Fact Sheet: Woman’s Right To Know Becomes Law

Major Victory for Women & Unborn Children

What it means for women seeking abortion:

Before a woman can receive an abortion she must now be told, by telephone or in person, by a physician who is to perform the abortion, by a referring physician or by an agent of either physician, prior to and in no event on the same day as the abortion, the following information:

• The name of the physician who will perform the abortion.
• The medical risks associated with the particular abortion procedure to be employed.
• The probable gestational age of the fetus at the time the abortion is to be performed.
• The medical risks associated with carrying the fetus to term.

Before a woman can receive an abortion she must now be informed, by telephone or in person, by the physician who is to perform the abortion, by a referring physician or by an agent of either physician, additional information:

• That medical assistance benefits may be available for prenatal care, childbirth, and neonatal care.
• That the father is liable to assist in the support of her child, even if he has offered to pay for the abortion.
• That she has the option to review the printed or electronic materials provided by the state of Arkansas that describe the fetus and list agencies that offer alternatives to abortion.

A person who knowingly or recklessly performs or attempts to perform a termination of a pregnancy in violation of this act shall be subject to disciplinary action by the Arkansas State Medical Board.

The Woman’s Right to Know Act of 2001 took effect May 1, 2001.

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