§ 26-23A-11 — Anonymity in Court Proceedings

In every civil or criminal proceeding or action brought under this chapter, the court shall rule whether the anonymity of any woman upon whom an abortion has been performed or attempted, shall be preserved from public disclosure if she does not give her consent to such disclosure. The court, upon motion or sua sponte, shall issue written orders to the parties, witnesses, and counsel and shall direct the sealing of the record and exclusion of individuals from courtrooms or hearing rooms to the extent necessary to safeguard her identity from public disclosure. In the absence of written consent of the woman upon whom an abortion has been performed or attempted, anyone, other than a public official, who brings an action under Section 26-23A-10 shall do so under a pseudonym. This section may not be construed to conceal the identity of the plaintiff or of witnesses from the defendant.

Legislative History

(Act 2002-419, p. 1074, §11.)