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New Orleans: Difference between revisions
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In the United States, abortion is legal, according to the Roe v. Wade decision (1973). However, in Louisiana, there are restrictions on abortion access, which make it less readily available to | In the United States, abortion is legal, according to the Roe v. Wade decision (1973). However, in Louisiana, there are restrictions on abortion access, which make it less readily available. For an abortion to be performed, the patient must be adult or a minor who has received parental approval. The abortion must be performed before 20 weeks of post-fertilization (i.e. 22 weeks after last menstrual cycle). After or at 20 weeks of post-fertilization, abortion is only permitted if the woman’s life or physical is endangered, or if the pregnancy is “medically futile,” meaning that the fetus would be perceived to feel pain at that point.<ref>[https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/state-facts-about-abortion-louisiana?gclid=CjwKEAiApLDBBRC8oICb9NvKsg0SJAD9yOHsaNgE1MMIEDPEjYiYhF3up61CvHvNtT0ZaHJ39fhCBxoC-l_w_wcB State Facts About Abortion: Louisiana]</ref> | ||
If a woman wishes to receive an abortion in Louisiana, she must first receive counseling 24 hours before the procedure. During the counseling session, the patient will receive documents that detail potential risks and complications associated with abortion. These documents will also provide a directory of alternative services. Furthermore, the counseling session will include an ultrasound, which determines the state of the pregnancy (i.e. how far along). The health care provider must show and describe the ultrasound images to the woman. There will also be lab work to determine blood RH factors and check iron levels. Patients will watch an informational video about pregnancy options as well. Following the counseling session and 24-hour wait period, patients can set up an appointment.<ref>[http://www.womenshealthcarecenter.com/ Women's Health Center - Louisiana Abortion Details]</ref> | |||
In Louisiana, you can obtain a medical or surgical abortion. The use of telemedicine for medical abortions is not permitted. | |||
The state of Louisiana has tried to further restrict abortion access. As reported by the New York Times in 2015, "The Supreme Court on Friday temporarily blocked a Louisiana law that its opponents say would leave the state with only one abortion clinic... The Louisiana law, enacted in 2014, requires doctors performing abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals. A trial judge blocked the law, saying that such doctors were often unable to obtain admitting privileges for reasons unrelated to their competence and that the law created an undue burden on a woman’s constitutional right to abortion."<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/05/us/politics/supreme-court-blocks-louisiana-abortion-law.html Supreme Court Blocks Louisiana Abortion Law]</ref> | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
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===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
Nationwide, the abortion pill can cost $800, but often less. For an in-clinic procedure, abortions can cost $1500, but often less. Note that the ultrasound and procedures required by Louisiana state law will create additional expenses, which may be $150 or up. As reported by Guttmacher Institute, "Health plans that will be offered in the state’s health exchange under the Affordable Care Act may not provide coverage of abortion... Public funding is available for abortion only in cases of life endangerment, rape or incest."<ref>[https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/state-facts-about-abortion-louisiana?gclid=CjwKEAiApLDBBRC8oICb9NvKsg0SJAD9yOHsaNgE1MMIEDPEjYiYhF3up61CvHvNtT0ZaHJ39fhCBxoC-l_w_wcB State Facts About Abortion: Louisiana]</ref> | |||
==Advocacy & Counseling== | ==Advocacy & Counseling== | ||