§ 20-16-1705 — Prevention of forced abortion - Signage in abortion facilities

(a) (1) A licensed facility where abortions are performed shall post a sign conspicuously in a location defined in subsection (b) of this section that is clearly visible to all individuals who enter and that features the text contained in subdivision (a)(2) of this section. (2) The sign shall display the following text: "It is against the law for anyone, regardless of his or her relationship to you, to force you to have an abortion. You have the right to contact any local or state law enforcement or any social service agency to receive protection from any actual or threatened physical, emotional, or psychological abuse. It is against the law to perform, induce, prescribe for, or provide you with the means for an abortion without your voluntary consent." (b) The sign shall be posted in each waiting room, patient consultation room, and procedure room used by patients for whom abortions are performed, induced, prescribed or for whom the means for an abortion are provided. (c) The continued posting of signage shall be a condition of licensure of any facility that performs or induces abortions. (d) The display of signage does not discharge the duty of a facility to have a physician orally inform a pregnant woman of information and materials contained in § 20-16-1703 . (e) (1) The Department of Health shall provide all signs required by this section to the licensed abortion facility. (2) The department may require that a licensed abortion facility reimburse the department for any costs associated with the sign or signs.

Legislative History

Added by Act 2015, No. 1086,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015.