HB494 Alabama 2014 Session

Currently, parental consent is required before an abortion may be performed on a minor under the age of 18

This bill would require that only a physician may perform an abortion

This bill would require the signature of a parent or legal guardian or adoptive parent of a minor to a consent form to be signed in the presence of the physician or agent and to be accompanied with specific identification and evidence, and would provide for certain alternative identification and evidence requirements. This bill would require certain documents proving that a minor is emancipated to be certified by the appropriate issuing authority

This bill would also prohibit a parent, legal guardian, custodian, or any other person from coercing a minor into having an abortion performed

This bill would require the Department of Public Health to develop appropriate forms for the consent and emancipation requirements

This bill would provide for the appointment of a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of the unborn child during certain proceedings

This bill would specify that failure to comply with this act would provide the basis for a civil malpractice action, an injunctive action, professional disciplinary action, and a wrongful death action. This bill would provide that a physician who complies would not be civilly liable for failure to obtain informed consent

Relating to the Parental Consent Law; to amend Sections 26-21-1 to 26-21-4, inclusive, and Section 26-21-7, Code of Alabama 1975, and to add Sections 26-21-9 and 26-21-10 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to require the signature of a parent, legal guardian, or adoptive parent of a minor to a consent form to be signed in the presence of the abortion provider or agent and to be accompanied with specific identification and evidence, and to provide for certain alternative identification and evidence requirements; to require certain documents proving that a minor is emancipated to be certified by the appropriate issuing authority; to prohibit a parent, legal guardian, custodian, or any other person from coercing a minor to have an abortion performed; to provide that the Department of Public Health develop appropriate forms for the consent and emancipation; to provide for certain civil actions including professional disciplinary actions and license suspension; to provide for the right of intervention; to provide for the appointment of a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of the unborn child during certain proceedings; to provide for certain civil actions based on a violation of Title 26, Chapter 21, Code of Alabama 1975; and to provide for certain exemptions from liability for physicians.