftheservicestheyoffer,includingwhichagenciesoffer,atnocosttothepregnantwoman,ultrasoundimagingthatenablesapregnantwomantoviewtheunbornchildorhearttonemonitoringthatenablesthepregnantwomantolistentotheheartbeatoftheunbornchild,and(3)adescriptionofthemanner,includingtelephonenumbers,inwhichtheymightbecontacted,or
b.attheoptionoftheBoardatoll‐free,twenty‐four‐hour‐a‐daytelephonenumberwhichmaybecalledtoobtain,inamechanical,automated,orauditoryformat,alistanddescriptionofagenciesinthelocalityofthecallerandoftheservicestheyoffer;and
2.a.materialsdesignedtoinformthewomanoftheprobableanatomicalandphysiologicalcharacteristicsoftheunbornchildat
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two‐weekgestationalincrementsfromthetimewhenawomancanbeknowntobepregnanttofullterm,including:
(1)anyrelevantinformationonthepossibilityofthesurvivaloftheunbornchild,and(2)picturesordrawingsrepresentingthedevelopmentofunbornchildrenattwo‐weekgestationalincrements,providedthatthepicturesordrawingsshalldescribethedimensionsoftheunbornchildandshallberealisticandappropriateforthestageofpregnancydepicted,
b.thematerialsshallbeobjective,nonjudgmental,anddesignedtoconveyonlyaccuratescientificinformationabouttheunbornchildatthevariousgestationalages,andc.thematerialshallalsocontainobjectiveinformationdescribing:(1)themethodsofabortionprocedurescommonlyemployed,(2)themedicalriskscommonlyassociatedwitheachofthoseprocedures,(3)thepossibledetrimentalpsychologicaleffectsofabortionandofcarryingachildtoterm,and(4)themedicalriskscommonlyassociatedwithcarryingachildtoterm,and
d.thematerialshallcontainthestatement"Abortionshallterminatethelifeofawhole,separate,unique,livinghumanbeing."
B.1.ThematerialsreferredtoinsubsectionAofthissectionshallbeprintedinatypefacelargeenoughtobeclearlylegible.2.ThematerialsrequiredunderthissectionshallbeavailableatnocostfromtheStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionandshallbedistributeduponrequestinappropriatenumberstoanyperson,facility,orhospital.
C.1.TheBoardshallprovideonitsstableInternetwebsitetheinformationdescribedundersubsectionAofthissection.2.Thewebsiteprovidedforinthissubsectionshallbemaintainedataminimumresolutionof72PPI.
D.AnyfacilityperformingabortionsthathasawebsiteshallpublishaneasilyidentifiablelinkonthehomepageofsuchwebsitethatdirectlylinkstotheBoard'swebsite,www.awomansright.org,thatprovidesinformedconsentmaterialsundertheWoman'sRight‐to‐KnowAct.Suchlinkshallread:"TheStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionmaintainsawebsitecontaininginformationaboutthedevelopmentoftheunbornchild,aswellasvideoofultrasoundimagesoftheunbornchildatvariousstagesofdevelopment.TheBoard'swebsitecanbereachedbyclickinghere:www.awomansright.org."
AddedbyLaws2005,HB1686,c.200,§8,emerg.eff.May20,2005;AmendedbyLaws2006,SB1742,c.185,§4,eff.November1,2006;AmendedbyLaws2015,HB1409,c.255,§2,eff.November1,2015.
63§1‐738.3a.DepartmentofHealthWebSite‐PhysicianReportingRequirements‐FormforPhysician‐Notice‐Rules
A.ByFebruary1,2008,theStateDepartmentofHealthshallprepareandmakeavailableonitsstableInternetwebsitetheformdescribedinsubsectionBofthissection.Acopyofthisactshallbepostedonthewebsite.PhysiciansperformingabortionsshallcompleteandelectronicallysubmittherequiredformstotheDepartmentnolaterthanApril1forthepreviouscalendaryear.Nothinginthereportshallcontainthename,address,oranyotheridentifyinginformationofanypatient.
B.Theformforphysiciansshallcontainalistingforthefollowinginformation:
1.Thenumberoffemalestowhomthephysician,oranagentofthephysician,providedtheinformationdescribedinSection1‐738.2ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes;ofthatnumber,thenumberprovidedtheinformationbytelephoneandthenumberprovidedtheinformationinperson;andofeachofthosenumbers,thenumberprovidedtheinformationinthecapacityofareferringphysicianandthenumberprovidedtheinformationinthecapacityofaphysicianwhoistoperformtheabortion;andofeachofthosenumbers,thenumberprovidedtheinformationbythephysicianandthenumberprovidedtheinformationbyanagentofthephysician;
2.ThenumberoffemaleswhoavailedthemselvesoftheopportunitytoobtainacopyoftheprintedinformationdescribedinSection1‐738.3ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesotherthanonthewebsite,andthenumberwhodidnot;andofeachofthosenumbers,thenumberwho,tothebestoftheinformationandbeliefofthereportingphysician,wentontoobtaintheabortion;and
3.Thenumberofabortionsperformedbythephysicianinwhichinformationotherwiserequiredtobeprovidedatleastseventy‐two(72)hoursbeforetheabortionwasnotsoprovidedbecauseanimmediateabortionwasnecessarytoavertthedeathofthefemale,andthenumberofabortionsinwhichtheinformationwasnotsoprovidedbecauseadelaywouldcausesubstantialandirreversibleimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction.
C.TheStateDepartmentofHealthshallensurethatthereportingformsdescribedinsubsectionBofthissectionareposted,onitsstableInternetwebsite,withinonehundredtwenty(120)daysaftertheeffectivedateofthisact.TheStateDepartmentofHealthshallnotifythefollowingoftherequirementsofthisact:
1.ByMarch1,2008,allphysicianslicensedtopracticeinthisstate;
2.Eachphysicianwhosubsequentlybecomesnewlylicensedtopracticeinthisstate,atthesametimeasofficialnotificationtothatphysicianthatthephysicianissolicensed;and
3.ByDecember1ofeachyear,otherthanthecalendaryearinwhichformsarefirstmadeavailabletoallphysicianslicensedtopracticeinthisstate.
D.ByFebruary28ofeachyearfollowingacalendaryearinanypartofwhichthissectionwasineffect,eachphysicianwhoprovided,orwhoseagentprovided,informationtooneormorefemalesinaccordancewithSection1‐738.2ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesduringthepreviouscalendaryearshallelectronicallysubmittotheStateDepartmentofHealththeformdescribedinsubsectionBofthissection,withtherequesteddataenteredaccuratelyandcompletely.
E.Reportsthatarenotelectronicallysubmittedbytheendofagraceperiodofthirty(30)daysfollowingtheduedateshallbesubjecttoalatefeeofFiveHundredDollars($500.00)foreachadditionalthirty‐dayperiodorportionofathirty‐dayperiodthereportsareoverdue.Anyphysicianrequiredtoreportinaccordancewiththissectionwhohasnotcompletedandelectronicallysubmittedareport,orhaselectronicallysubmittedonlyanincompletereport,morethanone(1)yearfollowingtheduedate,may,inanactionbroughtbytheStateDepartmentofHealth,bedirectedbyacourtofcompetentjurisdictiontoelectronicallysubmitacompletereportwithinaperiodstatedbycourtorderorbesubjecttosanctionsforcivilcontempt.
F.ByJune30ofeachyear,theStateDepartmentofHealthshallprepareandmakeavailableonitsstableInternetwebsiteapublicreportprovidingstatisticsforthepreviouscalendaryearcompiledfromallitemslistedinsubsectionBofthissection.Eachreportshallalsoprovidestatisticsforallpreviouscalendaryears,adjustedtoreflectanyadditionalinformationfromlateorcorrectedreports.TheStateDepartmentofHealthshalltakecaretoensurethatnoneoftheinformationincludedinthepublicreportscouldreasonablyleadtotheidentificationofanyindividualprovidingorprovidedinformationinaccordancewithsubsectionBofthissection.
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G.TheStateDepartmentofHealthmaypromulgaterulesinaccordancewiththeAdministrativeProceduresActtoalterthedatesestablishedbythissectionorconsolidatetheformorreportdescribedinthissectionwithotherformsorreportstoachieveadministrativeconvenience,fiscalsavingsortoreducetheburdenofreportingrequirements,aslongasreportingformsaremadeavailable,onitsstableInternetwebsitetoalllicensedphysiciansinthestate,andthereportdescribedinthissectionisissuedatleastonceeveryyear.
AddedbyLaws2007,SB139,c.161,§3,eff.November1,2007;AmendedbyLaws2015,HB1409,c.255,§3,eff.November1,2015.
63§1‐738.3d.UltrasoundRequiredPriortoProcedure‐WrittenCertification‐MedicalEmergencyException
A.Anyabortionproviderwhoknowinglyperformsanyabortionshallcomplywiththerequirementsofthissection.
B.Inorderforthewomantomakeaninformeddecision,atleastone(1)hourpriortoawomanhavinganypartofanabortionperformedorinduced,andpriortotheadministrationofanyanesthesiaormedicationinpreparationfortheabortiononthewoman,thephysicianwhoistoperformorinducetheabortion,orthecertifiedtechnicianworkinginconjunctionwiththephysician,shall:
1.Performanobstetricultrasoundonthepregnantwoman,usingeitheravaginaltransduceroranabdominaltransducer,whicheverwoulddisplaytheembryoorfetusmoreclearly;
2.Provideasimultaneousexplanationofwhattheultrasoundisdepicting;
3.Displaytheultrasoundimagessothatthepregnantwomanmayviewthem;
4.Provideamedicaldescriptionoftheultrasoundimages,whichshallincludethedimensionsoftheembryoorfetus,thepresenceofcardiacactivity,ifpresentandviewable,andthepresenceofexternalmembersandinternalorgans,ifpresentandviewable;and
5.Obtainawrittencertificationfromthewoman,priortotheabortion,thattherequirementsofthissubsectionhavebeencompliedwith;and
6.Retainacopyofthewrittencertificationprescribedbyparagraph5ofthissubsection.Thecertificationshallbeplacedinthemedicalfileofthewomanandshallbekeptbytheabortionproviderforaperiodofnotlessthanseven(7)years.Ifthewomanisaminor,thenthecertificationshallbeplacedinthemedicalfileoftheminorandkeptforatleastseven(7)yearsorforfive(5)yearsaftertheminorreachestheageofmajority,whicheverisgreater.
C.Nothinginthissectionshallbeconstruedtopreventapregnantwomanfromavertinghereyesfromtheultrasoundimagesrequiredtobeprovidedtoandreviewedwithher.Neitherthephysiciannorthepregnantwomanshallbesubjecttoanypenaltyifsherefusestolookatthepresentedultrasoundimages.
D.Uponadeterminationbyanabortionproviderthatamedicalemergency,asdefinedinSection1ofthisact,existswithrespecttoapregnantwoman,subsectionBofthissectionshallnotapplyandtheprovidershallcertifyinwritingthespecificmedicalconditionsthatconstitutetheemergency.Thecertificationshallbeplacedinthemedicalfileofthewomanandshallbekeptbytheabortionproviderforaperiodofnotlessthanseven(7)years.Ifthewomanisaminor,thenthecertificationshallbeplacedinthemedicalfileoftheminorandkeptforatleastseven(7)yearsorforfive(5)yearsaftertheminorreachestheageofmajority,whicheverisgreater.
E.AnabortionproviderwhowillfullyfalsifiesacertificationundersubsectionDofthissectionshallbesubjecttoallpenaltiesprovidedforunderSection3ofthisact.
AddedbyLaws2010,HB2780,c.173,§2.
63§1‐738.3e.ViolationofUltrasoundRequirement‐InjunctiveRelief‐ActionforDamages‐LicenseSuspension
A.AnabortionproviderwhoknowinglyviolatesaprovisionofSection2ofthisactshallbeliablefordamagesasprovidedinthissectionandmaybeenjoinedfromsuchactsinaccordancewiththissectioninanappropriatecourt.
B.AcauseofactionforinjunctivereliefagainstanypersonwhohasknowinglyviolatedaprovisionofSection2ofthisactmaybemaintainedbythewomanuponwhomanabortionwasperformedorattemptedtobeperformedinviolationofthisact;anypersonwhoisthespouse,parent,siblingorguardianof,oracurrentorformerlicensedhealthcareproviderof,thefemaleuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedorattemptedtobeperformedinviolationofthisact;byadistrictattorneywithappropriatejurisdiction;orbytheAttorneyGeneral.TheinjunctionshallpreventtheabortionproviderfromperformingfurtherabortionsinviolationofthisactintheStateofOklahoma.
C.Anypersonwhoknowinglyviolatesthetermsofaninjunctionissuedinaccordancewiththissectionshallbesubjecttocivilcontempt,andshallbefinedTenThousandDollars($10,000.00)forthefirstviolation,FiftyThousandDollars($50,000.00)forthesecondviolation,OneHundredThousandDollars($100,000.00)forthethirdviolation,andforeachsucceedingviolationanamountinexcessofOneHundredThousandDollars($100,000.00)thatissufficienttodeterfutureviolations.Thefinesshallbetheexclusivepenaltiesforsuchcontempt.Eachperformanceorattemptedperformanceofanabortioninviolationofthetermsofaninjunctionisaseparateviolation.Thesefinesshallbecumulative.Nofineshallbeassessedagainstthewomanonwhomanabortionisperformedorattempted.
D.ApregnantwomanuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedinviolationofSection2ofthisact,ortheparentorlegalguardianofthewomanifsheisanunemancipatedminor,asdefinedinSection1‐740.1ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes,maycommenceacivilactionagainsttheabortionproviderforanyknowingorrecklessviolationofthisactforactualandpunitivedamages.
E.AnabortionproviderwhoperformedanabortioninviolationofSection2ofthisactshallbeconsideredtohaveengagedinunprofessionalconductforwhichtheprovider’scertificateorlicensetoprovidehealthcareservicesinthisstatemaybesuspendedorrevokedbytheStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionortheStateBoardofOsteopathicExaminers.
AddedbyLaws2010,HB2780,c.173,§3.
63§1‐738.4.AbortionCompelledbyMedicalEmergency
Whenamedicalemergencycompelstheperformanceofanabortion,thephysicianshallinformthefemale,priortotheabortionifpossible,ofthemedicalindicationssupportingthephysician’sjudgmentthatanabortionisnecessarytoavertherdeathorthatadelaywillcreateseriousriskofsubstantialandirreversibleimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction.
AddedbyLaws2005,HB1686,c.200,§9,emerg.eff.May20,2005.63§1‐738.5.PerformingorAttemptinganAbortioninViolationofAct‐NoPenaltyAssessedAgainsttheWoman‐Felony
A.AnyphysicianwhoknowinglyorrecklesslyperformsorattemptstoperformanabortioninviolationoftheprovisionsofthisactshallbesubjecttodisciplinaryactionbytheStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionortheStateBoardofOsteopathicExaminers.
B.Nopenaltymaybeassessedagainstthewomanuponwhomtheabortionisperformedorattemptedtobeperformed.
C.NopenaltyorcivilliabilitymaybeassessedforfailuretocomplywithSection1‐738.2ofthistitleunlesstheStateBoardofMedicalLicensure
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andSupervisionhasmadetheprintedmaterialsavailableatthetimethephysicianortheagentofthephysicianisrequiredtoinformthewomanofherrighttoreviewthem.
D.Anypersonwhoknowinglyorrecklesslyperformsorattemptstoperformanabortioninviolationofthisactshallbeguiltyofafelony.
AddedbyLaws2005,HB1686,c.200,§10,emerg.eff.May20,2005;AmendedbyLaws2006,SB1742,c.185,§5,eff.November1,2006.
63§1‐738.5a.SeverabilityIfsomeorallofthenewlyamendedprovisionsof63O.S.2011,Section1‐738.2,63O.S.2011,Section1‐738.3;63O.S.2011,Section1‐738.3a;63O.S.2011,Section1‐738.8;63O.S.2011,Section1‐738.13;63O.S.2011,Section1‐738m,asamendedbySection2,Chapter303,O.S.L.2013(63O.S.Supp.2014,Section1‐738m);Section2,Chapter175,O.S.L.2014(63O.S.Supp.2014,Section1‐746.2);orSection6,Chapter175,O.S.L.2013(63O.S.Supp.2014,Section1‐746.6),resultingfromtheactionstakenbythe2015sessionoftheOklahomalegislatureareevertemporarilyorpermanentlyrestrainedorenjoinedbyjudicialorder,thesesectionsshallbeenforcedasthoughsuchrestrainedorenjoinedprovisionshadnotbeenadopted;provided,however,thatwheneversuchtemporaryorpermanentrestrainingorderorinjunctionisstayedordissolved,orotherwiseceasestohaveeffect,suchprovisionsshallhavefullforceandeffect.
AddedbyLaws2015,HB1409,c.255,§9,eff.November1,2015.
UnbornChildPainAwareness/PreventionAct63§1‐738.6.ShortTitle‐‐
Thisactshallbeknownandmaybecitedasthe"UnbornChildPainAwareness/PreventionAct".
AddedbyLaws2006,SB1742,c.185,§6,eff.November1,2006.63§1‐738.7.Definitions
AsusedintheUnbornChildPainAwareness/PreventionAct:
1."Abortion"meanstheuseorprescriptionofanyinstrument,medicine,drug,oranyothersubstanceordeviceintentionallytoterminatethepregnancyofafemaleknowntobepregnantwithanintentionotherthantoincreasetheprobabilityofalivebirth,topreservethelifeorhealthofthechildafterlivebirth,toremoveanectopicpregnancy,ortoremoveadeadfetuswhodiesastheresultofaspontaneousmiscarriage,accidentaltraumaoracriminalassaultonthepregnantfemaleorherunbornchild;
2."Attempttoperformanabortion"meansanact,oranomissionofastatutorilyrequiredactthat,underthecircumstancesastheactorbelievesthemtobe,constitutesasubstantialstepinacourseofconductplannedtoculminateintheperformanceofanabortioninOklahomainviolationoftheUnbornChildPainAwareness/PreventionAct;
3."Unbornchild"meansamemberofthespecieshomosapiensfromfertilizationuntilbirth;
4."Medicalemergency"meanstheexistenceofanyphysicalcondition,notincludinganyemotional,psychological,ormentalcondition,whichareasonablyprudentphysician,withknowledgeofthecaseandtreatmentpossibilitieswithrespecttothemedicalconditionsinvolved,woulddeterminenecessitatestheimmediateabortionofthepregnancyofthefemaletoavertherdeathortoavertsubstantialandirreversibleimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunctionarisingfromcontinuedpregnancy;
5."Physician"meansapersonlicensedtopracticemedicineinthisstatepursuanttoSections495and633ofTitle59oftheOklahomaStatutes;and
6."Probablegestationalage"meansthegestationalageoftheunbornchildatthetimetheabortionisplannedtobeperformed,asdeterminedbythephysicianusingreasonableprobability.
AddedbyLaws2006,SB1742,c.185,§7,eff.November1,2006;AmendedbyLaws2007,SB139,c.161,§4,eff.November1,2007.
63§1‐738.8.ProvisionofInformationPriortoAbortion‐WrittenCertificationofReceipt
A.Exceptinthecaseofamedicalemergency,atleastseventy‐two(72)hourspriortoanabortionbeingperformedonanunbornchildwhoseprobablegestationalageistwenty(20)weeksormore,thephysicianperformingtheabortionortheagentofthephysicianshallinformthepregnantfemale,bytelephoneorinperson,oftherighttoreviewtheprintedmaterialsdescribedinSection1‐738.10ofthistitle,thatthesematerialsareavailableonastate‐sponsoredwebsite,andthewebaddressofthatwebsite.ThephysicianortheagentofthephysicianshallorallyinformthefemalethatthematerialshavebeenprovidedbytheStateofOklahomaandthatthematerialscontaininformationonpainandtheunbornchild.Ifthefemalechoosestoviewthematerialsotherthanonthewebsite,thematerialsshalleitherbegiventothefemaleatleastseventy‐two(72)hoursbeforetheabortion,orreceivedbythefemaleatleastseventy‐two(72)hoursbeforetheabortionbycertifiedmail,restricteddeliverytotheaddressee.Theinformationrequiredbythissubsectionmaybeprovidedbyataperecordingifprovisionismadetorecordorotherwiseregisterspecificallywhetherthefemaledoesordoesnotchoosetoreceivetheprintedmaterialsgivenormailed.
B.Thefemaleshallcertifyinwriting,priortotheabortion,thattheinformationdescribedinsubsectionAofthissectionhasbeenfurnishedtothefemaleandthatthefemalehasbeeninformedoftheopportunitytoreviewtheprintedmaterialsdescribedinSection1‐738.10ofthistitle.Priortotheperformanceoftheabortion,thephysicianwhoistoperformtheabortionortheagentofthephysicianshallobtainacopyofthewrittencertificationandretainthecopyonfilewiththemedicalrecordofthefemaleforatleastthree(3)yearsfollowingthedateofreceipt.
AddedbyLaws2006,SB1742,c.185,§8,eff.November1,2006;AmendedbyLaws2015,HB1409,c.255,§4,eff.November1,2015.
63§1‐738.9.InformationAboutandAdministrationofAnestheticorAnalgesic
Exceptinthecaseofamedicalemergency,beforeanabortionisperformedonanunbornchildwhoistwenty(20)weeksgestationalageormore,thephysicianperformingtheabortionortheagentofthephysicianshallinformthefemaleifananestheticoranalgesicwouldeliminateoralleviateorganicpaintotheunbornchildcausedbytheparticularmethodofabortiontobeemployedandinformthefemaleoftheparticularmedicalrisksassociatedwiththeparticularanestheticoranalgesic.Withtheconsentofthefemale,thephysicianshalladministertheanestheticoranalgesic.
AddedbyLaws2006,SB1742,c.185,§9,eff.November1,2006.63§1‐738.10.MaterialsConveyingAccurate,ScientificInformationAboutFetusatVariousGestationalStages
A.Withinninety(90)daysaftertheUnbornChildPainAwareness/PreventionActbecomeslaw,theStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionshallcausetobepublished,inEnglishandineachlanguagewhichistheprimarylanguageoftwopercent(2%)ormoreofthepopulationofthestate,andshallcausetobeavailableonthestatewebsiteprovidedforinSection11ofthisact,printedmaterialswiththefollowingstatementconcerningunbornchildrenoftwenty(20)weeksgestationalage:"Bytwenty(20)weeksgestation,theunbornchildhasthephysicalstructuresnecessarytoexperiencepain.Thereisevidencethatbytwenty(20)weeksgestationunbornchildrenseektoevadecertainstimuliinamannerwhichinaninfantoranadultwouldbeinterpretedtobearesponsetopain.Anesthesiaisroutinelyadministeredtounbornchildrenwhoaretwenty(20)weeksgestationalageorolderwhoundergoprenatalsurgery."
Thematerialsshallbeobjective,nonjudgmentalanddesignedtoconveyonlyaccuratescientificinformationaboutthehumanfetusatthevariousgestationalages.
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B.ThematerialsreferredtoinsubsectionAofthissectionshallbeprintedinatypefacelargeenoughtobeclearlylegible.ThewebsiteprovidedforinSection11ofthisactshallbemaintainedataminimumresolutionof70DPI(dotsperinch).Allpicturesappearingonthiswebsiteshallbeaminimumof200x300pixels.Alllettersonthewebsiteshallbeaminimumof11pointfont.Allinformationandpicturesshallbeaccessiblewithanindustrystandardbrowserrequiringnoadditionalplug‐ins.
C.ThematerialsrequiredunderthissectionshallbeavailableatnocostfromtheStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionuponrequestandinappropriatenumbertoanyperson,facility,orhospital.
AddedbyLaws2006,SB1742,c.185,§10,eff.November1,2006.63§1‐738.11.InternetWebsite
TheStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionshalldevelopandmaintainastableInternetwebsitetoprovidetheinformationdescribedunderSection10ofthisact.Noinformationregardingwhousesthewebsiteshallbecollectedormaintained.TheStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionshallmonitorthewebsiteonadailybasistopreventandcorrecttampering.
AddedbyLaws2006,SB1742,c.185,§11,eff.November1,2006.63§1‐738.12.InformationtobeProvidedWhenMedicalEmergencyCompelsPerformanceofAbortion
Whenamedicalemergencycompelstheperformanceofanabortion,thephysicianshallinformthefemale,priortotheabortionifpossible,ofthemedicalindicationssupportingthejudgmentofthephysicianthatanabortionisnecessarytoavertthedeathofthefemaleorthatatwenty‐four‐hourdelaywillcreateseriousriskofsubstantialandirreversibleimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction.
AddedbyLaws2006,SB1742,c.185,§12,eff.November1,2006.
63§1‐738.13.Physicians'ReportingFormA.Withinninety(90)daysaftertheUnbornChildPainAwareness/PreventionActbecomeslaw,theStateDepartmentofHealthshallprepareareportingformforphysicianscontainingareprintoftheUnbornChildPainAwareness/PreventionActandlisting:1.ThenumberoffemalestowhomthephysicianoranagentofthephysicianprovidedtheinformationdescribedinsubsectionAofSection1‐738.8ofthistitle;ofthatnumber,thenumberprovidedbytelephoneandthenumberprovidedinperson;andofeachofthosenumbers,thenumberprovidedinthecapacityofareferringphysicianandthenumberprovidedinthecapacityofaphysicianwhoistoperformtheabortionoragentofsuchaphysician;2.ThenumberoffemaleswhoavailedthemselvesoftheopportunitytoobtainacopyoftheprintedinformationdescribedinSection1‐738.10ofthistitleotherthanonthewebsite,andthenumberwhodidnot;andofeachofthosenumbers,thenumberwho,tothebestoftheinformationandbeliefofthereportingphysician,wentontoobtaintheabortion;and3.Thenumberofabortionsperformedbythephysicianinwhichinformationotherwiserequiredtobeprovidedatleastseventy‐two(72)hoursbeforetheabortionwasnotsoprovidedbecauseanimmediateabortionwasnecessarytoavertthedeathofthefemale,andthenumberofabortionsinwhichsuchinformationwasnotsoprovidedbecauseadelaywouldcreateseriousriskofsubstantialandirreversibleimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction.
B.TheDepartmentshallensurethatcopiesofthereportingformsdescribedinsubsectionAofthissectionareprovided:1.Withinonehundredtwenty(120)daysaftertheUnbornChildPainAwareness/PreventionActbecomeslaw,toallphysicianslicensedtopracticeinthisstate;
2.Toeachphysicianwhosubsequentlybecomesnewlylicensedtopracticeinthisstate,atthesametimeasofficialnotificationtothatphysicianthatthephysicianissolicensed;and3.ByDecember1ofeachyear,otherthanthecalendaryearinwhichformsaredistributedinaccordancewithparagraph1ofthissubsection,toallphysicianslicensedtopracticeinthisstate.
C.ByFebruary28ofeachyearfollowingacalendaryearinanypartofwhichtheUnbornChildPainAwareness/PreventionActwasineffect,eachphysicianwhoprovided,orwhoseagentprovided,informationtooneormorefemalesinaccordancewithSection1‐738.8ofthistitleduringthepreviouscalendaryearshallsubmittotheDepartmentacopyoftheformdescribedinsubsectionAofthissection,withtherequesteddataenteredaccuratelyandcompletely.D.Reportsthatarenotsubmittedbytheendofagraceperiodofthirty(30)daysfollowingtheduedateshallbesubjecttoalatefeeofFiveHundredDollars($500.00)foreachadditionalthirty‐dayperiodorportionofathirty‐dayperiodthereportsareoverdue.Anyphysicianrequiredtoreportinaccordancewiththissectionwhohasnotsubmittedareport,orhassubmittedonlyanincompletereport,morethanone(1)yearfollowingtheduedatemay,inanactionbroughtbytheStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervision,bedirectedbyacourtofcompetentjurisdictiontosubmitacompletereportwithinaperiodstatedbycourtorderorbesubjecttosanctionsforcivilcontempt.E.ByJune30ofeachyear,theDepartmentshallissueapublicreportprovidingstatisticsforthepreviouscalendaryearcompiledfromallofthereportscoveringthatyearsubmittedinaccordancewiththissectionforeachoftheitemslistedinsubsectionAofthissection.Eachsuchreportshallalsoprovidethestatisticsforallpreviouscalendaryears,adjustedtoreflectanyadditionalinformationfromlateorcorrectedreports.TheDepartmentshalltakecaretoensurethatnoneoftheinformationincludedinthepublicreportscouldreasonablyleadtotheidentificationofanyindividualprovidingorprovidedinformationinaccordancewithsubsectionAorBofSection1‐738.8ofthistitle.F.TheDepartment,byrulepromulgatedinaccordancewiththeAdministrativeProceduresAct,mayalterthedatesestablishedbyparagraph3ofsubsectionB,subsectionC,orsubsectionEofthissectionorconsolidatetheformsorreportsdescribedinthissectionwithotherformsorreportstoachieveadministrativeconvenienceorfiscalsavingsortoreducetheburdenofreportingrequirements,solongasreportingformsaresenttoalllicensedphysiciansinthestateatleastonceeveryyearandthereportdescribedinsubsectionEofthissectionisissuedatleastonceeveryyear.
AddedbyLaws2006,SB1742,c.185,§13,eff.November1,2006;AmendedbyLaws2015,HB1409,c.255,§5,eff.November1,2015.
63§1‐738.14.Violations‐Penalties
AnypersonwhoknowinglyorrecklesslyperformsorattemptstoperformanabortioninviolationoftheUnbornChildPainAwareness/PreventionActshallbeguiltyofafelony.AnyphysicianwhoknowinglyorrecklesslysubmitsafalsereportundersubsectionCofSection13ofthisactshallbeguiltyofamisdemeanor.Nopenaltymaybeassessedagainstthefemaleuponwhomtheabortionisperformedorattemptedtobeperformed.NopenaltyorcivilliabilitymaybeassessedforfailuretocomplywithSection8ofthisactrequiringawrittencertificationthatthefemalehasbeeninformedoftheopportunitytoreviewtheinformationreferredtoinSection8ofthisactunlesstheStateDepartmentofHealthhasmadetheprintedmaterialsavailableatthetimethephysicianortheagentofthephysicianisrequiredtoinformthefemaleoftherighttoreviewthematerials.
AddedbyLaws2006,SB1742,c.185,§14,eff.November1,2006.63§1‐738.15.CivilActions
A.AnypersonuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedwithouttheUnbornChildPainAwareness/PreventionActhavingbeencompliedwith,
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thefatheroftheunbornchildwhowasthesubjectofsuchanabortion,orthegrandparentofsuchanunbornchildmaymaintainanactionagainstthepersonwhoperformedtheabortioninknowingorrecklessviolationoftheUnbornChildPainAwareness/PreventionActforactualandpunitivedamages.AnypersonuponwhomanabortionhasbeenattemptedwithouttheUnbornChildPainAwareness/PreventionActhavingbeencompliedwithmaymaintainanactionagainstthepersonwhoattemptedtoperformtheabortioninknowingorrecklessviolationoftheUnbornChildPainAwareness/PreventionActforactualandpunitivedamages.
B.IftheDepartmentfailstoissuethepublicreportrequiredbytheStatisticalReportingofAbortionActofOklahoma,anactionpursuanttoTitle12oftheOklahomaStatutesmaybeinitiated.
AddedbyLaws2006,SB1742,c.185,§15,eff.November1,2006.63§1‐738.16.RulingConcerningPublicDisclosureofIdentityofFemale‐Order
IneverycivilorcriminalproceedingoractionbroughtundertheUnbornChildPainAwareness/PreventionAct,thecourtshallrulewhethertheanonymityofanyfemaleuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedorattemptedshallbepreservedfrompublicdisclosureifthefemaledoesnotgiveherconsenttosuchdisclosure.Thecourt,uponmotionorsuasponte,shallmakesucharulingand,upondeterminingthattheanonymityofthefemaleshouldbepreserved,shallissueorderstotheparties,witnesses,andcounselandshalldirectthesealingoftherecordandexclusionofindividualsfromcourtroomsorhearingroomstotheextentnecessarytosafeguardtheidentityofthefemalefrompublicdisclosure.Eachsuchordershallbeaccompaniedbyspecificwrittenfindingsexplainingwhytheanonymityofthefemaleshouldbepreservedfrompublicdisclosure,whytheorderisessentialtothatend,howtheorderisnarrowlytailoredtoservethatinterest,andwhynoreasonablelessrestrictivealternativeexists.Intheabsenceofwrittenconsentofthefemaleuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedorattempted,anyone,otherthanapublicofficial,whobringsanactionundersubsectionAofSection15ofthisactshalldosounderapseudonym.Thissectionmaynotbeconstruedtoconcealtheidentityoftheplaintifforofwitnessesfromthedefendant.
AddedbyLaws2006,SB1742,c.185,§16,eff.November1,2006.63§1‐738.17.Severability
Ifanyoneormoreprovision,section,subsection,sentence,clause,phraseorwordoftheUnbornChildPainAwareness/PreventionActortheapplicationthereoftoanypersonorcircumstanceisfoundtobeunconstitutional,thesameisherebydeclaredtobeseverableandthebalanceoftheUnbornChildPainAwareness/PreventionActshallremaineffectivenotwithstandingsuchunconstitutionality.TheLegislatureherebydeclaresthatitwouldhavepassedtheUnbornChildPainAwareness/PreventionAct,andeachprovision,section,subsection,sentence,clause,phraseorwordthereof,irrespectiveofthefactthatanyoneormoreprovision,section,subsection,sentence,clause,phrase,orwordbedeclaredunconstitutional.
AddedbyLaws2006,SB1742,c.185,§17,eff.November1,2006.63§1‐739.Records
Allhospitalsshallkeeprecords,includingadmissionanddischargenotes,histories,resultsoftestsandexaminations,nursesworksheets,socialservicerecordsandprogressnotesofpatients.Allabortionfacilitiesandhospitalsinwhichabortionsareperformedshallalsokeepcertificationsofmedicalnecessity,certificationsofnonviability,certificationsofnonavailability,abortionreportsandcomplicationreportsasrequiredinthisact.Suchrecordsshallbemaintainedinthepermanentfilesofthehospitalforaperiodofnotlessthanseven(7)years.
Laws1978,c.207,§11,eff.Oct.1,1978.63§1‐740.AbortiononMinorWithoutParentalConsent
Anypersonwhoperformsanabortiononaminorwithoutparentalconsentorknowledgeshallbeliableforthecostofanysubsequentmedicaltreatmentsuchminormightrequirebecauseoftheabortion.
AddedbyLaws2001,HB1727,c.379,§2,emerg.eff.June4,2001.AbortionPerformeduponEmancipatedMinors63§1‐740.1.Definitions
AsusedinSections1‐740.1through1‐740.5ofthistitle:
1."Abortion"meansthetermasisdefinedinSection1‐730ofthistitle;
2."Medicalemergency"meanstheexistenceofanyphysicalcondition,notincludinganyemotional,psychological,ormentalcondition,whichareasonablyprudentphysician,withknowledgeofthecaseandtreatmentpossibilitieswithrespecttothemedicalconditionsinvolved,woulddeterminenecessitatestheimmediateabortionofthepregnancyoftheminorinordertoavertherdeathortoavertsubstantialandirreversibleimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunctionarisingfromcontinuedpregnancy,andthereisinsufficienttimetoprovidetherequirednoticeandobtainthewritteninformedconsentofoneparent;
3."Parent"meansoneparentofthepregnantunemancipatedminororguardianifthepregnantunemancipatedminorhasone;and
4."Unemancipatedminor"meansanypersonlessthaneighteen(18)yearsofagewhoisnotorhasnotbeenmarriedorwhoisunderthecare,custodyandcontroloftheperson’sparentorparents,guardianorjuvenilecourtofcompetentjurisdiction.
AddedbyLaws2005,HB1686,c.200,§11,emerg.eff.May20,2005;AmendedbyLaws2007,SB139,c.161,§5,eff.November1,2007.
63§1‐740.2.ParentalNotificationA.Exceptinthecaseofamedicalemergency,aphysicianmaynotperformanabortiononapregnantfemaleunlessthephysicianhas:
1.Obtainedproofofagedemonstratingthatthefemaleisnotaminor;
2.Obtainedproofthatthefemale,althoughaminor,isemancipated;or
3.CompliedwithSection1‐740.3ofthistitle.
B.NoabortionshallbeperformeduponanunemancipatedminororuponafemaleforwhomaguardianhasbeenappointedpursuanttoSection1‐113ofTitle30oftheOklahomaStatutesbecauseofafindingofincompetency,exceptinamedicalemergencyorwhereajudicialwaiverwasobtainedpursuanttoSection1‐740.3ofthistitle,untilatleastforty‐eight(48)hoursaftertherequestforwritteninformedconsentforthependingabortionhasbeendeliveredinthemannerspecifiedinthissubsectionandtheattendingphysicianhassecuredproofofidentificationandthewritteninformedconsentofoneparent.
1.Therequestforwritteninformedconsentofoneparentshallbeaddressedtotheparentattheusualplaceofabodeoftheparentanddeliveredpersonallytotheparentbythephysicianoranagent.
2.Inlieuofthedeliveryrequiredbyparagraph1ofthissubsection,therequestforwritteninformedconsentofoneparentshallbemadebycertifiedmailaddressedtotheparentattheusualplaceofabodeoftheparentwithreturn‐receiptrequestedandrestricteddeliverytotheaddressee,whichmeansapostalemployeecanonlydeliverthemailtotheauthorizedaddressee.Timeofdeliveryshallbedeemedtooccurat12noononthethirddayonwhichregularmaildeliverytakesplace,subsequenttomailing.Theinformationconcerningtheaddressoftheparentshallbethatwhichareasonableandprudentperson,undersimilarcircumstances,wouldhaverelieduponassufficientevidencethattheparentresidesatthataddress.
3.a.Theparentwhoprovidesconsentshallprovidetothephysicianacopyofagovernment‐issuedproofofidentificationandwrittendocumentationthatestablishesthatheorsheisthelawfulparentofthepregnantfemale.Theparentshallcertifyinasigned,dated,notarizedstatement,initialedoneachpage,thatheorsheconsentstotheabortion.Thesigned,dated,andnotarizedstatementshallinclude:"IcertifythatI,(insertnameofparent),amtheparentof
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(insertnameofminordaughter)andgiveconsentfor(insertnameofphysician)toperformanabortiononmydaughter.Iunderstandthatanypersonwhoknowinglymakesafraudulentstatementinthisregardcommitsafelony."
b.Thephysicianshallkeepacopyoftheproofofidentificationoftheparentandthecertifiedstatementinthemedicalfileoftheminorforfive(5)yearspastthemajorityoftheminor,butinnoeventlessthanseven(7)years.
c.Aphysicianreceivingparentalconsentunderthissectionshallexecuteforinclusioninthemedicalrecordoftheminoranaffidavitstating:"I,(insertnameofphysician),certifythataccordingtomybestinformationandbelief,areasonablepersonundersimilarcircumstanceswouldrelyontheinformationpresentedbyboththeminorandherparentassufficientevidenceofidentity."
C.Norequestforwritteninformedconsentofoneparentshallberequiredunderthissectioniftheattendingphysiciancertifiesinthemedicalrecordsofthepregnantunemancipatedminorthatamedicalemergencyexists;provided,however,thattheattendingphysicianoranagentshall,withintwenty‐four(24)hoursaftercompletionoftheabortion,notifyoneoftheparentsoftheminorinthemannerprovidedinthissectionthatanemergencyabortionwasperformedontheminorandofthecircumstancesthatwarrantedinvocationofthissubsection.
D.Theattendingphysician,ortheagentofthephysician,shallverballyinformtheparentoftheminorwithintwenty‐four(24)hoursaftertheperformanceofamedicalemergencyabortionoranabortionthatwasperformedtopreventherdeaththatanabortionwasperformedontheunemancipatedminor.Theattendingphysician,ortheagentoftheattendingphysician,shallalsoinformtheparentofthebasisforthecertificationofthephysicianrequiredundersubsectionCofthissection.Theattendingphysician,ortheagentoftheattendingphysician,shallalsosendawrittennoticeoftheperformedabortionviatheUnitedStatesPostOfficetothelast‐knownaddressoftheparent,restricteddelivery,returnreceiptrequested.Theinformationconcerningtheaddressoftheparentshallbethatwhichareasonableandprudentperson,undersimilarcircumstances,wouldhaverelieduponassufficientevidencethattheparentresidesatthataddress.
E.TheStateBoardofHealthshalladopttheformsnecessaryforphysicianstoobtainthecertificationsrequiredbythissection.
AddedbyLaws2005,HB1686,c.200,§12,emerg.eff.May20,2005;AmendedbyLaws2006,SB1742,c.185,§18,eff.November1,2006AmendedbyLaws2007,SB139,c.161,§6,eff.November1,2007;
AmendedbyLaws2009,HB2029,c.234,§152,emerg.eff.May21,2009;AmendedbyLaws2013,HB1361,c.268,§1,eff.November1,2013;AmendedbyLaws2013,HB1588,c.320,§2,eff.November1,2013.
63§1‐740.2A.Court‐OrderedEvaluationandCounselingSessionwithaMentalHealthProfessional‐Purpose‐ReporttoCourt
A.PriortothecourthearingforjudicialwaiverpursuanttoSection1‐740.3ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes,thecourtmayrequirethepregnantunemancipatedminortoparticipateinanevaluationandcounselingsessionwithamentalhealthprofessionalfromtheStateDepartmentofHealth.Suchevaluationshallbeconfidentialandscheduledexpeditiously.
B.Suchevaluationandcounselingsessionshallbeforthepurposeofdevelopingtrustworthyandreliableexpertopinionconcerningthepregnantunemancipatedminor'ssufficiencyofknowledge,insight,judgment,andmaturitywithregardtoherabortiondecisioninordertoaidthecourtinitsdecisionandtomaketheresourcesofthestateavailabletothecourtforthispurpose.PersonsconductingsuchsessionsmayemploytheinformationandprintedmaterialsreferredtoinSections1‐738.2and1‐738.3ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesinexamininghowwellthepregnantunemancipatedminorisinformedaboutpregnancy,fetaldevelopment,abortionrisksandconsequences,and
abortionalternatives,andshouldalsoendeavortoverifythatthepregnantunemancipatedminorisseekinganabortionofherownfreewillandisnotactingundercoercion,intimidation,threats,abuse,unduepressure,orextortionbyanyotherpersons.
C.Theresultsofsuchevaluationandcounselingshallbereportedtothecourtbythemostexpeditiousmeans,commensuratewithsecurityandconfidentiality,toassurereceiptbythecourtpriortoahearingonthepetitionofthepregnantunemancipatedminor.
AddedbyLaws2013,HB1361,c.268,§2,eff.November1,2013.
63§1‐740.3.JudicialAuthorizationofAbortionWithoutParentalNotification‐ParticipationbyMinorinCourtProceedings‐Confidentiality–Appeal
A.Ifapregnantunemancipatedminorelectsnottoallowtherequestforwritteninformedconsentofherparent,anyjudgeofadistrictcourtinthecountyinwhichthepregnantunemancipatedminorresidesshall,uponpetitionormotion,andafteranappropriatehearing,authorizeaphysiciantoperformtheabortionifthejudgedetermines,byclearandconvincingevidence,thatthepregnantunemancipatedminorismatureandcapableofgivinginformedconsenttotheproposedabortionbaseduponherexperiencelevel,perspective,andjudgment.Ifthejudgedeterminesthatthepregnantunemancipatedminorisnotmature,orifthepregnantunemancipatedminordoesnotclaimtobemature,thejudgeshalldetermine,byclearandconvincingevidence,whethertheperformanceofanabortionuponherwithoutwritteninformedconsentofherparentwouldbeinherbestinterestandshallauthorizeaphysiciantoperformtheabortionwithoutwritteninformedconsentifthejudgeconcludesthatthebestinterestsofthepregnantunemancipatedminorwouldbeservedthereby.
Inassessingtheexperiencelevelofthepregnantunemancipatedminor,thecourtmayconsider,amongotherrelevantfactors,theageofthepregnantunemancipatedminorandexperiencesworkingoutsidethehome,livingawayfromhome,travelingonherown,handlingpersonalfinances,andmakingothersignificantdecisions.Inassessingtheperspectiveofthepregnantunemancipatedminor,thecourtmayconsider,amongotherrelevantfactors,whatstepsthepregnantunemancipatedminortooktoexploreheroptionsandtheextenttowhichsheconsideredandweighedthepotentialconsequencesofeachoption.Inassessingthejudgmentofthepregnantunemancipatedminor,thecourtmayconsider,amongotherrelevantfactors,theconductofthepregnantunemancipatedminorsincelearningofherpregnancyandherintellectualabilitytounderstandheroptionsandtomakeaninformeddecision.Inassessingwhether,byclearandconvincingevidence,obtainingthewritteninformedconsentoftheparentofthepregnantunemancipatedminorisnotinherbestinterest,acourtmaynotconsiderthepotentialfinancialimpactonthepregnantunemancipatedminororthefamilyofthepregnantunemancipatedminorifshedoesnothaveanabortion.
B.Apregnantunemancipatedminormayparticipateinproceedingsinthecourtonherownbehalf,andthecourtmayappointaguardianadlitemforher.Thecourtshalladvisethepregnantunemancipatedminorthatshehasarighttocourt‐appointedcounseland,uponherrequest,shallprovideherwithcounsel.
C.Proceedingsinthecourtunderthissectionshallbeconfidentialandshallbegivenprecedenceoverotherpendingmatterssothatthecourtmayreachadecisionpromptlyandwithoutdelaysoastoservethebestinterestsofthepregnantunemancipatedminor.Ajudgeofthecourtwhoconductsproceedingsunderthissectionshallmake,inwriting,specificfactualfindingsandlegalconclusionssupportingthedecisionandshallorderarecordoftheevidencetobemaintained,includingthefindingsandconclusionsofthecourt.
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D.Anexpeditedconfidentialappealshallbeavailabletoanypregnantunemancipatedminorforwhomthecourtdeniesanorderauthorizinganabortionwithoutwritteninformedconsentofoneparent.Anorderauthorizinganabortionwithoutwritteninformedconsentofoneparentshallnotbesubjecttoappeal.Nofilingfeesshallberequiredofanypregnantunemancipatedminorateitherthetrialortheappellatelevel.Accesstothetrialcourtforthepurposeofapetitionormotion,andaccesstotheappellatecourtsforthepurposeofmakinganappealfromthedenialofsame,shallbeaffordedapregnantunemancipatedminortwenty‐four(24)hoursaday,seven(7)daysaweek.
AddedbyLaws2005,HB1686,c.200,§13,emerg.eff.May20,2005;AmendedbyLaws2006,SB1742,c.185,§19,eff.November1,2006;AmendedbyLaws2007,SB139,c.161,§7,eff.November1,2007;
AmendedbyLaws2013,HB1361,c.268,§3,eff.November1,2013;AmendedbyLaws2013,HB1588,c.320,§3,eff.November1,2013.
63§1‐740.4.Violations‐Misdemeanor‐CivilActions
PerformanceofanabortioninknowingorrecklessviolationofSections1‐740.1through1‐740.5ofthistitleshallbeamisdemeanor.PerformanceofanabortioninviolationofSections1‐740.1through1‐740.5ofthistitleshallbegroundsforactualandpunitivedamagesinacivilactionpursuanttoSections1‐738.3fthrough1‐738.3kofthistitle.
AddedbyLaws2005,HB1686,c.200,§14,emerg.eff.May20,2005;AmendedbyLaws2006,SB1742,c.185,§20,eff.November1,2006;AmendedbyLaws2013,HB1588,c.320,§4,eff.November1,2013
63§1‐740.4a.PhysiciansReportingProceduresforAbortionsPerformedonUnemancipatedMinors‐DepartmentofHealthWebSite‐Notice‐PublicStatisticalReport
A.AnyphysicianperforminganabortionuponanunemancipatedminorshallcompleteandelectronicallytransmittotheStateDepartmentofHealthareportoftheprocedurewithinthirty(30)daysafterhavingperformedtheabortion.Withinninety(90)daysafterthisactbecomeslaw,theStateDepartmentofHealthshallprepareandmakeavailableonitsstableInternetwebsitethereportingformsforthispurposetoallphysiciansrequiredtobelicensedinthisstateandhealthfacilitieslicensedinaccordancewithSection1‐702ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes.Thereportingformregardingtheminorreceivingtheabortionshallinclude,butnotbelimitedto:
1.Age;
2.Educationallevel;
3.Numberofpreviouspregnancies;
4.Numberofpreviouslivebirths;
5.Numberofpreviousabortions;
6.Complications,ifany,oftheabortionbeingreported;
7.Thecityandcountyinwhichtheabortionwasperformed;
8.Whetheraparentgaveconsenttothephysician,oranagentofthephysician,pursuanttoSection1‐740.2ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes;or
9.WhetherthephysicianperformedtheabortionwithoutfirstobtainingtheconsentoftheparentoftheminorasdescribedinSection1‐740.2ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes;ifso:
a.whethertheminorwasemancipated,
b.whethertheabortionwasperformedbecauseofamedicalemergency,
c.whethertheabortionwasperformedtopreventthedeathoftheminor,
d.whethertheparentwasnotifiedaftertheperformanceofamedicalemergencyabortion,and
e.whethertheparentwasnotifiedaftertheperformanceofanabortiontopreventthedeathoftheminor;
10.Whetherajudicialwaiverwasobtainedaftertheperformanceofamedicalemergencyabortion;and
11.Whetherajudicialwaiverwasobtainedaftertheperformanceofanabortiontopreventthedeathoftheminor.
B.TheStateDepartmentofHealthshallensurethatthereportingformsdescribedinthissection,togetherwithareprintofthisact,arepostedonitsstableInternetwebsite,withinonehundredtwenty(120)daysaftertheeffectivedateofthisact.TheStateDepartmentofHealthshallnotify:
1.Eachphysicianwhosubsequentlybecomesnewlylicensedtopracticeinthisstate,simultaneouslywiththereceiptofofficialnotificationtothatphysicianthatthephysicianissolicensed,oftherequirementsofthisact;and
2.ByDecember1ofeveryyear,otherthanthecalendaryearinwhichformsaremadeavailableinaccordancewithsubsectionAofthissection,allphysicianslicensedtopracticeinthisstate.
C.ByFebruary28ofeachyearfollowingacalendaryearinanypartofwhichthisactwasineffect,eachphysician,oragentofaphysician,whoobtainedtheconsentdescribedinSection1‐740.2ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes,andanyphysicianwhoknowinglyperformedanabortionuponapregnantminororuponafemaleforwhomaguardianorconservatorhadbeenappointedpursuanttoapplicablefederallaworasprovidedbySection1‐113ofTitle30oftheOklahomaStatutesbecauseofincompetencyduringthepreviouscalendaryearshallcompleteandelectronicallysubmittotheStateDepartmentofHealththeformdescribedinsubsectionAofthissection,withtherequesteddataenteredaccuratelyandcompletely.Anysuchreportshallnotcontainthename,address,orotherinformationbywhichtheminorreceivingtheabortionmaybeidentified.
D.Reportsthatarenotsubmittedbytheendofagraceperiodofthirty(30)daysfollowingtheduedateshallbesubjecttoalatefeeofFiveHundredDollars($500.00)foreachadditionalthirty‐dayperiodorportionofathirty‐dayperiodthereportsareoverdue.Anyphysicianrequiredtoreportinaccordancewiththissectionwhohasnotelectronicallysubmittedareport,orhaselectronicallysubmittedonlyanincompletereport,morethanone(1)yearfollowingtheduedate,may,inanactionbroughtbytheStateDepartmentofHealth,bedirectedbyacourtofcompetentjurisdictiontosubmitacompletereportwithinaperiodstatedbycourtorderorbesubjecttosanctionsforcivilcontempt.
E.ByJune30ofeachyear,theStateDepartmentofHealthshallpost,onitsstableInternetwebsite,apublicreportprovidingstatisticsforthepreviouscalendaryearcompiledfromallofthereportscoveringthatyearsubmittedinaccordancewiththissectionforeachoftheitemslistedinsubsectionAofthissection.ThereportshallalsoincludestatisticsgivingthetotalnumberofpetitionsormotionsfiledunderSection1‐740.3ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesandofthatnumber:
1.Thenumberinwhichthecourtappointedaguardianadlitem;
2.Thenumberinwhichthecourtappointedcounsel;
3.Thenumberinwhichthejudgeissuedanorderauthorizinganabortionwithoutnotification;and
4.Thenumberinwhichthejudgedeniedsuchanorder,andofthis:
a.thenumberofdenialsfromwhichanappealwasfiled,
b.thenumberoftheappealsthatresultedinthedenialbeingaffirmed,and
c.thenumberofappealsthatresultedinreversalsofthedenials.
Eachreportshallalsoprovidethestatisticsforallpreviouscalendaryearsforwhichthepublicstatisticalreportwasrequiredtobeissued,
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adjustedtoreflectanyadditionalinformationfromlateorcorrectedreports.TheStateDepartmentofHealthshalltakecaretoensurethatnoneoftheinformationincludedinthepublicreportscouldreasonablyleadtotheidentificationofanyindividualfemale.
F.TheStateDepartmentofHealthmaypromulgaterulesinaccordancewiththeAdministrativeProceduresActtoalterthedatesestablishedbythissectionorconsolidatetheformsorreportstoachieveadministrativeconvenience,fiscalsavings,ortoreducetheburdenofreportingrequirements,aslongasreportingformsaremadeavailableonitswebsite,toalllicensedphysiciansinthestateatleastonceeveryyearandthereportdescribedinsubsectionEofthissectionispostedatleastonceeveryyear.
G.IftheStateDepartmentofHealthfailstopostthepublicreportrequiredbysubsectionEofthissection,anactionmaybeinitiatedpursuanttoTitle12oftheOklahomaStatutes.
H.Ifjudgmentisrenderedinfavoroftheplaintiffinanyactiondescribedinthissection,thecourtshallalsorenderjudgmentforareasonableattorneyfeeinfavoroftheplaintiffagainstthedefendant.Ifjudgmentisrenderedinfavorofthedefendantandthecourtfindsthattheplaintiff’ssuitwasfrivolousandbroughtinbadfaith,thecourtshallalsorenderjudgmentforareasonableattorneyfeeinfavorofthedefendantagainsttheplaintiff.
AddedbyLaws2007,SB139,c.161,§8,eff.November1,2007.63§1‐740.4b.CriminalViolations‐Penalties‐Defenses‐CivilLiability‐InjunctionA.Apersonwhoknowinglyorrecklesslyusesafalsegovernmentalrecordormakesafraudulentrepresentationorstatementinordertoobtainanabortionforaminorinviolationofthistitleorintentionallycauses,aids,abetsorassistsanunemancipatedminortoobtainanabortionwithouttheconsentrequiredbySection1‐740.2ofthistitlecommitsafelony.B.Aphysicianwhointentionallyorknowinglyperformsanabortiononapregnantunemancipatedminorinviolationofthistitlecommitsafelony.C.1.ItisadefensetoprosecutionundersubsectionBofthissectionifthepersonfalselyrepresentinghimselforherselfastheparentorguardianoftheminordisplayedanapparentlyvalidgovernmentalrecordofidentificationsuchthatareasonableperson,undersimilarcircumstances,wouldhavereliedontherepresentation.2.Thedefensedoesnotapplyifthephysician,oragentofthephysician,failedtouseduediligenceindeterminingtheageoftheminorortheidentityofthepersonrepresentedastheparentorguardianoftheminor.
D.Apersonwhoknowinglyorrecklesslyusesafalsegovernmentalrecordormakesafraudulentrepresentationorstatementinordertoobtainanabortionforaminorinviolationofthistitleorintentionallycauses,aids,abetsorassistsanunemancipatedminortoobtainanabortionwithouttheconsentrequiredbySection1‐740.2ofthistitleoranyphysicianwhointentionallyorknowinglyperformsanabortiononapregnantunemancipatedminorinviolationofthistitleshallbecivillyliabletotheminorandtothepersonorpersonsrequiredtogiveconsentpursuanttotheprovisionsofSection1‐740.2ofthistitle.Acourtmayawarddamagestothepersonorpersonsadverselyaffectedbyaviolationofthissectionincludingcompensationforemotionalinjurywithouttheneedforpersonalpresenceattheactorevent,andthecourtmayfurtherawardattorneyfees,litigationcosts,andpunitivedamages.Anyadultwhoengagesinorconsentstoanotherpersonengaginginasexualactwithaminor,whichresultsintheminor'spregnancy,shallnotbeawardeddamagesunderthissection.E.AcourtofcompetentjurisdictionmayenjoinconductthatwouldbeinviolationofthissectionuponpetitionbytheAttorneyGeneral,adistrictattorneyoranypersonadverselyaffectedorwhoreasonablymaybeadverselyaffectedbysuchconduct,uponashowingthatsuchconduct:
1.Isreasonablyanticipatedtooccurinthefuture;or2.Hasoccurredinthepast,whetherwiththesameminororothers,andthatitisreasonablyexpectedtoberepeated.
F.Itisnotadefensetoaclaimbroughtpursuanttothissectionthattheminorgaveinformedandvoluntaryconsent.G.Anunemancipatedminordoesnothavethecapacitytoconsenttoanyactionthatviolatesthistitle.
AddedbyLaws2007,SB139,c.161,§9,eff.November1,2007;
AmendedbyLaws2015,SB642,c.387,§1,eff.November1,2015.63§1‐740.5.Severability‐SavingsClause
Ifanyoneormoreprovision,section,subsection,sentence,clause,phraseorwordofthisactortheapplicationthereoftoanypersonorcircumstanceisfoundtobeunconstitutional,thesameisherebydeclaredtobeseverableandthebalanceshallremaineffectivenotwithstandingsuchunconstitutionality.TheLegislatureherebydeclaresthatitwouldhavepassedeachprovision,section,subsection,sentence,clause,phraseorwordthereof,irrespectiveofthefactthatanyoneormoreprovision,section,subsection,sentence,clause,phraseorwordbedeclaredunconstitutional.
AddedbyLaws2005,HB1686,c.200,§15,emerg.eff.May20,2005.63§1‐740.6.EffectofCourtInjunction,Suspension,orDelaysofImplementationofAct
Ifanycourtoflawenjoins,suspends,ordelaystheimplementationoftheprovisionsofthisact,theprovisionsofSections1‐730,1‐738.1,1‐738.7,1‐740.1,1‐740.2and1‐740.3ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes,asofDecember31,2006,areeffectiveduringtheinjunction,suspension,ordelayedimplementation.
AddedbyLaws2007,SB139,c.161,§10,eff.November1,2007.Alternatives‐to‐AbortionServices63§1‐740.11.FundingtoNongovernmentalEntitiesThatProvideAlternatives‐to‐AbortionServices
A.BeforeJuly1,2007,theStateDepartmentofHealthshallestablishandimplementaprogramtofacilitatefundingtonongovernmentalentitiesthatprovidealternatives‐to‐abortionservices.Theservicesmustbeoutcome‐basedwithpositiveoutcome‐basedresults.
B.Duringthe2006interim,theStateDepartmentofHealthshallmakeannualreportstotheSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentativesandthePresidentProTemporeoftheSenateregardingthestatusofthealternatives‐to‐abortionservicesfunding,thefirstofwhichmustbemadebyDecember1,2006.
C.TheDepartmentmaycontractwithnongovernmentalhealthcareandspecialserviceorganizationstoprovideservicesofferedundertheprogram.Theservicesmustbeoutcome‐basedwithpositiveoutcome‐basedresults.TheDepartmentmaynotcontractwithaproviderofadoptionservicesnotlicensedbythestate.
D.TheStateDepartmentofHealthshallpromulgaterulesnecessarytoimplementtheprovisionsofthisact.
E.Asusedinthissection,"alternatives‐to‐abortionservices"meansthoseservicesthatpromotechildbirthinsteadofabortionbyprovidinginformation,counseling,andsupportservicesthatassistpregnantwomenorwomenwhobelievetheymaybepregnanttochoosechildbirthandtomakeinformeddecisionsregardingthechoiceofadoptionorparentingwithrespecttotheirchildren.
Theinformation,counselingandservicesprovidedunderthisprogrammayinclude,butarenotlimitedto:
1.Medicalcare;
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2.Nutritionalservices;
3.Housingassistance;
4.Adoptionservices;
5.Educationalandemploymentassistance,includingservicesthatsupportthecontinuationandcompletionofhighschool;
6.Childcareassistance;and
7.Parentingeducationandsupportservices.AddedbyLaws2006,SB1742,c.185,§21,eff.November1,2006.
63§1‐740.12.Alternatives‐to‐AbortionServicesRevolvingFund
ThereisherebycreatedintheStateTreasuryarevolvingfundfortheStateDepartmentofHealthtobedesignatedthe"Alternatives‐to‐AbortionServicesRevolvingFund".Thefundshallbeacontinuingfund,notsubjecttofiscalyearlimitations,andshallconsistofallmoniesdepositedtothecreditofthefundbylaw.AllmoniesaccruingtothecreditofthefundareherebyappropriatedandmaybebudgetedandexpendedbytheStateDepartmentofHealthasprovidedinsubsectionAofSection21ofthisact.Thefundshallnotbeavailabletoanyorganizationoraffiliateofanorganizationwhichprovidesorpromotesabortionsordirectlyrefersforabortion;provided,however,anynondirectivecounselingrelatingtothepregnancyshallnotdisqualifyanorganizationfromreceivingthesefunds.ExpendituresfromthefundshallbemadeuponwarrantsissuedbytheStateTreasureragainstclaimsfiledasprescribedbylawwiththeDirectorofStateFinanceforapprovalandpayment.
AddedbyLaws2006,SB1742,c.185,§22,eff.November1,2006.63§1‐740.13.FormUsedtoObtainConsentofaMinor–Validity–ParentalConsentStatementA.AformcreatedbytheStateDepartmentofHealthshallbeusedbyphysicianstoobtaintheconsentrequiredpriortoperforminganabortiononaminorwhoisnotemancipated.B.Aformisnotvalid,andthereforeconsentisnotsufficient,unless:1.Aparentorlegalguardianinitialseachpageoftheform,indicatingthatheorshehasreadandunderstandstheinformationincludedonthatpage;2.Aparentorlegalguardiansignsthelastpageoftheforminfrontofapersonwhoisanotarypublic;3.TheminorinitialseachlistofrisksandhazardslistedinsubsectionCofthissection;4.TheminorsignsaconsentstatementdescribedinsubsectionCofthissection;and5.ThephysiciansignsthedeclarationdescribedinsubsectionCofthissection.
C.Theformshallinclude,butnotbelimitedto,thefollowing:1.Adescriptionoftheminor'srights,includingherrighttoinformedconsent;2.Adescriptionoftheparentorlegalguardian'srightspursuanttoOklahomalaw;3.Adetaileddescriptionofthesurgicalandmedicalproceduresthatareplannedtobeperformedontheminor;4.Adetailedlistoftherisksandhazardsrelatedtothesurgicalandmedicalproceduresplannedfortheminor,includingbutnotlimitedto:a.risksandhazardsthatmayoccurinconnectionwithanysurgical,medical,ordiagnosticprocedure,includingbutnotlimitedtoinfection,bloodclotsinveinsandlungs,hemorrhage,allergicreactions,anddeath,b.risksandhazardsthatmayoccurwithsurgicalabortion,includingbutnotlimitedtohemorrhage,uterineperforation,sterility,injuriestothebowelandbladder,hysterectomyasaresultofcomplicationorinjuryduringtheprocedure,andfailuretoremoveallproductsofconceptionthatmayresultinanadditionalprocedure,c.risksandhazardsthatmayoccurwithamedicalornonsurgicalabortion,includingbutnotlimitedtohemorrhage,failuretoremove
allproductsofconceptionthatmayresultinanadditionalprocedure,sterility,andpossiblecontinuationofpregnancy,andd.risksandhazardsoftheparticularprocedureplannedfortheminor,includingbutnotlimitedtocrampingoftheuterus,pelvicpain,infectionoftheuterus,tubes,andovaries,cervicallaceration,incompetentcervix,andemergencytreatmentforanyoftheabovenamedcomplications;
5.AdescriptionofadditionalinformationthatmustbeprovidedbythephysiciantotheminorpursuanttotheprovisionsofSection1‐730etseq.ofthistitle;6.Aconsentstatementwhichmustbesignedbytheminor.Theconsentstatementmustinclude,butnotbelimitedto,thefollowingrequirements,whichmusteachbeindividuallyinitialedbytheminor:a.thattheminorunderstandsthatthedoctorisgoingtoperformanabortiononherwhichwillendherpregnancyandresultinthedeathofherunbornchild,b.thattheminorisnotbeingforcedtohaveanabortionandthatshehasthechoicenottohavetheabortionandmaywithdrawconsentpriortotheabortion,c.thattheminorgivespermissionfortheprocedure,d.thattheminorunderstandsthattherearerisksandhazardsthatcouldaffecttheminorifshehasthesurgicalormedicalproceduresplannedforher,e.thattheminorhasbeengiventheopportunitytoaskquestionsabouthercondition,alternativeformsoftreatment,risksofnotreceivingtreatment,theprocedurestobeused,andtherisksandhazardsinvolved,f.thattheminorhasbeengiveninformationrequiredbySection1‐730etseq.ofthistitle,andg.thattheminorhassufficientinformationtogiveinformedconsent;
7.Aphysiciandeclaration,whichmustbesignedbythephysician,statingthatthephysicianorhisorherassistanthasexplainedtheprocedureandthecontentsofthisformtotheminorandherparentorlegalguardian,asrequired,andhasansweredallquestions.Further,tothebestofthephysician'sknowledge,thepatientandherparentorlegalguardianhavebeenadequatelyinformedandhaveconsentedtotheprocedure;8.Aparentalconsentstatementstatingthatthesigningparentorlegalguardian:a.understandsthatthedoctorsigningthephysiciandeclarationisgoingtoperformanabortionontheminorwhichwillendherpregnancyandresultinthedeathofherunbornchild,b.thattheparentorlegalguardianhadtheopportunitytoreadthisformorhaveitreadtohimorherandhasinitialedeachpage,c.thattheparentorlegalguardianhadtheopportunitytoaskquestionstothephysicianorthephysician'sassistantabouttheinformationinthisformandthesurgicalandmedicalprocedurestobeperformedontheminor,d.thattheparentorlegalguardianbelievesheorshehassufficientinformationtogiveinformedconsent,ande.thatbytheparentorlegalguardian'ssignature,theparentorlegalguardianaffirmsthatheorsheistheminor'sparentorlegalguardian;
9.Apagefortheparentorlegalguardian'ssignaturethatmustbenotarizedbyanotarypublic;and10.Anyadditionalinformationthatmustbeprovidedpursuanttoapplicablelawsofthisstate.
AddedbyLaws2013,HB1361,c.268,§4,eff.November1,2013.
63§1‐740.14.EffectofTemporaryorPermanentJudicialOrders
IfsomeoralloftheprovisionsofSections1‐740.2and1‐740.3ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes,asamendedbySections1and3ofthisact,areevertemporarilyorpermanentlyrestrainedorenjoinedbyjudicialorder,thesesectionsshallbeenforcedasthoughsuchrestrainedorenjoinedprovisionshadnotbeenadopted;provided,however,thatwheneversuchtemporaryorpermanentrestrainingorderorinjunctionisstayedordissolved,orotherwiseceasestohaveeffect,suchprovisionsshallhavefullforceandeffect.
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AddedbyLaws2013,HB1361,c.268,§5,eff.November1,2013.
63§1‐740.15.ShortTitle
Thisactshallbeknownandmaybecitedasthe"ChoosingChildbirthAct".
AddedbyLaws2017,HB1703,c.308,§1,eff.November1,2017.
63§1‐740.16.DefinitionsAsusedintheChoosingChildbirthAct:
1."Abortion"meanstheuseorprescriptionofanyinstrument,medicine,drugoranyothersubstanceordevicetointentionally:
a.killtheunbornchildofawomanknowntobepregnant,or
b.terminatethepregnancyofawomanknowntobepregnant,withanintentionotherthan:
(1)afterviabilityoftheunbornchild,toproducealivebirthandpreservethelifeandhealthofthechildbornalive,or
(2)toremoveadeadunbornchild;
2."Unbornchild"meansanindividualorganismofthespeciesHomosapiensfromfertilizationuntilbirth;and
3."Grant‐supervisingentity"meansaprivateentitywhichapprovesallgrantsprovidedundertheChoosingChildbirthActandwhich:
a.isorganizedasanot‐for‐profitcorporationinOklahomaandasa501(c)3entityunderthefederalInternalRevenueCode,and
b.doesnotencourageorcounselanywomantohaveanabortionnotnecessarytopreventherdeath,toprovidehersuchanabortionortoreferherforsuchanabortion,anddoesnotacceptfundsorservicesknowinglyfromanyentitywhichperformsabortionsorreceivesmoneyforabortions.
AddedbyLaws2017,HB1703,c.308,§2,eff.November1,2017.
63§1‐740.17.GrantRequirementsforReimbursementtoPrivateNon‐ProfitsOrganizationsProvidingWomen'sHealthServicesA.TheStateDepartmentofHealthshallmakegrants,fromfundsappropriatedbytheLegislaturespecificallyforthispurpose,toagrant‐supervisingentityforthepurposeofreimbursingprivateorganizationsinOklahomaforthereasonableexpensesofprogramsprovidingthefollowingservices:
1.Providinginformationon,referralto,andassistanceinsecuringtheservicesofrelevantexistingprogramsoragenciesthatassistwomeninOklahomatocarrytheirchildrentoterm,and/orprovidingservicesthatassistwomentocarrytheirchildrentoterm,including,butnotlimitedto,agenciesandprogramsthatwillprovidemedicalattentionforthepregnantwomanforthedurationofherpregnancy,nutritionalsupportservices,housingassistance,adoptionservices,educationandemploymentassistanceandparentingeducationandsupportservices;and
2.ProvidingwomeninOklahoma,inpersonandthroughcommunityoutreach,informationand/orservicesthatencourageandassistthemtocarrytheirchildrentoterm.
B.Tobeeligibleforaservicegrant,anorganizationshall:
1.BeregisteredwiththeOklahomaSecretaryofStateasanot‐for‐profitcorporationlocatedinOklahoma;
2.Havethegrantamountapprovedbyagrant‐supervisingentity;
3.Provideeachpregnantwomancounseledwithaccurateinformationonthedevelopmentalcharacteristicsofunbornchildren,includingofferingtheprintedinformationdescribedinSection1‐738.3ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes;
4.Assurethatthegrant'ssolepurposesaretoassistandencouragewomentocarrytheirchildrentotermandtomaximizetheirpotentialsthereafter;and
5.AssurethatnoneofthefundsprovidedpursuanttotheChoosingChildbirthAct,noranyotherfundsorservicesprovidedbytheorganization,areusedtoencourageorcounselawomantohaveanabortionnotnecessarytopreventherdeath,toprovidehersuchanabortionortoreferherforsuchanabortion.
AddedbyLaws2017,HB1703,c.308,§3,eff.November1,2017.
63§1‐740.18.GrantComplianceandMonitoring
TheStateDepartmentofHealthshallmakegrantstoagrant‐supervisingentityundertheChoosingChildbirthActfromfundsappropriatedbytheLegislaturespecificallyforthispurpose.TheStateDepartmentofHealthshallannuallymonitorandreviewthegrant‐supervisingentitytoassurethatthegrant‐supervisingentitycarefullyadherestothepurposesandrequirementsoftheChoosingChildbirthAct,anditshallceasefundingagrant‐supervisingentitythatfailstodosoiftheDepartmentprovesspecificfindingsofnoncompliance,subjecttojudicialreview.
AddedbyLaws2017,HB1703,c.308,§4,eff.November1,2017.
63§1‐740.19.InvalidityofAct
Ifanyprovision,word,phraseorclauseoftheChoosingChildbirthActortheapplicationthereoftoanypersonorcircumstanceisheldinvalid,suchinvalidityshallmaketheentireActinvalidandtothisend,theprovisions,works,phrasesandclausesoftheChoosingChildbirthActaredeclaredtobeinseverable.
AddedbyLaws2017,HB1703,c.308,§5,eff.November1,2017.
63§1‐741.Abortions‐RefusaltoPerformorParticipate–Exemptions
A.Noprivatehospital,hospitaldirectororgoverningboardofaprivatehospitalinOklahoma,isrequiredtopermitabortionstobeperformedorinducedinsuchhospital.Refusaltopermitanabortion,inaccordancewithastandardpolicy,isnotgroundsforcivilliabilitynorabasisfordisciplinaryorotherrecriminatoryaction.
B.Nopersonmayberequiredtoperform,induceorparticipateinmedicalprocedureswhichresultinanabortionwhichareinpreparationforanabortionorwhichinvolveaftercareofanabortionpatient,exceptwhentheaftercareinvolvesemergencymedicalprocedureswhicharenecessarytoprotectthelifeofthepatient,andrefusaltoperformorparticipateinsuchmedicalproceduresisnotgroundsforcivilliabilitynorabasisfordisciplinaryorotherrecriminatoryaction.
C.Therightsandimmunitiesgrantedbythissectionshallnotincludemedicalproceduresinwhichawomanisintheprocessofthespontaneous,inevitableabortionofanunbornchild,thedeathofthechildisimminent,andtheproceduresarenecessarytopreventthedeathofthemother.
Laws1978,c.158,§1.D.Violations63§1‐741.1.ProhibitionAgainstUseofStateAssistanceorResourcestoEncourageorPerformAbortion‐Exceptions
A.Itshallbeunlawfulforanypersonemployedbythisstateoranyagencyorpoliticalsubdivisionthereof,withinthescopeoftheperson’semployment,toperformorassistanabortionnotnecessarytosavethelifeofthemotherexceptwhenthepregnancyresultedfromanactofforciblerapewhichwasreportedtotheproperlawenforcementauthoritiesorwhenthepregnancyresultedfromanactofincestcommittedagainstaminorandtheperpetratorhasbeenreportedtotheproperlawenforcementauthorities.Itshallbeunlawfulforanypublic
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institution,publicfacility,publicequipment,orotherphysicalassetowned,leasedorcontrolledbythisstateoranyagencyorpoliticalsubdivisionsthereoftobeusedforthepurposeofperformingorassistinganabortionnotnecessarytosavethelifeofthemotherexceptwhenthepregnancyresultedfromanactofforciblerapewhichwasreportedtotheproperlawenforcementauthoritiesorwhenthepregnancyresultedfromanactofincestcommittedagainstaminorandtheperpetratorhasbeenreportedtotheproperlawenforcementauthorities.Thissubsectionshallnotbeconstruedtoprohibitusebyprivateentitiesofpublicutilitiesortheservicesoffirefightersorpolice.
B.Itshallbeunlawfulforanyfundsreceivedorcontrolledbythisstateoranyagencyorpoliticalsubdivisionthereof,including,butnotlimitedto,fundsderivedfromfederal,stateorlocaltaxes,giftsorgrants,federalgrantsorpayments,orintergovernmentaltransfers,tobeusedtoencourageawomantohaveanabortionnotnecessarytosaveherlife,excepttotheextentrequiredforcontinuedparticipationinafederalprogram.Nothinginthissubsectionshallbeconstruedtoprohibitaphysicianfromdiscussingoptionswithapatientthroughnondirectivecounseling.
AddedbyLaws2007,SB139,c.161,§11,eff.November1,2007.
63§1‐741.3.HealthPlans–CoverageforAbortion–ElectiveAbortionCoverage‐Employers
A.PursuanttothePatientProtectionandAffordableCareAct,P.L.111‐148,allqualifiedhealthplansofferedthroughanExchangeestablishedinthestateareprohibitedfromincludingelectiveabortioncoverage.NothinginthissectionshallbeconstruedaspreventinganyonefrompurchasingoptionalsupplementalcoverageforelectiveabortionsforwhichtheremustbepaidaseparatepremiuminaccordancewithsubsectionDofthissectioninthehealthinsurancemarketoutsideoftheExchange.
B.Nohealthplan,includinghealthinsurancecontracts,plansorpolicies,offeredoutsideofanExchange,butwithinthestate,shallprovidecoverageforelectiveabortionsexceptbyoptionalseparatesupplementalcoverageforabortionforwhichtheremustbepaidaseparatepremiuminaccordancewithsubsectionDofthissection.
C.Forpurposesofthissection,"electiveabortion"meansanabortionforanyreasonotherthantopreventthedeathofthemotheruponwhomtheabortionisperformed;provided,however,thatanabortionmaynotbedeemedonetopreventthedeathofthemotherbasedonaclaimordiagnosisthatshewillengageinconductwhichwillresultinherdeath.
D.Theissuerofanyhealthplanprovidingelectiveabortioncoverageshall:
1.Calculatethepremiumforsuchcoveragesothatitfullycoverstheestimatedcostofcoveringelectiveabortionsperenrolleeasdeterminedonanaverageactuarialbasis.Incalculatingsuchpremium,theissueroftheplanshallnottakeintoaccountanycostreductioninanyhealthplancoveringanenrolleeestimatedtoresultfromtheprovisionofabortioncoverage,includingprenatalcare,deliveryorpostnatalcare;
2.Iftheenrolleeisenrollinginahealthplanprovidinganyothercoverageatthesametimeastheenrolleeisenrollinginaplanprovidingelectiveabortioncoverage,requireaseparatesignature,distinctfromthattoenrollinthehealthplanprovidingothercoverage,inordertoenrollintheseparatesupplementalplanprovidingelectiveabortioncoverage;and
3.Provideanoticetoenrolleesatthetimeofenrollmentthat:
a.specificallystatesthecostoftheseparatepremiumforcoverageofelectiveabortionsdistinctandapartfromthecostofthepremiumforanyhealthplanprovidinganyothercoverageinanyhealthplancoveringanenrollee,
b.statesthatenrollmentinelectiveabortioncoverageisoptional,and
c.iftheenrolleeisenrollinginahealthplanprovidinganyothercoverageatthesametimeastheenrolleeisenrollinginaplanprovidingelectiveabortioncoverage,statesthattheenrolleemaychoosetoenrollintheplanprovidingothercoveragewithoutenrollingintheplanprovidingelectiveabortioncoverage.
E.Theissuerofanyhealthplanprovidinganycoverageotherthanelectiveabortionshallnotdiscountorreducethepremiumforsuchcoverageonthebasisthatanenrolleehaselectiveabortioncoverage.
F.Anyemployerwhooffersemployeesahealthplanprovidingelectiveabortioncoverageshall,atthetimeofbeginningemploymentandatleastonceineachcalendaryearthereafter,provideeachemployeetheoptiontochooseorrejecttheseparatesupplementalelectiveabortioncoverage.
G.Anyentityofferingagrouphealthplanprovidingseparatesupplementalelectiveabortioncoverage,otherthanemployersofferingsuchaplantotheiremployees,shall,atthetimeeachgroupmemberbeginscoverageandatleastonceineachcalendaryearthereafter,provideeachgroupmembertheoptiontochooseorrejecttheseparatesupplementalelectiveabortioncoverage.
H.Nothinginthissectionshallbeconstruedtoapplyincircumstancesinwhichfederallawpreemptsstatehealthinsuranceregulation.
AddedbyLaws2011,SB547,c.92,§1,eff.November1,2011.
63§1‐741.12.WrongfulLifeAction‐WrongfulBirthAction‐LimitationonDamages
A.ItistheintentoftheLegislaturethatthebirthofachilddoesnotconstitutealegallyrecognizableinjuryandthatitiscontrarytopublicpolicytoawarddamagesbecauseofthebirthofachildorfortherearingofthatchild.
B.Forthepurposesofthissection:
1."Abortion"meansthetermasisdefinedinSection1‐730ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes;
2."Wrongfullifeaction"meansacauseofactionthatisbroughtbyoronbehalfofachild,whichseekseconomicornoneconomicdamagesforthechildbecauseofaconditionofthechildthatexistedatthetimeofthechild’sbirth,andwhichisbasedonaclaimthataperson’sactoromissioncontributedtothemother’snothavingobtainedanabortion;and
3."Wrongfulbirthaction"meansacauseofactionthatisbroughtbyaparentorotherpersonwhoislegallyrequiredtoprovideforthesupportofachild,whichseekseconomicornoneconomicdamagesbecauseofaconditionofthechildthatexistedatthetimeofthechild’sbirth,andwhichisbasedonaclaimthataperson’sactoromissioncontributedtothemother’snothavingobtainedanabortion.
C.Inawrongfullifeactionorawrongfulbirthaction,nodamagesmayberecoveredforanyconditionthatexistedatthetimeofachild’sbirthiftheclaimisthatthedefendant’sactoromissioncontributedtothemother’snothavingobtainedanabortion.
D.Thissectionshallnotprecludecausesofactionbasedonclaimsthat,butforawrongfulactoromission,maternaldeathorinjurywouldnothaveoccurred,orhandicap,disease,ordisabilityofanindividualpriortobirthwouldhavebeenprevented,cured,oramelioratedinamannerthatpreservedthehealthandlifeoftheaffectedindividual.
AddedbyLawsLaws2010,HB2656,c.171,§1.
ParentalNotificationforAbortionAct63§1‐744ShortTitle
Thisactshallbeknownandmaybecitedasthe"ParentalNotificationforAbortionAct".
AddedbyLaws2013,HB1588,c.320,§1,eff.November1,2013.
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63§1‐744.1.DefinitionsAsusedintheParentalNotificationforAbortionAct:
1."Parent"meansoneparentofthepregnantminor,ortheguardianorconservatorifthepregnantfemalehasone;
2."Abortion"meanstheuseofanymeansintentionallytoterminatethepregnancyofafemaleknowntobepregnantwithknowledgethattheterminationwiththosemeanswill,withreasonablelikelihood,causethedeathofthefetus;
3."Fetus"meansanyindividualhumanorganismfromfertilizationtobirth;
4."Medicalemergency"meanstheexistenceofanyphysicalcondition,notincludinganyemotional,psychological,ormentalcondition,whichareasonablyprudentphysicianwoulddeterminenecessitatestheimmediateabortionofthefemale'spregnancytoavertherdeathortoavertsubstantialandirreversibleimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunctionarisingfromcontinuedpregnancy;
5."Reasonablemedicaljudgment"meansamedicaljudgmentthatwouldbemadebyareasonablyprudentphysician,knowledgeableaboutthecaseandthetreatmentpossibilitieswithrespecttothemedicalconditionsinvolved;and
6."Physician"meansanypersonlicensedtopracticemedicineandsurgeryorosteopathicmedicineandsurgeryinthisstate.
AddedbyLaws2013,HB1588,c.320,§5,eff.November1,2013.
63§1‐744.2.WrittenNoticeRequiredforUnemancipatedMinorsFoundtobeIncompetent
NoabortionshallbeperformedorinduceduponanunemancipatedminororuponafemaleforwhomaguardianorconservatorhasbeenappointedpursuanttotheOklahomaGuardianshipandConservatorshipActbecauseofafindingofincompetency,untilatleastforty‐eight(48)hoursafterwrittennoticeofthependingabortionhasbeendeliveredinthemannerspecifiedinSections7through9ofthisacttooneoftheparentsoftheminoruponwhomtheabortioniscontemplatedortotheguardianorconservatorofthefemaleuponwhomtheabortioniscontemplated.
1.Thenoticeshallbeaddressedtotheparentattheusualplaceofabodeoftheparentanddeliveredpersonallytotheparentbythephysicianoranagent.
2.Inlieuofthedeliveryrequiredbyparagraph1ofthissection,noticeshallbemadebycertifiedmailaddressedtotheparentattheusualplaceofabodeoftheparentwithreturnreceiptrequestedandrestricteddeliverytotheaddressee,whichmeansapostalemployeecandeliverthemailonlytotheauthorizedaddressee.Timeofdeliveryshallbedeemedtooccuratnoononthethirddayonwhichregularmaildeliverytakesplace,subsequenttomailing.Theinformationconcerningtheaddressoftheparentshallbethatwhichareasonableandprudentperson,undersimilarcircumstances,wouldhaverelieduponassufficientevidencethattheparentresidesatthataddress.
AddedbyLaws2013,HB1588,c.320,§6,eff.November1,2013.
63§1‐744.3.ExceptionfromAdvanceNoticeRequirementinCasesofMedicalEmergencyImmediatenoticeshallnotberequirediftheattendingphysiciancertifiesinthepregnantfemale'srecordthat,inreasonablemedicaljudgment,amedicalemergencyexistsandthereisinsufficienttimetoprovidethepriornotificationrequiredbySection6ofthisact.Theattendingphysicianorthephysician'sagentshallverballyinformtheparentwithintwenty‐four(24)hoursaftertheperformanceofamedicalemergencyabortion,thatamedicalemergencyabortionwasperformedonthe
unemancipatedminororonthefemaleforwhomaguardianorconservatorhasbeenappointedandshallalsosendawrittennoticewithintwenty‐four(24)hoursaftertheperformanceofamedicalemergencyabortiontothelast‐knownaddressoftheparent,oftheperformedmedicalemergencyabortion.Thewrittennoticeshallfollowtherequirementsinparagraph2ofSection6ofthisact.
AddedbyLaws2013,HB1588,c.320,§7,eff.November1,2013.
63§1‐744.4.ExceptionsfromNoticeRequirement‐PriorNotice‐VictimsofSexualorPhysicalAbuse
Nonoticeshallberequiredunderthisactif:
1.Thepersonwhoisentitledtonoticestatesinnotarizedwritingthatheorshehasbeennotifiedandthestatementisplacedinthefemale'smedicalrecord;or
2.ThepregnantfemaledeclaresthatsheisavictimofsexualorphysicalabusebyherparentasdefinedinSection1111etseq.ofTitle21oftheOklahomaStatutesandtheattendingphysicianhasnotifiedchildabuseauthoritiesabouttheallegedparentalsexualorphysicalabuse.Insuchcircumstances,thephysicianshallnotifychildabuseauthoritiesofthenameandaddressoftheabusingparentsothattheycaninvestigate.Thechildabuseauthoritiesshallmaintaintheconfidentialityofthefactthattheminorhassoughtorobtainedanabortionandshalltakeallnecessarystepstoensurethatthisinformationisnotrevealedtothefemale'sparentsorguardians.
AddedbyLaws2013,HB1588,c.320,§8,eff.November1,2013.
63§1‐744.5.Violations–Misdemeanor–CivilActionsPerformanceofanabortioninknowingorrecklessviolationofthisactshallbeamisdemeanor.PerformanceofanabortioninviolationofthisactshallbegroundsforacivilactionpursuanttoSections1‐738.3fthrough1‐738.3kofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes.
AddedbyLaws2013,HB1588,c.320,§9,eff.November1,2013.
63§1‐744.6.EffectofRestrainingOrderorInjunctionIfsomeoralloftheprovisionsofSections1‐740.2,1‐740.3and1‐740.4ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes,asamendedbySections2,3and4ofthisact,areevertemporarilyorpermanentlyrestrainedorenjoinedbyjudicialorder,thesesectionsshallbeenforcedasthoughsuchrestrainedorenjoinedprovisionshadnotbeenadopted;provided,however,thatwheneversuchtemporaryorpermanentrestrainingorderorinjunctionisstayedordissolved,orotherwiseceasestohaveeffect,suchprovisionsshallhavefullforceandeffect.
AddedbyLaws2013,HB1588,c.320,§10,eff.November1,2013.
PAIN‐CAPABLEUNBORNCHILDPROTECTIONACT63§1‐745.1.ShortTitle
Thisactshallbeknownandmaybecitedasthe"Pain‐CapableUnbornChildProtectionAct".
AddedbyLaws2011,HB1888,c.89,§1,eff.November1,2011.
63§1‐745.2.Definitions
AsusedinthePain‐CapableUnbornChildProtectionActonly:
1."Abortion"meanstheuseorprescriptionofanyinstrument,medicine,drug,oranyothersubstanceordevicetoterminatethepregnancyofawomanknowntobepregnantwithanintentionotherthantoincrease
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theprobabilityofalivebirth,topreservethelifeorhealthofthechildafterlivebirth,ortoremoveadeadunbornchildwhodiedastheresultofnaturalcausesinutero,accidentaltrauma,oracriminalassaultonthepregnantwomanorherunbornchild,andwhichcausestheprematureterminationofthepregnancy;
2."Attempttoperformorinduceanabortion"meansanact,oranomissionofastatutorilyrequiredact,that,underthecircumstancesastheactorbelievesthemtobe,constitutesasubstantialstepinacourseofconductplannedtoculminateintheperformanceorinductionofanabortioninthisstateinviolationofthePain‐CapableUnbornChildProtectionAct;
3."Postfertilizationage"meanstheageoftheunbornchildascalculatedfromthefertilizationofthehumanovum;
4."Fertilization"meansthefusionofahumanspermatozoonwithahumanovum;
5."Medicalemergency"meansaconditionthat,inreasonablemedicaljudgment,socomplicatesthemedicalconditionofthepregnantwomanthatitnecessitatestheimmediateabortionofherpregnancywithoutfirstdeterminingpostfertilizationagetoavertherdeathorforwhichthedelaynecessarytodeterminepostfertilizationagewillcreateseriousriskofsubstantialandirreversiblephysicalimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction,notincludingpsychologicaloremotionalconditions.Noconditionshallbedeemedamedicalemergencyifbasedonaclaimordiagnosisthatthewomanwillengageinconductwhichsheintendstoresultinherdeathorinsubstantialandirreversiblephysicalimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction;
6."Reasonablemedicaljudgment"meansamedicaljudgmentthatwouldbemadebyareasonablyprudentphysician,knowledgeableaboutthecaseandthetreatmentpossibilitieswithrespecttothemedicalconditionsinvolved;
7."Physician"meansanypersonlicensedtopracticemedicineandsurgeryorosteopathicmedicineandsurgeryinthisstate;
8."Probablepostfertilizationageoftheunbornchild"meanswhat,inreasonablemedicaljudgment,willwithreasonableprobabilitybethepostfertilizationageoftheunbornchildatthetimetheabortionisplannedtobeperformedorinduced;
9."Unbornchild"or"fetus"eachmeansanindividualorganismofthespecieshomosapiensfromfertilizationuntillivebirth;and
10."Woman"meansafemalehumanbeingwhetherornotshehasreachedtheageofmajority.
AddedbyLaws2011,HB1888,c.89,§2,eff.November1,2011.
63§1‐745.3.LegislativeFindings
TheLegislatureoftheStateofOklahomafindsthat:
1.Painreceptors(nociceptors)arepresentthroughouttheunbornchild’sentirebodybynolaterthansixteen(16)weeksafterfertilizationandnerveslinkthesereceptorstothebrain’sthalamusandsubcorticalplatebynolaterthantwenty(20)weeks;
2.Byeight(8)weeksafterfertilization,theunbornchildreactstotouch.Aftertwenty(20)weeks,theunbornchildreactstostimulithatwouldberecognizedaspainfulifappliedtoanadulthuman,forexamplebyrecoiling;
3.Intheunbornchild,applicationofsuchpainfulstimuliisassociatedwithsignificantincreasesinstresshormonesknownasthestressresponse;
4.Subjectiontosuchpainfulstimuliisassociatedwithlong‐termharmfulneurodevelopmentaleffects,suchasalteredpainsensitivityand,possibly,emotional,behavioral,andlearningdisabilitieslaterinlife;
5.Forthepurposesofsurgeryonunbornchildren,fetalanesthesiaisroutinelyadministeredandisassociatedwithadecreaseinstress
hormonescomparedtotheirlevelwhenpainfulstimuliareappliedwithoutsuchanesthesia;
6.Theposition,assertedbysomemedicalexperts,thattheunbornchildisincapableofexperiencingpainuntilapointlaterinpregnancythantwenty(20)weeksafterfertilizationpredominatelyrestsontheassumptionthattheabilitytoexperiencepaindependsonthecerebralcortexandrequiresnerveconnectionsbetweenthethalamusandthecortex.However,recentmedicalresearchandanalysis,especiallysince2007,providesstrongevidencefortheconclusionthatafunctioningcortexisnotnecessarytoexperiencepain;
7.Substantialevidenceindicatesthatchildrenbornmissingthebulkofthecerebralcortex,thosewithhydranencephaly,neverthelessexperiencepain;
8.Inadults,stimulationorablationofthecerebralcortexdoesnotalterpainperception,whilestimulationorablationofthethalamusdoes;
9.Substantialevidenceindicatesthatstructuresusedforpainprocessinginearlydevelopmentdifferfromthoseofadults,usingdifferentneuralelementsavailableatspecifictimesduringdevelopment,suchasthesubcorticalplate,tofulfilltheroleofpainprocessing;
10.Theposition,assertedbysome,thattheunbornchildremainsinacoma‐likesleepstatethatprecludestheunbornchildfromexperiencingpainisinconsistentwiththedocumentedreactionofunbornchildrentopainfulstimuliandwiththeexperienceoffetalsurgeonswhohavefounditnecessarytosedatetheunbornchildwithanesthesiatopreventtheunbornchildfromthrashingaboutinreactiontoinvasivesurgery;
11.Consequently,thereissubstantialmedicalevidencethatanunbornchildiscapableofexperiencingpainbytwenty(20)weeksafterfertilization;
12.ItisthepurposeoftheStateofOklahomatoassertacompellingstateinterestinprotectingthelivesofunbornchildrenfromthestageatwhichsubstantialmedicalevidenceindicatesthattheyarecapableoffeelingpain;and
13.Oklahoma’scompellingstateinterestinprotectingthelivesofunbornchildrenfromthestageatwhichsubstantialmedicalevidenceindicatesthattheyarecapableoffeelingpainisintendedtobeseparatefromandindependentofOklahoma’scompellingstateinterestinprotectingthelivesofunbornchildrenfromthestageofviability,andneitherstateinterestisintendedtoreplacetheother.
AddedbyLaws2011,HB1888,c.89,§3,eff.November1,2011.
63§1‐745.4.ProbablePostfertilizationAgeofUnbornChild‐UnprofessionalConduct
A.Exceptinthecaseofamedicalemergency,noabortionshallbeperformedorinducedorbeattemptedtobeperformedorinducedunlessthephysicianperformingorinducingithasfirstmadeadeterminationoftheprobablepostfertilizationageoftheunbornchildorrelieduponsuchadeterminationmadebyanotherphysician.Inmakingsuchadetermination,thephysicianshallmakesuchinquiriesofthewomanandperformorcausetobeperformedsuchmedicalexaminationsandtestsasareasonablyprudentphysician,knowledgeableaboutthecaseandthemedicalconditionsinvolved,wouldconsidernecessarytoperforminmakinganaccuratediagnosiswithrespecttopostfertilizationage.
B.Knowingorrecklessfailurebyanyphysiciantoconformtoanyrequirementofthissectionconstitutes"unprofessionalconduct".
AddedbyLaws2011,HB1888,c.89,§4,eff.November1,2011.
63§1‐745.5.ProhibitedAbortions‐PhysicianJudgment
A.Nopersonshallperformorinduceorattempttoperformorinduceanabortionuponawomanwhenithasbeendetermined,bythephysicianperformingorinducingorattemptingtoperformorinducetheabortionorbyanotherphysicianuponwhosedeterminationthatphysicianrelies,
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thattheprobablepostfertilizationageofthewoman’sunbornchildistwenty(20)ormoreweeks,unless,inreasonablemedicaljudgment,shehasaconditionwhichsocomplicateshermedicalconditionastonecessitatetheabortionofherpregnancytoavertherdeathortoavertseriousriskofsubstantialandirreversiblephysicalimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction,notincludingpsychologicaloremotionalconditions.Nosuchconditionshallbedeemedtoexistifitisbasedonaclaimordiagnosisthatthewomanwillengageinconductwhichsheintendstoresultinherdeathorinsubstantialandirreversiblephysicalimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction.
B.Whenanabortionuponawomanwhoseunbornchildhasbeendeterminedtohaveaprobablepostfertilizationageoftwenty(20)ormoreweeksisnotprohibitedbythissection,thephysicianshallterminatethepregnancyinthemannerwhich,inreasonablemedicaljudgment,providesthebestopportunityfortheunbornchildtosurvive,unless,inreasonablemedicaljudgment,terminationofthepregnancyinthatmannerwouldposeagreaterriskeitherofthedeathofthepregnantwomanorofthesubstantialandirreversiblephysicalimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction,notincludingpsychologicaloremotionalconditions,ofthewomanthanwouldotheravailablemethods.Nosuchgreaterriskshallbedeemedtoexistifitisbasedonaclaimordiagnosisthatthewomanwillengageinconductwhichsheintendstoresultinherdeathorinsubstantialandirreversiblephysicalimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction.
AddedbyLaws2011,HB1888,c.89,§5,eff.November1,2011.
63§1‐745.6.PhysicianReportingRequirements‐DepartmentofHealthReport‐Fines
A.AnyphysicianwhoperformsorinducesorattemptstoperformorinduceanabortionshallreporttotheStateDepartmentofHealth,onascheduleandinaccordancewithformsandrulesandregulationsadoptedandpromulgatedbytheStateBoardofHealththatinclude:
1.Ifadeterminationofprobablepostfertilizationagewasmade,theprobablepostfertilizationagedeterminedandthemethodandbasisofthedetermination;
2.Ifadeterminationofprobablepostfertilizationagewasnotmade,thebasisofthedeterminationthatamedicalemergencyexisted;
3.Iftheprobablepostfertilizationagewasdeterminedtobetwenty(20)ormoreweeks,thebasisofthedeterminationthatthepregnantwomanhadaconditionwhichsocomplicatedhermedicalconditionastonecessitatetheabortionofherpregnancytoavertherdeathortoavertseriousriskofsubstantialandirreversiblephysicalimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction,notincludingpsychologicaloremotionalconditions;and
4.Themethodusedfortheabortionand,inthecaseofanabortionperformedwhentheprobablepostfertilizationagewasdeterminedtobetwenty(20)ormoreweeks:
a.whetherthemethodusedwasonethat,inreasonablemedicaljudgment,providedthebestopportunityfortheunbornchildtosurvive,or
b.ifsuchamethodwasnotused,thebasisofthedeterminationthatterminationofthepregnancyinthatmannerwouldposeagreaterriskeitherofthedeathofthepregnantwomanorofthesubstantialandirreversiblephysicalimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction,notincludingpsychologicaloremotionalconditions,ofthewomanthanwouldotheravailablemethods.
B.ByJune30ofeachyear,theStateDepartmentofHealthshallissueapublicreportprovidingstatisticsforthepreviouscalendaryearcompiledfromallofthereportscoveringthatyearsubmittedinaccordancewiththissectionforeachoftheitemslistedinsubsectionAofthissection.Eachsuchreportshallalsoprovidethestatisticsforallpreviouscalendaryearsduringwhichthissectionwasineffect,adjustedtoreflectanyadditionalinformationfromlateorcorrectedreports.TheStateDepartmentofHealthshalltakecaretoensurethatnoneoftheinformationincludedinthepublicreportscouldreasonablyleadtothe
identificationofanypregnantwomanuponwhomanabortionwasperformedorattempted.
C.Anyphysicianwhofailstosubmitareportbytheendofthirty(30)daysfollowingtheduedateshallbesubjecttoalatefeeofFiveHundredDollars($500.00)foreachadditionalthirty‐dayperiodorportionofathirty‐dayperiodthereportisoverdue.Anyphysicianrequiredtoreportinaccordancewiththisactwhohasnotsubmittedareport,orhadsubmittedonlyanincompletereport,morethanone(1)yearfollowingtheduedate,may,inanactionbroughtbytheStateDepartmentofHealthorbytheStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervision,bedirectedbyacourtofcompetentjurisdictiontosubmitacompletereportwithinaperiodstatedbycourtorderorbesubjecttocivilcontempt.Knowingorrecklessfailurebyanyphysiciantoconformtoanyrequirementofthissection,otherthanlatefilingofareport,constitutes"unprofessionalconduct"pursuanttoSection509ofTitle59oftheOklahomaStatutes.Knowingorrecklessfailurebyanyphysiciantosubmitacompletereportinaccordancewithacourtorderconstitutes"unprofessionalconduct"pursuanttoSection509ofTitle59oftheOklahomaStatutes.Knowingorrecklessfalsificationofanyreportrequiredunderthissectionisamisdemeanor.
D.ByFebruary1,2012,theStateBoardofHealthshalladoptandpromulgaterulesandregulationstoassistincompliancewiththissection.SubsectionAofthissectionshalltakeeffectsoastorequirereportsregardingallabortionsperformedorinducedonandafterthefirstdayofthefirstcalendarmonthfollowingtheeffectivedateofsuchrules.
AddedbyLaws2011,HB1888,c.89,§6,eff.November1,2011.
63§1‐745.7.ViolationofAct
AnypersonwhoknowinglyorrecklesslyperformsorinducesorattemptstoperformorinduceanabortioninviolationofthePain‐CapableUnbornChildProtectionActshallbeguiltyofafelony.Nopenaltymaybeassessedagainstthewomanuponwhomtheabortionisperformedorinducedorattemptedtobeperformedorinduced.
AddedbyLaws2011,HB1888,c.89,§7,eff.November1,2011.
63§1‐745.8.Liability‐CauseofAction‐JudgmentandAttorneyFees‐DamagesA.AnywomanuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedinviolationofthePain‐CapableUnbornChildProtectionAct,orthefatheroftheunbornchildwhowasthesubjectofsuchanabortion,maymaintainanactionagainstthepersonwhoperformedorinducedtheabortioninknowingorrecklessviolationofthePain‐CapableUnbornChildProtectionActforactualandpunitivedamages.AnywomanuponwhomanabortionhasbeenattemptedinviolationofthePain‐CapableUnbornChildProtectionActmaymaintainanactionagainstthepersonwhoattemptedtoperformorinducetheabortioninknowingorrecklessviolationofthePain‐CapableUnbornChildProtectionActforactualandpunitivedamages.
B.AcauseofactionforinjunctivereliefagainstanypersonwhohasknowinglyorrecklesslyviolatedthePain‐CapableUnbornChildProtectionActmaybemaintainedbythewomanuponwhomanabortionwasperformedorinducedorattemptedtobeperformedorinducedinviolationofthePain‐CapableUnbornChildProtectionAct;byanypersonwhoisthespouse,parent,siblingorguardianof,oracurrentorformerlicensedhealthcareproviderof,thewomanuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedorinducedorattemptedtobeperformedorinducedinviolationofthePain‐CapableUnbornChildProtectionAct;byadistrictattorneywithappropriatejurisdiction;orbytheAttorneyGeneral.TheinjunctionshallpreventtheabortionproviderfromperformingorinducingorattemptingtoperformorinducefurtherabortionsinviolationofthePain‐CapableUnbornChildProtectionActintheStateofOklahoma.
C.Ifjudgmentisrenderedinfavoroftheplaintiffinanactiondescribedinthissection,thecourtshallalsorenderjudgmentforareasonableattorneyfeeinfavoroftheplaintiffagainstthedefendant.
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D.Ifjudgmentisrenderedinfavorofthedefendantandthecourtfindsthattheplaintiff’ssuitwasfrivolousandbroughtinbadfaith,thecourtshallalsorenderjudgmentforareasonableattorneyfeeinfavorofthedefendantagainsttheplaintiff.
E.NodamagesorattorneyfeemaybeassessedagainstthewomanuponwhomanabortionwasperformedorattemptedtobeperformedexceptinaccordancewithsubsectionDofthissection.
AddedbyLaws2011,HB1888,c.89,§7,eff.November1,2011.
63§1‐745.9.CivilandCriminalProceedingsBroughtUnderAct
IneverycivilorcriminalproceedingoractionbroughtunderthePain‐CapableUnbornChildProtectionAct,thecourtshallrulewhethertheanonymityofanywomanuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedorinducedorattemptedtobeperformedorinducedshallbepreservedfrompublicdisclosureifshedoesnotgiveherconsenttosuchdisclosure.Thecourt,uponmotionorsuasponte,shallmakesucharulingand,upondeterminingthatheranonymityshouldbepreserved,shallissueorderstotheparties,witnesses,andcounselandshalldirectthesealingoftherecordandexclusionofindividualsfromcourtroomsorhearingroomstotheextentnecessarytosafeguardheridentityfrompublicdisclosure.Eachsuchordershallbeaccompaniedbyspecificwrittenfindingsexplainingwhytheanonymityofthewomanshouldbepreservedfrompublicdisclosure,whytheorderisessentialtothatend,howtheorderisnarrowlytailoredtoservethatinterest,andwhynoreasonablelessrestrictivealternativeexists.Intheabsenceofwrittenconsentofthewomanuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedorinducedorattemptedtobeperformedorinduced,anyone,otherthanapublicofficial,whobringsanactionundersubsectionsAorBofSection8ofthisactshalldosounderapseudonym.Thissectionmaynotbeconstruedtoconcealtheidentityoftheplaintifforofwitnessesfromthedefendantorfromattorneysforthedefendant.
AddedbyLaws2011,HB1888,c.89,§8,eff.November1,2011.
63§1‐745.10.ConstitutionalityandSeverabilityA.Ifanyoneormoreprovisions,sections,subsections,sentences,clauses,phrasesorwordsofthePain‐CapableUnbornChildProtectionActortheapplicationthereoftoanypersonorcircumstanceisfoundtobeunconstitutional,thesameisherebydeclaredtobeseverableandthebalanceofthePain‐CapableUnbornChildProtectionActshallremaineffectivenotwithstandingsuchunconstitutionality.TheLegislatureherebydeclaresthatitwouldhavepassedthePain‐CapableUnbornChildProtectionAct,andeachprovision,section,subsection,sentence,clause,phrase,orwordthereof,irrespectiveofthefactthatanyoneormoreprovisions,sections,subsections,sentences,clauses,phrases,orwordsofthePain‐CapableUnbornChildProtectionAct,ortheapplicationofthePain‐CapableUnbornChildProtectionAct,wouldbedeclaredunconstitutional.B.ThePain‐CapableUnbornChildProtectionActshallnotbeconstruedtorepeal,byimplicationorotherwise,Section1‐732ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes,oranyotherwiseapplicableprovisionofOklahoma’slawsregulatingorrestrictingabortion.AnabortionthatcomplieswiththisactbutviolatestheprovisionsofSection1‐732ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes,oranyotherwiseapplicableprovisionofOklahoma’slawsshallbedeemedunlawfulasprovidedinsuchprovision.AnabortionthatcomplieswiththeprovisionsofSection1‐732ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes,oranyotherwiseapplicableprovisionofOklahoma’slawsregulatingorrestrictingabortionbutviolatesthisactshallbedeemedunlawfulasprovidedinthisact.
AddedbyLaws2011,HB1888,c.89,§10,eff.November1,2011
63§1‐745.11.NoRighttoAbortionbyActNothinginthePain‐CapableUnbornChildProtectionActshallbeconstruedascreatingorrecognizingarighttoabortion.
AddedbyLaws2011,HB1888,c.89,§11,eff.November1,2011.
HeartbeatInformedConsentAct
63§1‐745.12.ShortTitleThisactshallbeknownandmaybecitedasthe"HeartbeatInformedConsentAct".
AddedbyLaws2012,SB1274,c.159,§1,eff.November1,2012
63§1‐745.13.DefinitionsAsusedintheHeartbeatInformedConsentAct:
1."Abortion"meanstheuseorprescriptionofanyinstrument,medicine,drug,oranyothersubstanceordevicetocausetheprematureterminationofthepregnancyofawomanknowntobepregnantwithanintentionotherthantoincreasetheprobabilityofalivebirth,topreservethelifeorhealthofthechildafterlivebirth,ortoremoveadeadunbornchildwhodiedastheresultofnaturalcausesinutero,accidentaltrauma,oracriminalassaultonthepregnantwomanorherunbornchild;
2."Abortionprovider"meansanypersonlegallyqualifiedtoperformanabortionunderstatelaw;
3."Embryonicorfetalheartbeat"meansembryonicorfetalcardiacactivityorthesteadyandrepetitiverhythmiccontractionoftheembryonicorfetalheart;
4."Medicalemergency"meansaconditionthat,inreasonablemedicaljudgment,socomplicatesthemedicalconditionofthepregnantwomanthatitnecessitatestheimmediateabortionofherpregnancytoavertherdeathorforwhichthedelaywillcreateseriousriskofsubstantialandirreversiblephysicalimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction,notincludingpsychologicaloremotionalconditions.Noconditionshallbedeemedamedicalemergencyifbasedonaclaimordiagnosisthatthewomanwillengageinconductwhichsheintendstoresultinherdeathorinsubstantialandirreversiblephysicalimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction;
5."Reasonablemedicaljudgment"meansamedicaljudgmentthatwouldbemadebyareasonablyprudentphysician;
6."Unbornchild"meansamemberofthespeciesHomosapiensfromfertilizationuntillivebirth;and
7."Woman"meansafemalehumanbeing,whetherornotshehasreachedtheageofmajority.
AddedbyLaws2012,SB1274,c.159,§3,eff.November1,2012. 63§1‐745.14.DutiesofAbortionProvidersA.AnyabortionproviderwhoknowinglyperformsorinducesanyabortionshallcomplywiththerequirementsoftheHeartbeatInformedConsentAct.
B.Priortoawomangivinginformedconsenttohavinganypartofanabortionperformedorinduced,ifthepregnancyisatleasteight(8)weeksafterfertilization,theabortionproviderwhoistoperformorinducetheabortionoranagentoftheabortionprovidershalltellthewomanthatitmaybepossibletomaketheembryonicorfetalheartbeatoftheunbornchildaudibleforthepregnantwomantohearandaskthewomanifshewouldliketoheartheheartbeat.Ifthewomanwouldliketoheartheheartbeat,theabortionprovidershall,usingaDopplerfetalheartratemonitor,maketheembryonicorfetalheartbeatoftheunbornchildaudibleforthepregnantwomantohear.Anabortionprovideroranagentoftheabortionprovidershallnotbeinviolationoftherequirementsofthissubsectionif:
1.Theprovideroragenthasattempted,consistentwithstandardmedicalpractice,tomaketheembryonicorfetalheartbeatoftheunbornchildaudibleforthepregnantwomantohearusingaDopplerfetalheartratemonitor;
2.Thatattemptdoesnotresultintheheartbeatbeingmadeaudible;and
3.Theproviderhasofferedtoattempttomaketheheartbeataudibleatasubsequentdate.
C.NothinginthissectionshallbeconstruedtopreventthepregnantwomanfromnotlisteningtothesoundsdetectedbytheDopplerfetal
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heartratemonitorpursuanttotherequirementsofsubsectionBofthissection.
AddedbyLaws2012,SB1274,c.159,§4,eff.November1,2012. 63§1‐745.15.Exceptions‐AvertingMother'sDeath‐MedicalEmergencies
A.TheprovisionsofSection4ofthisactshallnotapplytoanabortionproviderinthecasethattheabortionisnecessarytoavertthemother'sdeathorinthecaseofamedicalemergency.
B.UponadeterminationbyanabortionproviderundersubsectionAofthissectionthatanabortionisnecessarytoavertthedeathofthemotherorthatthereisamedicalemergency,suchprovidershallcertifythespecificmedicalconditionsthatsupportsuchdeterminationandincludesuchcertificationinthemedicalfileofthepregnantwoman.
C.AnabortionproviderwhoknowinglyorrecklesslyfalsifiesacertificationmadepursuanttosubsectionBofthissectionshallbedeemedtohaveknowinglyorrecklesslyfailedtocomplywiththisactforpurposesofSection6ofthisact.
AddedbyLaws2012,SB1274,c.159,§5,eff.November1,2012. 63§1‐745.16.IntentionalorRecklessViolationsofAct–Misdemeanor–CivilAction–Remedies
A.AnypersonwhointentionallyorrecklesslyperformsorinducesanabortioninviolationoftheHeartbeatInformedConsentActshallbeguiltyofamisdemeanor.Nopenaltyshallbeassessedagainstthewomanuponwhomtheabortionisperformedorinducedorattemptedtobeperformedorinduced.
B.Anywomanuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedorinducedinviolationofthisact,orthefatheroftheunbornchildwhowasthesubjectofsuchanabortion,maymaintainanactionagainstthepersonwhoperformedorinducedtheabortioninintentionalorrecklessviolationofthisactforactualandpunitivedamages.Anywomanuponwhomanabortionhasbeenattemptedinviolationofthisactmaymaintainanactionagainstthepersonwhoattemptedtoperformorinducetheabortioninanintentionalorrecklessviolationofthisactforactualandpunitivedamages.
C.Acauseofactionforinjunctivereliefagainstanypersonwhohasintentionallyorrecklesslyviolatedthisactmaybemaintainedbythewomanuponwhomanabortionwasperformedorinducedinviolationofthisact;byanypersonwhoisthespouse,parent,sibling,orguardianof,oracurrentorformerlicensedhealthcareproviderof,thewomanuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedorinducedinviolationofthisact;byadistrictattorneywithappropriatejurisdiction;orbytheAttorneyGeneral.Theinjunctionshallpreventtheabortionproviderfromperformingorinducingfurtherabortionsinviolationofthisactinthestate.
D.Ifjudgmentisrenderedinfavoroftheplaintiffinanactiondescribedinthissection,thecourtshallalsorenderjudgmentforareasonableattorneyfeeinfavoroftheplaintiffagainstthedefendant.
E.Ifjudgmentisrenderedinfavorofthedefendantandthecourtfindsthattheplaintiff'ssuitwasfrivolousandbroughtinbadfaith,thecourtshallalsorenderjudgmentforareasonableattorneyfeeinfavorofthedefendantagainsttheplaintiff.
F.NodamagesorattorneyfeemaybeassessedagainstthewomanuponwhomanabortionwasperformedorattemptedtobeperformedorinducedexceptinaccordancewithsubsectionEofthissection.
AddedbyLaws2012,SB1274,c.159,§6,eff.November1,2012. 63§1‐745.17.AnonymityofWoman
IneverycivilorcriminalproceedingoractionbroughtundertheHeartbeatInformedConsentAct,thecourtshallrulewhethertheidentityofanywomanuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedorinducedorattemptedtobeperformedorinducedshallbepreservedfrompublicdisclosureifshedoesnotgiveherconsenttosuchdisclosure.Thecourt,uponmotionorsuasponte,shallmakesucharulingand,upondeterminingthatheridentityshouldbepreservedfrompublicdisclosure,shallissueorderstotheparties,witnesses,andcounselandshalldirectthesealingoftherecordandexclusionofindividualsfromcourtroomsorhearingroomstotheextentnecessarytosafeguardheridentityfrompublicdisclosure.Suchanordershallbeaccompaniedbyspecificwrittenfindingsexplainingwhytheidentityofthewomanshouldbepreservedfrompublicdisclosure,whytheorderisessentialtothatend,howtheorderisnarrowlytailoredtoservethatinterest,andwhynoreasonable,lessrestrictivealternativeexists.Intheabsenceofwrittenconsentofthewomanuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedorinducedorattemptedtobeperformedorinduced,anyone,otherthanapublicofficial,whobringsanactionunderSection6ofthisactshalldosounderapseudonym.Thissectionshallnotbeconstruedtoconcealtheidentityoftheplaintifforofwitnessesfromthedefendantorfromattorneysforthedefendant.
AddedbyLaws2012,SB1274,c.159,§7,eff.November1,2012. 63§1‐745.18.ActDoesNotCreateorRecognizeRighttoAbortion
NothingintheHeartbeatInformedConsentActshallbeconstruedascreatingorrecognizingarighttoabortion.
AddedbyLaws2012,SB1274,c.159,§8,eff.November1,2012. 63§1‐745.19.Severability Ifanyoneormoreprovision,section,subsection,sentence,clause,phrase,orwordofthisactortheapplicationthereoftoanypersonorcircumstanceisfoundtobeunconstitutional,thesameisherebydeclaredtobeseverableandthebalanceofthisactshallremaineffectivenotwithstandingsuchunconstitutionality.TheOklahomaLegislatureherebydeclaresthatitwouldhavepassedthisact,andeachprovision,section,subsection,sentence,clause,phrase,orwordthereof,irrespectiveofthefactthatanyoneormoreprovision,section,subsection,sentence,clause,phrase,orwordbedeclaredunconstitutional.
AddedbyLaws2012,SB1274,c.159,§9,eff.November1,2012.
Abortions(cont.)63§1‐746.1.DefinitionsAsusedinthisact,theterm:1."Abortion"meanstheuseorprescriptionofanyinstrument,medicine,drug,oranyothersubstanceordeviceintentionallytoterminatethepregnancyofafemaleknowntobepregnantwithanintentionotherthantoincreasetheprobabilityofalivebirth,topreservethelifeorhealthofthechildafterlivebirth,toremoveanectopicpregnancyortoremoveadeadunbornchildwhodiedasaresultofaspontaneousabortion,accidentaltraumaoracriminalassaultonthepregnantfemaleorherunbornchild;2."Attempttoperformorinduceanabortion"meansanact,oranomissionofastatutorilyrequiredact,that,underthecircumstancesastheactorbelievesthemtobe,constitutesasubstantialstepinacourseofconductplannedtoculminateintheperformanceofanabortioninOklahomainviolationofthisact;
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3."Fetalanomalyincompatiblewithlife"meansaprofoundandirremediablecongenitalorchromosomalanomalythatisincompatiblewithsustaininglifeafterbirth.Fetalanomalyincompatiblewithlifedoesnotincludeconditionswhichcanbetreated;4."Medicalemergency"meansanyconditionwhich,onthebasisofthephysician'sgood‐faithclinicaljudgment,socomplicatesthemedicalconditionofapregnantfemaleastonecessitatetheimmediateabortionofherpregnancytoavertherdeathorforwhichadelaywillcreateseriousriskofsubstantialandirreversibleimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction;5."Perinatalhospice"meanscomprehensivesupportthatincludessupportfromthetimeofdiagnosisthroughthetimeofbirthanddeathoftheinfantandthroughthepostpartumperiod.Supportivecaremayincludematernal‐fetalmedicalspecialists,obstetricians,neonatologists,anesthesiaspecialists,psychiatrists,psychologists,orothermentalhealthprofessionals,clergy,socialworkers,andspecialtynurses;and6."Physician"meansapersonlicensedtopracticemedicineinthisstatepursuanttoSections495and633ofTitle59oftheOklahomaStatutes.
AddedbyLaws2014,HB2685,c.175,§1,eff.November1,2014.
63§1‐746.2. InformedandVoluntaryConsent‐DutytoProvideInformationtoFemaleSeekingAbortion‐CertificationofReceiptNoabortionshallbeperformedorinducedorattemptedtobeperformedorinducedwithoutthevoluntaryandinformedconsentofthefemaleuponwhomtheabortionistobeperformedorinducedorattemptedtobeperformedorinduced.Exceptinthecaseofamedicalemergency,consenttoanabortionisvoluntaryandinformedifandonlyif,atleastseventy‐two(72)hoursbeforetheabortion:1.Inthecaseofafemaleseekinganabortionofherunbornchilddiagnosedwithafetalanomalyincompatiblewithlife,thefemaleisinformed,bytelephoneorinperson,bythephysicianwhoistoperformtheabortionorthephysician'sagent:a.thatperinatalhospiceservicesareavailable,b.thisserviceisanalternativetoabortion,c.thatshehastherighttoreviewtheprintedmaterialsdescribedinthissection,d.thatthesematerialsareavailableonastate‐sponsoredwebsite,ande.whatthewebsiteaddressiswhereshecanaccessthisinformation.
Theinformationrequiredbythisparagraphmaybeprovidedbyataperecordingifprovisionismadetorecordorotherwiseregisterspecificallywhetherthefemaledoesordoesnotchoosetohavetheprintedmaterialsgivenormailedtoher;2.Thephysicianorthephysician'sagentshallorallyinformthefemalethatthematerialshavebeenprovidedbytheStateofOklahomaandthattheylisttheplaceswhichofferperinatalhospiceservicesbothinherstateandnationally.Ifthefemalechoosestoviewthematerialsotherthanonthewebsite,theyshalleitherbegiventoheratleastseventy‐two(72)hoursbeforetheabortion,orreceivedbyheratleastseventy‐two(72)hoursbeforetheabortionbycertifiedmail,restricteddeliverytoaddressee,whichmeansthepostalemployeecanonlydeliverthemailtotheaddressee;3.Thefemalecertifiesinwriting,priortotheabortion,thattheinformationdescribedinparagraphs1and2ofthissectionhasbeenfurnishedher,andthatshehasbeeninformedofheropportunitytoreviewtheinformationreferredtoinparagraph2ofthissection;and
4.Priortotheperformanceoftheabortion,thephysicianwhoistoperformtheabortionorthephysician'sagentreceivesacopyofthewrittencertificationprescribedbyparagraph3ofthissection.Thiscertificationshallbemaintainedinthefemalepatient'sfilefornotlessthanfive(5)years.
AddedbyLaws2014,HB2685,c.175,§2,eff.November1,2014;AmendedbyLaws2015,HB1409,c.255,§7,eff.November1,2015
63§1‐746.3. OnlinePublicationofInformationandMaterialsA.Withinninety(90)daysafterthisactisenacted,theStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionshallcausetobepublished,inEnglishandineachlanguagewhichistheprimarylanguageoftwopercent(2%)ormoreofthestate'spopulation,andshallcausetobeavailableonthestatewebsiteprovidedforinSection4ofthisact,thefollowingprintedmaterialsinsuchawayastoensurethattheinformationiseasilycomprehensible:geographicallyindexedmaterialsdesignedtoinformthefemalewhohasbeentoldherunbornchildhasafetalanomalyincompatiblewithlifeofpublicandprivateagenciesandservicesavailabletoherwhichofferperinatalhospiceandpalliativecareifshechoosestocontinueherpregnancy.Thematerialshallincludeacomprehensivelistoftheagenciesavailable,adescriptionoftheservicestheyoffer,andadescriptionofthemanner,includingtelephonenumbers,inwhichtheymightbecontactedor,attheoptionoftheBoard,printedmaterialsincludingatoll‐free,twenty‐four‐hour‐a‐daytelephonenumberwhichmaybecalledtoobtain,orally,suchalistanddescriptionofagenciesinthelocalityofthecallerandoftheservicestheyoffer.B.ThematerialsreferredtoinsubsectionAofthissectionshallbeprintedinatypefacelargeenoughtobeclearlylegible.ThewebsiteprovidedforinSection4ofthisactshallbemaintainedataminimumresolutionof70DPI(dotsperinch).Alllettersonthewebsiteshallbeaminimumof11‐pointfont.Allinformationshallbeaccessiblewithanindustrystandardbrowser,requiringnoadditionalplug‐ins.C.ThematerialsrequiredunderthissectionshallbeavailableatnocostfromtheBoarduponrequestandinappropriatenumbertoanyperson,facilityorhospital.
AddedbyLaws2014,HB2685,c.175,§3,eff.November1,2014.
63§1‐746.4.PublicWebsiteA.TheStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionshalldevelopandmaintainastableInternetwebsitetoprovidetheinformationdescribedunderSection2ofthisact.Noinformationregardingwhousesthewebsiteshallbecollectedormaintained.TheStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionshallmonitorthewebsiteonadailybasistopreventandcorrecttamperingandshallimmediatelynotifyabortionprovidersofanychangeinthelocationofthematerialonitswebsite.B.Thewebsite:1.Mustuseenhanced,user‐friendlysearchcapabilitiestoensurethattheinformationdescribedinSection2ofthisactiseasilyaccessibleandmustbesearchablebykeywordsandphrases,specificallytoensurethatenteringtheterms"abortion"and"fetalanomaly"yieldthematerialsdescribedinSection2ofthisact,regardlessofhowthematerialsarelabeled;2.MustensurethatthematerialsdescribedinSection2ofthisactareprintable;3.Mustgiveclearprominentinstructionsonhowtoreceivetheinformationinprintedform;and4.Mustbeaccessibletothepublicwithoutrequiringregistrationoruseofausername,apasswordoranotheruseridentification.
AddedbyLaws2014,HB2685,c.175,§4,eff.November1,2014.
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63§1‐746.5.NotificationbyPhysicianofMedicalEmergencythatCompelsPerformanceofAbortionWhenamedicalemergencycompelstheperformanceofanabortion,thephysicianshallinformthefemale,priortotheabortionifpossible,ofthemedicalindicationssupportingthephysician'sjudgmentthatanabortionisnecessarytoavertherdeathorthatatwenty‐four‐hourdelaywillcreateseriousriskofsubstantialandirreversibleimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction.
AddedbyLaws2014,HB2685,c.175,§5,eff.November1,2014.63§1‐746.6.ReportingbyPhysicians‐FormsA.Withinninety(90)daysafterthisactisenacted,theStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionshallprepareareportingformforphysicianscontainingareprintofthisactandlisting:1.Thenumberoffemalestowhomthephysicianoranagentofthephysicianprovidedtheinformationdescribedinparagraph1ofSection2ofthisact;ofthatnumber,thenumberprovidedbytelephoneandthenumberprovidedinperson;ofeachofthosenumbers,thenumberprovidedinthecapacityofareferringphysicianandthenumberprovidedinthecapacityofaphysicianwhoistoperformtheabortion;andofeachofthosenumbers,thenumberprovidedbythephysicianandthenumberprovidedbyanagentofthephysician;2.ThenumberoffemaleswhoavailedthemselvesoftheopportunitytoobtainacopyoftheprintedinformationdescribedinSection3ofthisactotherthanonthewebsite,andthenumberwhodidnot;andofeachofthosenumbers,thenumberwho,tothebestofthereportingphysician'sinformationandbelief,wentontoobtaintheabortion;and3.Thenumberofabortionsperformedbythephysicianinwhichinformationotherwiserequiredtobeprovidedatleastseventy‐two(72)hoursbeforetheabortionwasnotsoprovidedbecauseanimmediateabortionwasnecessarytoavertthefemale'sdeath,andthenumberofabortionsinwhichsuchinformationwasnotsoprovidedbecauseadelaywouldcreateseriousriskofsubstantialandirreversibleimpairmentofamajorbodilyfunction.
B.TheBoardshallensurethatcopiesofthereportingformsdescribedinsubsectionAofthissectionareprovided:1.Withinonehundredtwenty(120)daysafterthisactisenacted,toallphysicianslicensedtopracticeinthisstate;2.Toeachphysicianwhosubsequentlybecomesnewlylicensedtopracticeinthisstate,atthesametimeasofficialnotificationtothatphysicianthatthephysicianissolicensed;and3.ByDecember1ofeachyear,otherthanthecalendaryearinwhichformsaredistributedinaccordancewithparagraph1ofthissubsection,toallphysicianslicensedtopracticeinthisstate.
C.ByFebruary28ofeachyearfollowingacalendaryearinanypartofwhichthisactwasineffect,eachphysicianwhoprovided,orwhoseagentprovided,informationtooneormorefemalesinaccordancewithSection2ofthisactduringthepreviouscalendaryearshallsubmittotheBoardacopyoftheformdescribedinsubsectionAofthissection,withtherequesteddataenteredaccuratelyandcompletely.D.Reportsthatarenotsubmittedbytheendofagraceperiodofthirty(30)daysfollowingtheduedateshallbesubjecttoalatefeeofFiveHundredDollars($500.00)foreachadditionalthirty‐dayperiodorportionofathirty‐dayperiodtheyareoverdue.Anyphysicianrequiredtoreportinaccordancewiththissectionwhohasnotsubmittedareport,orhassubmittedonlyanincompletereport,morethanone(1)yearfollowingtheduedate,may,inanactionbroughtbytheBoard,bedirectedbyacourtofcompetentjurisdictiontosubmitacompletereport
withinaperiodstatedbycourtorderorbesubjecttosanctionsforcivilcontempt.E.ByJune30ofeachyeartheStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionshallissueapublicreportprovidingstatisticsforthepreviouscalendaryearcompiledfromallofthereportscoveringthatyearsubmittedinaccordancewiththissectionforeachoftheitemslistedinsubsectionAofthissection.Eachsuchreportshallalsoprovidethestatisticsforallpreviouscalendaryears,adjustedtoreflectanyadditionalinformationfromlateorcorrectedreports.TheBoardshalltakecaretoensurethatnoneoftheinformationincludedinthepublicreportscouldreasonablyleadtotheidentificationofanyindividualprovidedinformationinaccordancewithparagraph1ofSection2ofthisact.F.TheBoardmaybyrulealterthedatesestablishedbyparagraph3ofsubsectionBorsubsectionCorEofthissectionorconsolidatetheformsorreportsdescribedinthissectionwithotherformsorreportstoachieveadministrativeconvenienceorfiscalsavingsortoreducetheburdenofreportingrequirements,solongasreportingformsaresenttoalllicensedphysiciansinthestateatleastonceeveryyearandthereportdescribedinsubsectionEofthissectionisissuedatleastonceeveryyear.
AddedbyLaws2014,HB2685,c.175,§6,eff.November1,2014;
AmendedbyLaws2015,HB1409,c.255,§8,eff.November1,2015.63§1‐746.7.PenaltiesforViolationsofActAnypersonwhoknowinglyorrecklesslyperformsorattemptstoperformanabortioninviolationofthisactshallbeguiltyofafelony.Nopenaltymaybeassessedagainstthefemaleuponwhomtheabortionisperformedorattemptedtobeperformed.Nopenaltyorcivilliabilitymaybeassessedforfailuretocomplywithparagraph1or2ofSection2ofthisactorthatportionofparagraph3ofSection2ofthisactrequiringawrittencertificationthatthefemalehasbeeninformedofheropportunitytoreviewtheinformationreferredtoinparagraph1ofSection2ofthisactunlesstheBoardhasmadetheprintedmaterialsavailableatthetimethephysicianorthephysician'sagentisrequiredtoinformthefemaleofherrighttoreviewthem.
AddedbyLaws2014,HB2685,c.175,§7,eff.November1,2014.63§1‐746.8. CivilActionbyFemale,Father,orGrandparentFollowingUnlawfulAbortionAnypersonuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedorinducedwithoutthisactbeingcompliedwith,thefatheroftheunbornchildwhowasthesubjectofsuchanabortion,orthegrandparentofsuchanunbornchildmaymaintainanactionpursuanttoSections1‐738.3fthrough1‐738.3kofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesagainstanypersonorentitywhichperformedorinducedorattemptedtoperformorinducetheabortioninviolationofthisact,oragainstanypersonorentitywhichmadeareferralasdefinedinSections1‐738.3fthrough1‐738.3kofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesregardingthisparticularabortion.TheprocedureandremedyinacivilactionbroughtpursuanttothissectionshallbethesameastheprocedureandremedyinothersuitsbroughtpursuanttoSections1‐738.3fthrough1‐738.3kofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes.
AddedbyLaws2014,HB2685,c.175,§8,eff.November1,2014.63§1‐746.9.CriminalandCivilActions‐CourttoRuleonAnonymityofFemaleUponWhomAbortionPerformedIneverycivilorcriminalproceedingoractionbroughtunderthisact,thecourtshallrulewhethertheanonymityofanyfemaleuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedorattemptedshallbepreservedfrompublicdisclosureifshedoesnotgiveherconsenttosuchdisclosure.Thecourt,uponmotionorsuasponte,shallmakesucharulingand,upondeterminingthatheranonymityshouldbepreserved,shallissueorderstotheparties,witnesses,andcounselandshalldirectthesealingoftherecordandexclusionofindividualsfromcourtroomsorhearingroomsto
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theextentnecessarytosafeguardheridentityfrompublicdisclosure.Eachsuchordershallbeaccompaniedbyspecificwrittenfindingsexplainingwhytheanonymityofthefemaleshouldbepreservedfrompublicdisclosure,whytheorderisessentialtothatend,howtheorderisnarrowlytailoredtoservethatinterest,andwhynoreasonableless‐restrictivealternativeexists.Intheabsenceofwrittenconsentofthefemaleuponwhomanabortionhasbeenperformedorattempted,anyone,otherthanapublicofficial,whobringsanactionunderSection8ofthisactshalldosounderapseudonym.Thissectionmaynotbeconstruedtoconcealtheidentityoftheplaintifforofwitnessesfromthedefendant.
AddedbyLaws2014,HB2685,c.175,§9,eff.November1,2014.63§1‐746.10.SeverabilityIfanyoneormoreprovision,section,subsection,sentence,clause,phraseorwordofthisactortheapplicationthereoftoanypersonorcircumstanceisfoundtobeunconstitutional,thesameisherebydeclaredtobeseverableandthebalanceofthisactshallremaineffectivenotwithstandingsuchunconstitutionality.TheLegislatureherebydeclaresthatitwouldhavepassedthisact,andeachprovision,section,subsection,sentence,clause,phraseorwordthereof,irrespectiveofthefactthatanyoneormoreprovision,section,subsection,sentence,clause,phraseorwordbedeclaredunconstitutional.
AddedbyLaws2014,HB2685,c.175,§10,eff.November1,2014.
PrioritizationofPublicFundinginthePurchasingofFamilyPlanningandCounselingServicesAct63§1‐747.1.ShortTitleThisactshallbeknownasthe"PrioritizationofPublicFundinginthePurchasingofFamilyPlanningandCounselingServicesAct".
AddedbyLaws2013,SB900,c.385,§1,eff.November1,2013.
63§1‐747.2.Definitions
AsusedinthePrioritizationofPublicFundinginthePurchasingofFamilyPlanningandCounselingServicesAct:
1."Publicfunds"meansstatefundsfromwhateversource,includingwithoutlimitationstategeneralrevenuefunds,statespecialaccountandlimitedpurposegrantsand/orloans,andfederalfundsprovidedunderTitleV(42U.S.C.,Section701etseq.),TitleX(42U.S.C.,Section300etseq.),TitleXIX(42U.S.C.,Section1396etseq.),TitleXX(42U.S.C.,Section1397etseq.)andTitleX(42U.S.C.,Section1786etseq.);
2."Federallyqualifiedhealthcenter"meansahealthcareproviderthatiseligibleforfederalfundingunder42U.S.C.,Section1396d(1)(2)(B);
3."Ruralhealthclinic"meansahealthcareproviderthatiseligibleforfederalfundingunder42U.S.C.,Section1395x(aa)(2);
4."Hospital"meansaprimaryortertiarycarefacilitylicensedasahospitalunderthelawsofthisstate;and
5."Department"meanstheOklahomaHealthCareAuthorityortheStateDepartmentofHealth.
AddedbyLaws2013,SB900,c.385,§2,eff.November1,2013.
63§1‐747.3.PriorityofFunding
Subjecttoanyapplicablerequirementsoffederalstatutes,rules,regulationsorguidelines,anyexpendituresorgrantsofpublicfundsforfamilyplanningorcounselingservicesbytheStateofOklahoma,byandthroughtheDepartmentshallbemadeinthefollowingorderofpriority:
1.Topublicentities;
2.Tononpublichospitals,federallyqualifiedhealthcenters,andruralhealthclinics;and
3.Tononpublichealthprovidersthathaveastheirprimarypurposetheprovisionoftheprimaryhealthcareservicesenumeratedin42U.S.C.,Section254b(a)(1).
AddedbyLaws2013,SB900,c.385,§3,eff.November1,2013.
63§1‐747.4. CauseofActionforIntentionalViolationsAcauseofactioninlaworequityforrecoupment,declaratoryorinjunctivereliefagainstanypersonwhohasintentionallyviolatedthePrioritizationofPublicFundinginthePurchasingofFamilyPlanningandCounselingServicesActmaybemaintainedbyadistrictattorneywithappropriatejurisdiction,orbytheAttorneyGeneral.
AddedbyLaws2013,SB900,c.385,§4,eff.November1,2013.
63§1‐747.5.SeverabilityIfanyoneormoreprovisions,sections,subsections,sentences,clauses,phrasesorwordsofthisactortheapplicationthereoftoanypersonorcircumstanceisfoundtobeunconstitutional,thesameisherebydeclaredtobeseverableandthebalanceofthePrioritizationofPublicFundinginthePurchasingofFamilyPlanningandCounselingServicesActshallremaineffectivenotwithstandingsuchunconstitutionality.TheLegislatureherebydeclaresthatitwouldhavepassedthisact,andeachprovision,section,subsection,sentence,clause,phraseorwordthereof,irrespectiveofthefactthatanyoneormoreprovisions,sections,subsections,sentences,clauses,phrasesorwordsoftheact,ortheapplicationoftheact,wouldbedeclaredunconstitutional.
AddedbyLaws2013,SB900,c.385,§5,eff.November1,2013.
AbortionProcedureStandards63§1‐748. EstablishmentofStandardsforAbortionFacilitySuppliesandEquipment‐PresenceofPhysicianwithAdmittingPrivileges‐TrainingofAssistants‐PatientScreeningandEvaluation‐AbortionProcedureandPostProcedureFollow‐upCare‐RecordsandReports‐PenaltiesforViolationsA.TheStateBoardofHealthshallestablishabortionfacilitysuppliesandequipmentstandards,includingequipmentrequiredtobeimmediatelyavailableforuseinanemergency.Suchstandardsshall,ataminimum:1.Specifyrequiredequipmentandsupplies,includingmedications,requiredfortheperformanceofabortionproceduresandformonitoringtheprogressofeachpatientthroughouttheabortionprocedureandpost‐procedurerecoveryperiod;2.Requirethatthenumberoramountofequipmentandsuppliesatthefacilityisadequateatalltimestoassuresufficientquantitiesofcleanandsterilizeddurableequipmentandsuppliestomeettheneedsofeachpatient;
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3.Specifythemandatedequipmentandsuppliesforrequiredlaboratorytestsandtherequirementsforprotocolstocalibrateandmaintainlaboratoryequipmentattheabortionfacilityoroperatedbyfacilitystaff;4.Requireultrasoundequipmentinallabortionfacilities;and5.Requirethatallequipmentissafeforthepatientandfacilitystaff,meetsapplicablefederalstandards,andischeckedannuallytoensuresafetyandappropriatecalibration.
B.Onanydaywhenanyabortionisperformedinafacilityprovidingabortions,aphysicianwithadmittingprivilegesatageneralmedicalsurgicalhospitalwhichoffersobstetricalorgynecologicalcareinthisstatewithinthirty(30)milesofwheretheabortionisbeingperformedmustremainonthepremisesofthefacilitytofacilitatethetransferofemergencycasesifhospitalizationofanabortionpatientorachildbornaliveisnecessaryanduntilallabortionpatientsarestableandreadytoleavetherecoveryroom.C.TheStateBoardofHealthshalladoptstandardsrelatingtothetrainingphysicianassistantslicensedpursuanttotheprovisionsofSection519.1ofTitle59oftheOklahomaStatutesandemployedbyorprovidingservicesinafacilityprovidingabortionsshallreceiveincounseling,patientadvocacy,andthespecificmedicalandotherservices.D.TheStateBoardofHealthshalladoptstandardsrelatedtothetrainingthatvolunteersatfacilitiesprovidingabortionsshallreceiveinthespecificservicesthatthevolunteersprovide,includingcounselingandpatientadvocacy.E.TheStateBoardofHealthshalladoptstandardsrelatedtothemedicalscreeningandevaluationofeachabortionpatient.Atminimumthesestandardsshallrequire:1.Amedicalhistory,includingthefollowing:a.reportedallergiestomedications,antisepticsolutions,andlatex,b.obstetricandgynecologicalhistory,c.pastsurgeries,andd.medicationthepatientiscurrentlytaking;
2.Aphysicalexamination,includingabimanualexaminationestimatinguterinesizeandpalpationoftheadnexa;and3.Theappropriatepreproceduretesting,including:a.urineorbloodtestsforpregnancy,iforderedbyaphysician,b.atestforanemia,c.Rhtyping,unlessreliablewrittendocumentationofbloodtypeisavailable,andd.anultrasoundevaluationforallpatientswhoelecttohaveanabortion.Thephysicianperformingtheabortionisresponsibleforestimatingthegestationalageoftheunbornchildbasedontheultrasoundexaminationandestablishedstandardsofobstetricalcareandshallwritetheestimateinthepatient'smedicalrecord.Anoriginalprintofeachultrasoundexaminationofthepatientshallbekeptinthepatient'smedicalrecord.
F.TheStateBoardofHealthshalladoptstandardsrelatedtotheperformanceoftheabortionprocedureandpost‐procedurefollow‐upcare.Atminimumthesestandardsshallrequire:1.Thatmedicalpersonnelareavailabletoallabortionpatientsthroughouttheprocedure;
2.Theappropriateuseoflocalanesthesia,analgesia,andsedationiforderedbythephysicianperformingtheprocedure;3.Theuseofappropriateprecautions,suchastheestablishmentofintravenousaccess;4.Thatthephysicianperformingtheabortionproceduremonitorsthepatient'svitalsignsandotherdefinedsignsandmarkersofthepatient'sstatusthroughouttheprocedureandduringtherecoveryperioduntilthepatient'sconditionisdeemedtobestableintherecoveryroom;5.Immediatepost‐procedurecareandobservationinasupervisedrecoveryroomforaslongasthepatient'sconditionwarrants;6.Thatthefacilityinwhichtheabortionprocedureisperformedarrangesforapatient'shospitalizationifanycomplicationbeyondthemanagementcapabilityoftheabortionfacility'smedicalstaffoccursorissuspected;7.Thatalicensedhealth‐careprofessionaltrainedinthemanagementoftherecoveryroomandcapableofprovidingcardiopulmonaryresuscitationactivelymonitorspatientsintherecoveryroom;8.Thatthereisaspecifiedminimumtimethatapatientremainsintherecoveryroombytypeofabortionprocedureanddurationofgestation;9.ThataphysiciandiscussesRhO(D)immuneglobulinwitheachpatientforwhomitisindicatedandassuresitisofferedtothepatientintheimmediatepost‐operativeperiodorthatitwillbeavailabletoherwithinseventy‐two(72)hoursaftercompletionoftheabortionprocedure.Ifthepatientrefuses,arefusalformapprovedbytheStateBoardofHealthshallbesignedbythepatientandawitnessandincludedinthemedicalrecord;10.Writteninstructionswithregardtopost‐abortioncoitus,signsofpossiblecomplications,andgeneralaftercarearegiventoeachpatient.Eachpatientshallhavespecificinstructionsregardingaccesstomedicalcareforcomplications,includingatelephonenumbertocallformedicalemergencies;11.Thatthephysicianensuresthatalicensedhealth‐careprofessionalfromtheabortionfacilitymakesagoodfaithefforttocontactthepatientbyphone,withthepatient'sconsent,withintwenty‐four(24)hoursafterproceduretoassessthepatient'srecovery;12.Equipmentandservicesarelocatedintherecoveryroomtoprovideappropriateemergencyandresuscitativelife‐supportprocedurespendingthetransferofthepatientorachildbornaliveinthefacility;13.Thatapost‐abortionmedicalvisitshallbeofferedtoeachabortionpatientand,ifrequested,scheduledfortwo(2)tothree(3)weeksaftertheabortionprocedureandshallincludeamedicalexaminationandareviewoftheresultsofalllaboratorytests;and14.Thataurineorbloodtestshallbeobtainedatthetimeofthefollow‐upvisittoruleoutcontinuedpregnancy.Ifacontinuingpregnancyissuspected,thepatientshallbeappropriatelyevaluated;andaphysicianwhoperformsabortionsshallbeconsulted.
G.Facilitiesperformingabortionsshallrecordeachincidentresultinginapatient'soraborn‐alivechild'sinjuryoccurringatthefacilityandshallreportincidentsinwritingtotheStateBoardofHealthwithinten(10)daysoftheincident.Forthepurposesofthissubsection,"injury"shallmeananinjurythatoccursatthefacilityandcreatesaseriousriskofsubstantialimpairmentofamajorbodyorganorfunction.H.Ifapatient'sdeathoccurs,otherthanthedeathofanunbornchildproperlyreportedpursuanttolaw,thefacilityperformingabortionsshall
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reportthedeathtotheStateBoardofHealthnolaterthanthenextbusinessday.I.IncidentreportsshallbefiledwiththeStateBoardofHealthandallappropriateprofessionallicensingandregulatoryboards,including,butnotlimitedto,theStateBoardofMedicalLicensureandSupervisionandtheOklahomaBoardofNursing.J.Whoeveroperatesafacilityperformingabortionswithoutavalidlicenseshallbeguiltyofafelony.Anypersonwhointentionally,knowingly,orrecklesslyviolatestheprovisionsofthisactoranystandardsadoptedbytheStateBoardofHealthinaccordancewiththisactshallbeguiltyofafelony.K.AnyviolationofthisactoranystandardsadoptedunderthisactmaybesubjecttoacivilpenaltyorfineuptoTwenty‐fiveThousandDollars($25,000.00)imposedbytheStateBoardofHealth.Eachdayofviolationconstitutesaseparateviolationforpurposesofassessingcivilpenaltiesorfines.Indecidingwhetherandtowhatextenttoimposecivilpenaltiesorfines,theStateBoardofHealthshallconsiderthefollowingfactors:1.Gravityoftheviolation,includingtheprobabilitythatdeathorseriousphysicalharmtoapatientorindividualwillresultorhasresulted;2.Sizeofthepopulationatriskasaconsequenceoftheviolation;3.Severityandscopeoftheactualorpotentialharm;4.Extenttowhichtheprovisionsoftheapplicablestatutesorregulationswereviolated;5.Anyindicationsofgoodfaithexercisedbyfacility;6.Theduration,frequency,andrelevanceofanypreviousviolationscommittedbythefacility;and7.Financialbenefittothefacilityofcommittingorcontinuingtheviolation.
L.Inadditiontoanyotherpenaltyprovidedbylaw,wheneverinthejudgmentoftheStateCommissionerofHealthanypersonhasengaged,orisabouttoengage,inanyactsorpracticeswhichconstitute,orwillconstitute,aviolationofthisact,oranystandardadoptedinaccordancewiththisact,theCommissionershallmakeapplicationtoanycourtofcompetentjurisdictionforanorderenjoiningsuchactsandpractices.UponashowingbytheCommissionerthatsuchpersonhasengaged,orisabouttoengage,inanysuchactsorpractices,aninjunction,restrainingorder,orsuchotherorderasmaybeappropriateshallbegrantedbysuchcourtwithoutbond.
AddedbyLaws2014,SB1848,c.370,§1,eff.November1,2014.
63§1‐749. AbortiononMinorLessThanFourteenYearsofAgeA.Anyphysicianwhoperformsanabortiononaminorwhoislessthanfourteen(14)yearsofageatthetimeoftheabortionshallpreserve,inaccordancewithrulespromulgatedbytheOklahomaStateBureauofInvestigation,fetaltissueextractedduringsuchabortion.ThephysicianshallsubmitthetissuetotheOklahomaStateBureauofInvestigation.B.TheOklahomaStateBureauofInvestigationshalladoptrulestoimplementtheprovisionsofthissection.Suchrulesshallcontain,ataminimum:1.Theamountandtypeoffetaltissuetobepreservedandsubmittedbyaphysicianpursuanttotheprovisionsofthissection;2.ProceduresfortheproperpreservationofsuchtissueforthepurposesofDNAtestingandexamination;
3.Proceduresfordocumentingthechainofcustodyofsuchtissueforuseasevidence;4.Proceduresfortheproperdisposaloffetaltissuepreservedpursuanttothissection;5.Auniformreportingformmandatedtobeutilizedbyphysicianswhensubmittingfetaltissueunderthissection,whichshallincludethenameandaddressofthephysiciansubmittingthefetaltissueandthenameandcompleteaddressofresidenceoftheparentorlegalguardianoftheminoruponwhomtheabortionwasperformed;and6.Proceduresforcommunicationwithlawenforcementregardingevidenceandinformationobtainedpursuanttothissection.
C.Failureofaphysiciantocomplywithanyrequirementofthissectionoranyruleadoptedthereunder:1.ShallconstituteunprofessionalconductpursuanttotheprovisionsofSection509ofTitle59oftheOklahomaStatutes;and2.Isafelony.
AddedbyLaws2015,SB642,c.387,§2,eff.November1,2015.
63§1‐749.1. InspectionsandInvestigationsofFacilities‐Complaints‐Denial,Suspension,orRevocationofLicenseA.TheStateBoardofHealthshallestablishpoliciesandproceduresforconductingpre‐licensureandre‐licensureinspectionsofabortionfacilities.Priortoissuingorreissuingalicense,theDepartmentshallconductanon‐siteinspectiontoensurecompliancewiththerulespromulgatedbytheBoard.B.TheBoardshallpromulgaterulesforconductinginspectionsandinvestigationspursuanttocomplaintsreceivedbytheStateDepartmentofHealthandmadeagainstanyabortionfacility.TheDepartmentshallreceive,record,anddisposeofcomplaintsinaccordancewithestablishedpoliciesandprocedures.C.IftheStateCommissionerofHealthdeterminesthatthereisreasonablecausetobelievealicensee,licensedabortionfacilityorabortionfacilitythatisrequiredtobelicensedinthisstateisnotadheringtotherequirementsofSection1‐729aetseq.ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes,localfireordinancesorrulesoranyotherlaw,administrativeruleorregulationrelatingtoabortion,theCommissionerandanydulydesignatedemployeeoragentoftheCommissionerincludingemployeesofcountyorcity‐countyhealthdepartmentsandcountyormunicipalfireinspectors,consistentwithstandardmedicalpractices,mayenteronandintothepremisesofthelicensee,licensedabortionfacilityorabortionfacilitythatisrequiredtobelicensedinthisstateduringregularbusinesshoursofthelicenseeorabortionfacilitytodeterminecompliancewiththeprovisionsofSection1‐729aetseq.ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes,localfireordinancesorrules,andanyotherlaw,administrativeruleorregulationrelatingtoabortion.D.Anapplicationforalicensetooperateaprivateoffice,freestandingoutpatientclinicorotherfacilityorclinicinwhichabortionsareperformedconstitutespermissionfor,andcompleteacquiescencein,anentryorinspectionofthepremisesduringthependencyoftheapplicationand,iflicensed,duringthetermofthelicense.E.Ifaninspectionorinvestigationconductedpursuanttothissectionrevealsthatanapplicant,licenseeorlicensedabortionfacilityisnotadheringtotherequirementsofthissection,theprovisionsofTitle1‐729aetseq.ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes,localfireordinancesorrulesandanyotherlaw,administrativeruleorregulationrelatingtoabortion,theCommissionermaytakeactiontodeny,suspend,revokeorrefusetorenewalicensetooperateanabortionfacility.
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AddedbyLaws2015,SB642,c.387,§3,eff.November1,2015.
63§1‐750. CriminalandCivilPenaltiesforViolationsA.Apersonwhointentionally,knowinglyorrecklesslyviolatesanyprovisionorrequirementofthisact,Section1‐729aetseq.ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesoranyruleorregulationadoptedunderSection1‐729aetseq.ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesisguiltyofafelony.B.Nocriminalpenaltymaybeassessedagainstthepregnantwomanuponwhomtheabortionisperformedforaviolationofanyprovisionorrequirementofthisact,Section1‐729aetseq.ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesoranyruleorregulationadoptedunderSection1‐729aetseq.ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutes.C.Anyviolationofthisact,Section1‐729aetseq.ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesoranyruleorregulationadoptedunderSection1‐729aetseq.ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesmaybesubjecttoacivilpenaltyorafineuptoOneHundredThousandDollars($100,000.00).D.Eachdayofviolationshallconstituteaseparateviolationforpurposesofassessingcivilpenaltiesorfines.E.Indecidingwhetherandtowhatextenttoimposefines,acourtshallconsiderthe:1.Gravityoftheviolationorviolationsincludingtheprobabilitythatdeathorseriousphysicalharmtoapatientorindividualwillresultorhasresulted;2.Sizeofthepopulationatriskasaconsequenceoftheviolationorviolations;3.Severityandscopeoftheactualorpotentialharm;4.Extenttowhichtheprovisionsoftheapplicablestatutesorregulationswereviolated;5.Indicationsofgoodfaithexercisedbythelicensee,abortionfacilityorthepersonperformingtheabortion;6.Duration,frequency,andrelevanceofanypreviousviolationscommittedbythelicensee,abortionfacilityorpersonperformingtheabortion;and7.Financialbenefittotheabortionfacilityorpersonperformingtheabortionfromcommittingorcontinuingtheviolationorviolations.
F.TheOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneralandadistrictattorneyforthecountyinwhichtheviolationorviolationsoccurredmayinstitutealegalactiontoenforcecollectionofcivilpenaltiesorfines.G.Anypersonwhoviolatesthisact,Section1‐729aetseq.ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesoranyruleorregulationadoptedunderSection1‐729aetseq.ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesshallbecivillyliabletothepersonorpersonsadverselyaffectedbytheviolationorviolations.Acourtmayawarddamagestothepersonorpersonsadverselyaffectedbyanyviolationofthisact,Section1‐729aetseq.ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesoranyruleorregulationadoptedunderSection1‐729aetseq.ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesincludingcompensationforemotional,physical,andpsychologicalharm;attorneyfees,litigationcosts,andpunitivedamages.H.Theprovisionsofthisactareseverable,andifanypartorprovisionshallbeheldvoid,thedecisionofthecourtsoholdingshallnotaffectorimpairanyoftheremainingpartsorprovisionsofthisact.I.Ifsomeorallofthenewlyamendedprovisionsofthisactresultingfromtheactionstakenbythe2015SessionoftheOklahomaLegislatureareevertemporarilyorpermanentlyrestrainedorenjoinedbyjudicialorder,
thisactshallbeenforcedasthoughsuchrestrainedorenjoinedprovisionshadnotbeenadopted;provided,however,thatwheneversuchtemporaryorpermanentrestrainingorderorinjunctionisstayedordissolved,orotherwiseceasestohaveeffect,suchprovisionsshallhavefullforceandeffect.J.TheOklahomaStateBureauofInvestigationandtheStateBoardofHealthshallpromulgaterulestoimplementtheprovisionsofthisact.
AddedbyLaws2015,SB642,c.387,§4,eff.November1,2015.
63§1‐751.ShortTitleThisactshallbeknownandmaybecitedasthe"HumanityoftheUnbornChildAct".
AddedbyLaws2016,HB2797,c.353,§1,eff.November1,2016.
63§1‐752.StateDepartmentofHealthtoMaintainWebsiteandSignage‐InformationAboutAssistanceforPregnantWomenA.UtilizingfundsappropriatedtotheHealthDepartmentspecificallyfortheprovisionsofthisact,theStateDepartmentofHealthshalldevelop,updateannuallyandmaintainanelectronicformcontaininginformationconcerningpublicandprivateagenciesandservicesavailabletoassistawomanthroughpregnancy,uponchildbirthandwhilethechildisdependent,whichshallincludeacomprehensivelistoftheagenciesavailable,includingadoptionagencies,adescriptionoftheservicestheyofferandadescriptionofthemanner,includingtelephonenumbersandemailaddresses,bywhichtheymightbecontacted.TheDepartmentshallindexthisformgeographicallyandshallmakeitreadilyaccessibleontheDepartment'swebsite.Thewebsiteshallincludethefollowingstatement:"Therearemanypublicandprivateagencieswillingandabletohelpyoucarryyourchildtoterm,haveahealthypregnancyandahealthybabyandassistyouandyourchildafteryourchildisborn,whetheryouchoosetokeepyourchildortoplacehimorherforadoption.TheStateofOklahomastronglyurgesyoutocontactthemifyouarepregnant."B.ThestatementrequiredbysubsectionAofthissectionandauniqueURLlinkedtothesectionoftheDepartment'sInternetwebsitecontainingtheinformationrequiredbysubsectionAofthissectionshallbemadeavailableinadownloadableformatappropriatefordisplay.C.TheDepartmentshalluseitsofficial,onlinesocialmediaplatformstopromotetheuniqueURLspecifiedinsubsectionBofthissection.D.TheStateBoardofHealthshallpromulgaterulestoimplementtheprovisionsofthissection.
AddedbyLaws2016,HB2797,c.353,§2,eff.November1,2016;AmendedbyLaws2017,SB30,c.123,§2,emerg.eff.July1,2017
63§1‐753.DistributionofInformationandMaterialsConcerningNatureofandAlternativestoAbortionContingentontheavailabilityoffundsbeingappropriatedbytheLegislaturespecificallyforthispurpose,theStateDepartmentofHealthshall:1.Developandmakeavailablematerialsdesignedtoprovideaccurate,scientificallyverifiableinformationconcerningtheprobableanatomicalandphysiologicalcharacteristicsoftheunbornchildattwo‐weekgestationalintervals.TheDepartmentmayutilizeasaresourcethematerialdealingwithcharacteristicsoftheunbornchildcreatedpursuanttoSection1‐738.3ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesandaslocatedonthewebsitewww.awomansright.orgunderthelink"CharacteristicsoftheUnbornChild";2.Developanddistributeeducationalandinformationalmaterialstoprovidepublicinformationthroughpublicserviceannouncements,mediaandotherwiseforthepurposeofachievinganabortion‐freesociety.Suchmaterialsshallbedevelopedfromthemostreadilyavailable,accurate
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andup‐to‐dateinformationandshallclearlyandconsistentlyteachthatabortionkillsalivinghumanbeing.AlleffortsbytheDepartmentinthisregardshallbereportedannuallytotheChairandViceChairoftheSenateHealthandHumanServicesCommitteeandtheHousePublicHealthCommittee;3.Providetechnicalassistancetohelpcommunity‐basedorganizationsintheplanningandimplementationofabortionprevention,alternativestoabortionreferralandeducationprogramsregardingthehumanityoftheunbornchild;4.Provideoutreach,consultation,trainingandalternativestoabortionreferralservicestoschools,organizationsandmembersofthecommunity;5.Distributeeducationalandinformationalmaterialconcerningmaternalbehaviorduringpregnancywhichishelpfultoahumanchildinutero,includingavoidanceoftobacco,alcoholandotherdrugs;propernutritionandprenatalvitamins;andutilizationofandresourcesavailableforprenatalmedicalandwellnesscare;and6.RecommendtotheStateDepartmentofEducationscientificallyverifiableinformationconcerningtheunbornchildintheeducationalstandardsofscience,familyandconsumersciencesandhealthclasses.
AddedbyLaws2016,HB2797,c.353,§3,eff.November1,2016.
63§1‐754.InstructionalProgramforStudentsConsistentwiththeProvisionsoftheHumanityoftheUnbornChildActContingentontheavailabilityoffundsbeingappropriatedbytheLegislaturespecificallyforthispurposeandpursuanttoSection5ofthisact,theStateDepartmentofEducation,incollaborationwiththeStateDepartmentofHealth,shallestablishaninstructionalprogramforstudentsconsistentwiththeprovisionsoftheHumanityoftheUnbornChildAct.LocalschoolboardsmaychoosetoimplementtheinstructionalprogramestablishedbytheStateDepartmentofHealthandtheStateDepartmentofEducationconsistentwiththeprovisionsoftheHumanityoftheUnbornChildAct.Forschooldistrictschoosingtoimplementtheinstructionalprogram,thecontentofinstructionusedbylocalschoolstoteachthehumanityoftheunbornchildshallbeatthediscretionofthelocalschoolboard;provided,theinstructionalprogramshall:1.Provideaccurate,scientificallyverifiableinformationconcerningtheprobableanatomicalandphysiologicalcharacteristicsoftheunbornchildattwo‐weekgestationalintervals.TheStateDepartmentofEducationmayutilizeasaresourcethematerialdealingwithcharacteristicsoftheunbornchildcreatedpursuanttoSection1‐738.3ofTitle63oftheOklahomaStatutesandaslocatedonthewebsitewww.awomansright.orgunderthelink"CharacteristicsoftheUnbornChild";2.Includeinformationonaccessingprenatalhealthcare;provided,noprogramorstateemployeemayreferanystudenttoamedicalfacilityoranyproviderfortheperformanceofanabortion;3.Includenocomponentofhumansexualityeducationotherthanthoseincludedinscienceeducationstandards;and4.ComplywiththeprovisionsoftheParents'BillofRights,Section2001etseq.ofTitle25oftheOklahomaStatutes.
AddedbyLaws2016,HB2797,c.353,§4,eff.November1,2016.
63§1‐755.PublicEducationontheHumanityoftheUnbornChildFundThereisherebycreatedintheStateTreasuryarevolvingfundfortheStateBoardofEducationtobedesignatedasthe"PublicEducationontheHumanityoftheUnbornChildFund".Thefundshallbeacontinuingfund,notsubjecttofiscalyearlimitations,andshallconsistofallmoniesdepositedtothecreditofthefundbylaw.AllmoniesaccruingtothecreditofsaidfundshallbebudgetedandexpendedbytheBoardforthe
establishmentoftheinstructionprogramsestablishedinSection4ofthisact.ExpendituresfromsaidfundshallbemadeuponwarrantsissuedbytheStateTreasureragainstclaimsfiledasprescribedbylawwiththeDirectoroftheOfficeofManagementandEnterpriseServicesforapprovalandpayment.
AddedbyLaws2016,HB2797,c.353,§5,eff.November1,2016.
ThispublicationwasissuedbytheOklahomaStateDepartmentofHealth(OSDH),anequalopportunityemployerandprovider.AdigitalfilehasbeendepositedwiththePublicationsClearinghouseoftheOklahomaDepartmentofLibraries.Copieshavenotbeenprintedbutareavailablefordownloadatwww.health.ok.gov.|(April2018).