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Rhode Island Abortion Laws
Explanation of Chart and More Information on Abortion Laws
| Code Section | 23-4.7-1 to 8; 11-9-18; 23-4.8-1 to 5; 23-4.12-1 to 6 |
| Statutory Definition of Illegal Abortion | (1) Failure to obtain informed consent (unless necessary to preserve life of mother); (2) failure to provide for any fetus born alive; administering to pregnant woman medicine, drug, instrument, etc. with intent to terminate pregnancy. Partial Birth Abortion is unlawful except to save the life of a woman endangered by physical injury when no other medical procedure would suffice, felony for abortionist, mother may not be charged. Partial birth abortion statute found unconstitutional in Rhode Island Medical Society v. Whitehouse |
| Statutory Definition of Legal Abortion | - |
| Penalty for Unlawful Abortion | Physician who violates consent provisions guilty of "unprofessional conduct;" failure to provide medical care for infant born alive: fine up to $5000 and/or imprisonment 5 years; charge of manslaughter if baby dies |
| Consent Requirements | Informed written consent after required disclosures unless emergency; if mother under 18 years and unemancipated, parental consent of at least one parent required; court can consent; if married, husband must be notified if reasonably possible by physician or in written statement by woman unless separated or emergency |
| Residency Requirements for Patients | - |
| Physician Licensing Requirements | - |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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- Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
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